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Chapter Text

The firehouse smelled like coffee and smoke, the way it always did after a long shift. Buck leaned against the locker bay, tugging his shirt over his head. His muscles ached in that satisfying way they always did after a full day’s work of calls, runs, rescues made, adrenaline still pumping in his blood.

Hen brushed past him, patting his shoulder on the way to the showers. “Good job on that roof today, Buck.”

“Yeah, thanks,” he said, and he meant it.

Chim cracked a joke as he tossed his gloves into his locker, something about Buck needing to invest in flame retardant hair gel. Buck laughed, because it was funny, and because this was how it always had been: ribbing, banter, the rhythm of the job.

Bobby walked through, clapping him on the back. “Good work today. See you Tuesday.”

Buck smiled. “See you.”

And just like that, they were gone.

Hen and Chim slipped out together, already debating where to grab dinner. Bobby headed for his car, phone pressed to his ear, his voice soft in the way it always was when he spoke to Athena. Eddie slung his backpack over his shoulder, phone buzzing with what Buck assumed was Christopher’s nightly check in.

The station emptied.

No one asked if Buck wanted to come with them. No grab a bite? or movie night? like there used to be. They treated him fine on shift, everything was smooth, back to normal even. But the moment the shift ended, Buck wasn’t part of their plans.

He told himself it was fine. He’d earned this distance. He’d been impulsive, reckless, he betrayed them. The lawsuit had burned more than bridges, it had built walls. And even now, with his job back, he couldn’t quite climb them.

So he sat for a moment in the quiet locker room, phone heavy in his hand, scrolling through notifications he didn’t answer. The group chat was quiet for him these days, mostly inside jokes he wasn’t really apart of anymore.

His apartment waited for him, silent and still.

And Buck hated silence.

The city at night buzzed with life, cars honking, music spilling from open doors, people shouting laughter across sidewalks. Buck walked with his hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets, not sure where he was going, only that he couldn’t stand going home yet.

He passed diners, restaurants, familiar bars where the 118 sometimes went after long shifts. He didn’t stop. He couldn’t risk seeing them there without him. If he did, he knows that would destroy him. 

So he kept walking until the streets blurred into ones he didn’t usually travel too, until neon signs he didn’t recognize flickered overhead. 

One caught his eye: The Griffin.

It was a simple sign, glowing amber, with a faint flicker from the bulbs. The door was open, music spilling out, it felt warm, alive, inviting.

Buck tilted his head. He could keep walking. Or… he could step inside and let the noise swallow the silence in his chest.

“Worst case, I hate it,” he muttered, and pushed the door open.

The Griffin was cozy, worn but charming. The bar glowed golden under string lights, and different conversations wrapped around him like a blanket. A jukebox in the corner warbled out some old tune, slightly off key but earnest.

Buck slid onto a barstool, feeling the edges of loneliness loosen a little just from being surrounded by life.

The bartender turned toward him, messy hair, sleeves rolled up, flannel top. He had the kind of face that said he’d argue about the Chicago Bulls being the best team with anyone who breathed near him.

“You,” the man announced, pointing at Buck with a rag still in his hand. “You look like you need a drink and possibly a hug. I can provide one of those things.”

Buck blinked, startled. “Uh… the drink, please.”

“Good choice. Hugs are weird unless you know me, and even then, a little dicey.” The guy set down the rag and leaned against the bar. “So, what’ll it be? And don’t say light beer, or I’ll judge you forever.”

Buck huffed a laugh despite himself. “Whatever’s strongest.”

The guy grinned. “Attaboy. Battery acid special coming up.”

“Battery acid?”

“Figuratively. Mostly.”

Buck snorted, shaking his head as the glass slid his way. “Thanks.”

“Name’s Nick, by the way. I somewhat own this classy establishment.”

“Buck.”

Nick raised an eyebrow. “Like a deer? Or like… short for something?”

“Evan Buckley. But everyone calls me Buck.”

Nick grinned. “Cool. Strong. Memorable. Like Madonna, but more… firefighter-y?”

Buck startled. “How’d you…”

“Buddy, look at you.” Nick gestured broadly. “The haircut, the muscles, the posture. You scream ‘firefighter.’ Also, your hands are all calloused. You’re not exactly a mystery.” He laughed “Or because you smell like you just spent the last 24hrs in a burning building.” Nick smirked. 

Buck laughed again, loud, genuine. He hadn’t realized how long it had been since he’d laughed like that.

Nick leaned on the bar, eyes twinkling. “So what’s your deal, Buck the firefighter? You out celebrating something or running from something?”

Buck hesitated. He wasn’t about to spill his lawsuit drama to a stranger. “Just… didn’t want to go home yet.”

“Ah.” Nick nodded sagely. “The old ‘apartment silence is too loud’ move. Classic. My advice? Buy a really sad fish. You’ll always have someone to talk to, and if it dies, you can blame the tank filter, not yourself.”

Buck blinked, then burst out laughing again. “That’s terrible advice.”

“It’s my specialty.” Nick grinned. 

They fell into easy conversation. Nick telling stories about dropping out of law school, Buck sharing rescue tales (the funny ones, not the heavy ones). Nick called him ‘hero man’ every time he refilled his drink; Buck rolled his eyes but didn’t stop smiling.

By the time the jukebox sputtered its last song of the night, Buck realized the heaviness in his chest had eased.

Nick pointed at him across the bar. “You’re coming back.”

Buck raised an eyebrow. “What if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll assume you died tragically, write a ballad about you, and make my roommates sing it every Thursday night at your grave.” 

Buck snorted a laugh, “Your roommates sing ballads?”

“They sing badly, but yeah.” Nick laughed. “Jess will be all over it! Come back tomorrow, I’ll introduce you. They’re idiots. You’ll fit right in.”

Something in Buck’s chest cracked open at the words, you’ll fit right in. He hadn’t felt that in so long.

He swallowed, then smiled. “Alright. I’ll come back.”

“Good man.” Nick lifted his glass. “To the beginning of a beautiful, but questionable friendship.”

Buck clinked his glass against Nick’s, laughter spilling out of him, warm and easy. For the first time in months, he didn’t feel so alone.

Chapter Text

Buck almost didn’t go back.

All day he thought about it, on his run that morning, while eating a sad bowl of cereal at his kitchen counter, while staring at the ceiling because sleep had been rare lately. He wasn’t sure why it mattered. People go to bars all the time, talk to strangers, and then move on. That was how it was supposed to work.

But then he remembered Nick’s grin, the warmth of laughter that had crept back into his chest, the way the silence in his apartment had felt less crushing when he left The Griffin.

So, after his shift, Buck found himself pushing the door open again.

Nick spotted him instantly, waving a rag in the air like a victory flag. “Ladies and gentlemen, and everyone in between, the firefighter returns!”

Buck laughed, rubbing at the back of his neck as he slid onto a barstool. “I told you I’d come back.”

“Yeah, but people tell me lots of things and then don’t follow through,” Nick said, pouring him a beer without even asking. “Lawyers, girlfriends, my dad when he says he is proud of me. So you showing up? Big win.”

Buck took the glass, shaking his head with a smile. “Glad I could boost your win ratio.”

Nick leaned in conspiratorially. “Tonight’s special. You’re meeting the gang.”

“The gang?”

Before Buck could question it further, the bar door burst open and a tornado of voices blew in.

Jess entered first, bright dress, bangs bouncing, arms full of craft supplies for some reason. She was mid song when she stepped in, words improvised about how glue sticks were superior to tape.

Behind her came Schmidt, immaculate in a perfectly tailored blazer no one else in the bar deserved to witness, his expression a mix of smug and overly confident.

Winston trailed them, juggling a basketball even though they weren’t on a court, nearly colliding with the jukebox.

And finally, Coach, muscled and serious, like he was prepared to yell encouragements at anyone who made eye contact.

Nick threw up his arms. “Behold! My family slash roommates slash emotional parasites.”

Jess gasped, spotting Buck. “Nick! You made a new friend and didn’t tell us?”

Nick shrugged. “Didn’t want to jinx it. He actually came back.”

Buck stood awkwardly, suddenly the center of attention. “Uh, hi. I’m Buck.”

Schmidt was on him in an instant, circling like a shark. “Look at these jawline. This is criminal. This is unfair to every man who’s ever had to work for it. And the arms? Don’t even get me started on the arms. I hate you already.”

Buck blinked. “Thanks?”

“That wasn’t a compliment,” Schmidt said, though his eyes glinted with approval. “What do you do? Professional athlete? Fitness model? Secret Greek demigod?”

“Firefighter.”

Schmidt slapped Nick’s arm so hard the rag flew. “Do you hear that? A firefighter. Which means danger. Which means, Jess, get in here, we’ve got to lock this down. He’s a ten out of ten, and he rescues people for a living.”

Jess, who had already slid onto the stool next to Buck, beamed. “That’s amazing. Thank you for your service, by the way.”

Buck ducked his head, ears hot. “I just… it’s my job.”

Winston spun his basketball, squinting. “You ever rescue a cat from a tree?”

“Uh, once. But mostly people.”

“Good,” Winston said seriously. “Cats man.”

Jess leaned closer, eyes wide and earnest. “Okay, but what’s the scariest fire you’ve ever been in?”

Buck hesitated. Normally, questions like that tightened something in his chest. But Jess’s voice wasn’t morbid, it was curious, like a kid asking how rockets work.

“There was this one apartment fire,” he said slowly, “where we had to carry three kids out before the floor collapsed. It was well, terrifying, honestly. But worth it.”

Jess gasped like he’d just told her Santa was real. “That’s incredible. You’re like a real life superhero. I once got locked in a bathroom for two hours and nearly had a panic attack.”

Buck laughed, the tension easing. “Not the same thing.”

“Exactly the same,” she insisted, then launched into a ramble about how bathrooms are deceptively dangerous. Buck found himself nodding, caught in the whirlwind of her words. He oddly reminded him of his own rants. 

Schmidt clapped his hands. “Alright, I’m making a ruling. Buck is officially part of the family. Congratulations. You’ve been upgraded from Nick’s bar friend to our bar friend.”

Buck blinked. “That was fast.”

“We’re decisive people,” Schmidt said. “Well, I’m decisive. The rest are indecisive, which is why I run things.”

“Pretty sure Jess runs things,” Winston muttered.

“Excuse me? My leadership skills, I am in marketing,” 

“Guys,” Jess interrupted, tugging on Buck’s arm. “Buck, you like trivia?”

He nodded cautiously. “Yeah.”

“Great! You’re on my team. I get very intense, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the experience.”

The night spun out from there in a blur of laughter.

Buck found himself at a sticky table covered in empty glasses and snack bowls, Jess leaning into his space as she rapid fired facts about obscure 80s sitcoms. He threw himself into trivia like it was a fire drill, answering questions about sports and geography while Jess handled pop culture.

Winston cheered every correct answer like they’d won a championship. Coach kept yelling “Hustle!” every time someone hesitated, and then was timing things with a stop watch whenever the guy said you have this long to answer this question. 

Schmidt berated the other teams for their horrible team names.

And through it all, Buck laughed until his stomach hurt.

Later, as the group spilled out onto the sidewalk, Schmidt declared, “We’re going to the loft. Buck, you’re coming.”

“I don’t want to intrude,” 

“Nah,” Schmidt said, clapping him on the back. “You’ll intrude.”

Jess smiled at him, soft and bright. “Come on. We are ending the night with terrible snacks and worse beer.”

Buck hesitated. A part of him whispered that this wasn’t his life, that he had the 118, that he shouldn’t be inserting himself into someone else’s circle.

But another part, louder, braver said maybe he deserved to be invited somewhere.

“Alright,” he said, grinning. “Let’s go.”

As they walked down the street, Jess launched into a monologue about her dream to one day invent a stick that she would call the feeling stick. Winston argued she already had, Schmidt insisted he could market it, Nick muttered that he hates that thing. 

And Buck, caught in the middle of the chaos, felt something shift inside him.

For the first time in months, he wasn’t just a firefighter leaving work to go home to silence. He was a guy with these new friends. They were loud, weird, and ridiculous, but he liked them, and he felt he was walking into something new.

And it felt good.

Chapter Text

The loft was a disaster, but the good kind.

Nick’s spaghetti experiment had turned into an outright crime against pasta, Schmidt had delivered a twenty minute TED Talk on sauce integrity, Winston was trying to convince Ferguson to wear a tiny cat hoodie, and Coach was yelling at the TV like the game could hear him.

Buck, somehow, fit right in.

He sat on the couch, half watching Nick and Schmidt’s domestic battle and half watching Jess who was just casually narrating everything in song.

‘Schmidt is yelling, Nick is failing, Ferguson’s dressing, Coach is screaming and who’s that guy? It’s Buck!’

She jazz handed right at him.

Buck clapped, grinning. “That was impressive.”

Nick squinted. “Don’t encourage her. She’ll start doing verses about your eyebrows.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Jess warned, finger wagging.

Schmidt threw up his hands. “Forget the eyebrows! Look at the bone structure. This man has cinematic cheekbones. It’s like Zeus and a Calvin Klein model had a baby. Buck, what face serums do you use?”

“Uh… soap?”

Schmidt gasped like Buck had admitted to murder. “Soap? Soap? This is why I drink. Nick, I need to get him a good face serum. A real good one.”

Nick slumped. “Nobody needs face serum, Schmidt.”

“Yes, you do! Soap is not skincare!”

Buck laughed so hard his stomach hurt.

The chaos eventually wound down. Nick sulked at the table with his ketchup spaghetti, Schmidt reorganized the spice rack alphabetically, because Nick had put one back incorrectly, Winston snored on the couch with Ferguson curled on his chest, and Coach was still half watching the game but at least had lowered his volume.

Jess, though, was still buzzing. She tugged Buck into the kitchen, hopped onto the counter, and looked at him with wide, nervous eyes.

“Can I tell you something? Like… a real big secret?”

Buck leaned against the fridge. “Sure...”

Jess fiddled with the hem of her overalls. “I’ve only ever been with Spencer. My ex. He cheated. And when he left, it felt like… everything broke. I broke. And now the idea of being with someone else is so scary. What if I’m awkward? What if I sneeze? What if I make a dolphin noise?”

Buck blinked. “A dolphin noise?”

Her face went pink. “Ninth grade. First kiss. He called me Flipper.”

Buck laughed, shaking his head. “That’s… memorable.”

She groaned, burying her face. “See? This is why I need to just do it. Rip off the Band Aid. The guys said I need a rebound, get back out there. Have a one night stand. Not because I want a relationship, I’m not ready for that, but because I need to prove I can move forward.”

Then she peeked at him through her fingers. “Can it to be with you?”

Buck straightened, caught off guard. “Me?”

“I like you,” she said quickly. “I feel safe with you. You laugh at my songs, you don’t roll your eyes when I info dump about Tupperware lids. You’re really nice, I can see us being good friends. And you’ve had one night stands before, right?”

He nodded with a laugh, “Yeah. A few.”

“Exactly. You know what you’re doing. You won’t make it weird. And you’ll still be my friend after, right?”

Buck’s chest softened. “Of course.”

Before Jess could spiral further, Schmidt stormed in with a jar of paprika. “Did I just hear someone say one night stand? Yes! Do you need advice? I can give you my tips?”

“Schmidt!” Jess grabbed Buck’s hand directing him to her bedroom “Stay Out!”

“I’m just saying, if this ends with a baby, I call  godfather. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this role!”

Jess slammed the door on him.

Buck chuckled. “Does he ever stop?”

“Never,” Jess sighed. “He once gave me a thirty minute lecture about curtain rods.”

Buck laughed. “Honestly? I kind of love it.”

They weren’t alone for long. Nick opened the bedroom door and leaned on the door frame from the hall, beer in hand. “Jess, don’t overthink this. One night stands are like… I dunno, ordering Chinese food. Sometimes it’s amazing, sometimes it gives you food poisoning, but either way, you survive.” 

Jess frowned. “That’s the least comforting metaphor I’ve ever heard.”

Nick shrugged. “You asked for wisdom. That’s all I got.”

Coach appeared next, clapping Buck on the shoulder so hard he nearly dropped his drink. “Don’t screw this up, man. She’s a great girl, she is like a new pair of sneakers, got to treat them right.”

“Coach!” Jess squeaked. “Boundaries!”

Winston, half asleep, muttered from the couch, “Ferguson approves. He likes the firefighter.” He pauses “I do also.” 

Jess clapped her hands. “Thank you, everyone, for your unsolicited advice. Now please leave us alone!”

One by one, they shuffled out, still muttering advice. Schmidt yelled something about coconut oil from behind the door.

Jess groaned. “This is my life.”

Buck chuckled. “Honestly? I think it’s kind of great. They clearly care.”

Jess just laughed “Yeah, they do.” 

Buck looked around her room, taking it in. 

Her room was warm and chaotic fairy lights, mismatched sheets, stacks of books, a sewing machine in the corner, with a craft corner.

Jess paced nervously while Buck sat on the bed.

“Okay,” she said, spinning mid pace. “So, I’ve never done this before. You know that. Not the whole… you know. Obviously I’ve done that, with Spencer. But the one night stand part. I don’t know the etiquette. Do I offer snacks after? Should I make a mixtape?”

Buck smiled softly, standing to put his hands on her arms. “Jess, it doesn’t have to be scary. And it won’t be bad. I promise.”

She stopped pacing, eyes wide. “Because I feel safe with you.”

“Yeah,” he said, soft smile. “Because you’re safe with me, anything you don’t want to do. Say the word, I’ll stop. You want to back out, I don’t do anything, everything that happens is your choice, okay?” 

Her shoulders relaxed. She smiled, small but real and nodded. “Okay, we are gonna be really good friends, aren’t we?”

“Really good friends,” he said, certain. “I like you already.” 

She grinned. “Okay then. Let’s do this. Plus I get to say I slept with a firefighter, Cece is going to be so jealous!” Jess laughed “ Arh, but first, are you sure you’re okay doing this?” She looked at him searching for an answer.

“Of course. I like sex, and I like you. Plus it is helping you move on.” Buck smiled at her, she smiled back. 

It wasn’t like his other one night stands.

Jess giggled when she bumped her head on the headboard, and Buck caught her before she tumbled. She whispered random trivia between kisses ‘Did you know seahorses mate for life?’ he had to laugh against her mouth. But it was oddly great, he even told her some random facts back ‘Did you know you cannot breathe and swallow at the same time.’ Which lead to a few minutes of trying exactly that, and then breaking out in laughter. 

She fumbled nervously, apologizing too much, and he steadied her with gentle hands and words: “You’re okay. We’re okay.”

There was awkwardness, laughter, but underneath it all, trust, fun and a sense of belonging and Jess whispering, “this isn’t as scary, with you,” and Buck replying, “I’m glad, I want you to enjoy it.”

After, tangled in sheets, Jess sighed happily. “Well, that was… surprisingly not dolphin noisy.”

Buck laughed. “I would have loved to hear that sound.”

She poked his chest. “Haha. Seriously, that was great! Thank you. Still friends right?”

“Friends. You aren’t losing me now.” Buck smiled at her. 

“Good. Because you snore, and I plan to weaponize that forever.”

He groaned, hiding in the pillow as she laughed, bright and free.

And Buck thought, yeah. They were going to be really good friends.

Chapter Text

The first notification came at 8:03 a.m.

Buck was halfway through a bowl of cereal when his phone buzzed. He glanced down.

He’d been added to a new group chat.

The Loft at Its Finest.

He frowned, spoon halfway to his mouth. Before he could unlock his phone, another buzz. And another. Then a flood.

By the time he opened it, there were already sixty unread messages.

Nick: Does anyone know where my left shoe is?
Jess: The brown one or the black one?
Nick: Brown. Obviously. Black Shoe Nick is for formal occasions.
Coach: Check the freezer. You left your wallet there last week.
Winston: Ferguson has claimed it. Respect it.
Schmidt: Everyone shut up, this is important: should I go with the navy blazer or the navy blazer with subtle pinstripe?
Jess: Why are those your only options?
Buck: …What did I just get added into?

The replies came instantly.

Nick: BUCK IS HERE!!!
Jess: Who just walked into the group chat, who’s that guy, it’s Buck! 
Schmidt: I KNEW IT. He’s the upgrade in friends, I needed. I’ve been manifesting.
Winston: Ferguson approves. But next time you come over, maybe bring a cat toy.

Buck snorted into his cereal. He had no idea what he’d just signed up for.

By noon, he had 200 unread notifications.

Jess had sent a voice note of her singing a jingle about a student who was being a bully and something about breaking a robot arm. Schmidt uploaded two mirror selfies asking which looked sexier. Nick sent a blurry photo of soup that looked suspiciously like dirty water. Winston spammed photos of his cat. And a girl named Cece, Jess’s best friend told everyone they needed to get a life.

Buck should have muted the chat. He didn’t.

Instead, he found himself laughing so hard he startled himself.

They didn’t care if he dropped facts or rants. They responded every time, either asking more questions, going off on tangents, or adding their own facts and rants to the mix. It was the best thing ever in Buck’s eyes. These people got him, and he liked them all.

At the station kitchen table, Hen glanced up from her crossword. “Something funny? You’ve been smiling and laughing at your phone all morning.”

Buck grinned at his phone. “Uh. Just a meme.”

Hen leaned over to peek. Buck angled his phone away, still smiling.

“Who’s got you giggling like a teenager?” Chim asked, spoon halfway to his mouth. “You dating someone?”

“No,” Buck said quickly. Too quickly. “No, it’s… just friends.”

Hen and Chim exchanged a look that said we don’t buy it.

Across the table, Eddie glanced up from his coffee, watching Buck chuckle at his phone again. His jaw tightened.

That night, the loft chat blew up again.

Jess: Buck! Important question: waffles vs. pancakes?
Buck: Pancakes. 100%.
Jess: No! Pancakes are floppy traitors.
Nick: You’re both insane. French toast reigns supreme.
Coach: This is the dumbest debate I’ve ever seen. Also, it’s waffles.
Schmidt: I’m with you, Buck. Pancakes are versatile, elegant, refined.
Winston: I gave Ferguson a pancake. He hated it. Case closed.
Cece: Blueberry pancakes.
Schmidt: See? Cece and I are meant to be. We like the same food.
Buck: I’ll make you all pancakes. Never had someone not like them.
Nick: If it’s free food, I’ll eat whatever.
Jess: Yes please!! I might think they’re traitors and not as good as waffles, but I still like a pancake.

Buck laughed out loud, shaking his head.

The next morning at work, Buck was still smiling down at his phone when Hen walked by and caught him mid grin.

“Who is it?” she pressed, smirking. “I haven’t seen you this happy in a while.”

“Nobody.” Buck shrugged it off.

“Uh-huh. Not buying it, Buckaroo…” Hen said curiously.

Chim peeked over his shoulder. “Definitely dating someone. Have you told Maddie? What’s their name?”

“I’m not dating anyone,” Buck argued, but he was still laughing at the new message that came through.

“Cult!” Hen suggested, smirk playing on her lips.

“Yes! Buck, are you in a cult?” Chim added, laughing.

Buck groaned. “It’s just some new friends. Okay? Friends.” He gave them a look.

Eddie was silent, but Buck could feel him watching.

By the end of the week, Buck had surrendered to the madness.

Nick texted him bad life advice at 2 a.m. Jess spammed him with TikToks captioned THIS IS US. Schmidt sent spreadsheets of face serums in order of recommendation, he insisted Buck needed because ‘soap isn’t acceptable.’ Winston updated Ferguson’s Instagram with Buck tagged in the bio as my new friend. Coach sent motivational quotes at 6 a.m. with too many exclamation points.

And Buck loved it. Loved everything about it.

Because for the first time in months, the silence in his apartment wasn’t crushing. It was filled with laughter, pings, and ridiculous arguments about condiments and furniture.

Saturday night, Buck found himself back at the loft with his new friends.

The group chat had exploded over game night, and Schmidt had declared Buck’s attendance mandatory.

By the time he arrived, Nick was already a lot of beers in, Schmidt was arranging a variety of cheeses no one had asked for, Winston was trying to balance dice on Ferguson’s head, and Jess was bouncing on her toes with a stack of board games.

“BUCK!” Jess cheered, rushing over. “You came!”

Schmidt swooped in. “Of course he came. There was no other option.”

“I need another beer,” Nick slurred. “Buck?”

“Yeah, I’ll have a beer,” Buck replied with a nod.

“You gotta catch up, man,” Nick said, opening the beers.

Jess rolled her eyes. “Ignore him. You really don’t. You’re on my team.”

Two hours later, Buck had learned three things:
 1. Jess was terrifyingly competitive at Monopoly.
 2. Winston would happily cheat if it benefited Ferguson.
 3. Schmidt had declared himself Game Night Supreme Leader and tried to institute a bowing ceremony before each round.

Jess leaned into Buck’s shoulder, ranting about which properties you never buy in Monopoly and the best strategy, while Schmidt shouted about honor and Nick argued with the rulebook. Even Buck ranted about the history of Monopoly, explaining how it began as Lizzie Magie’s 1903 educational game, The Landlord’s Game.

“You see?” Jess whispered. “You fit right in.”

And Buck, laughing harder than he had in months, believed her. He did fit in.

At work Monday, Hen caught him smiling at his phone again.

“Still texting your cult?” she laughed, clapping him on the shoulder.

Buck rolled his eyes. “Still not a cult.”

Chim peered over his shoulder. “Then why are you always smiling like that?”

Buck quickly locked his phone. “Because they’re funny. That’s all.”

Hen and Chim exchanged another look.

Across the table, Eddie finally spoke up. 

“Hey Buck? You free when we get off? Come over for pizza and beers?” Eddie asked trying to sound casual. 

Buck looked at him, giving a small smile “Sorry have plans. Another time.” 

“Oh, okay. Next time.” Eddie replied, tightening his jaw. 

That night, the group chat lit up again.

Jess: Buck, do you like polka dots?
Nick: Stop with the polka dots.
Schmidt: We do not need matching polka dot aprons.
Jess: YES we do!!
Buck: I want a polka dot apron!
Jess: See! Buck gets me!
Nick: You don’t know what you’ve started.
Cece: Just let her make us all polka dot aprons.
Schmidt: Can I have a waist one only, not full apron?
Jess: Done deal! Yes! Gonna be so much fun!

Buck laughed until his eyes watered.

Chapter Text

Buck was sitting at the dining table. Jess had invited him over for coffee, so he came right away. She hovered in the kitchen, humming to herself.

Buck noticed immediately, it wasn’t her usual sunny, quirky hum. This one was tight, uneven, pitched too high, like a kettle about to boil.

When he finally opened his mouth to ask, she beat him to it.

“I’m late,” she blurted.

He froze, mug halfway to his mouth. “Late for… what?”

Jess gave him a look that said, you know.

And suddenly Buck’s heart was pounding in his ears, his chest racing.

“Oh. Oh.”

They moved to her bedroom, searching for privacy. Buck sat on her bed, fairy lights buzzing faintly above them. Jess twisted her hands together like she was trying to wring the fear out of her fingers.

“It could be nothing,” she said too quickly. “Stress does weird things. I’ve been stressed. You’ve been stressed. We’ve all been stressed. Stress is everywhere. Maybe it’s stress. Or maybe it’s hormones.”

“Jess,” Buck said gently, cutting through her spiral. He tried to stay calm while having his own personal internal freakout. “You think you’re pregnant?”

Her eyes filled with tears. “I think I’m pregnant.”

Silence. Heavy and real.

“Okay,” Buck said finally. “Then let’s find out.”

An hour later, Buck stood in the bathroom with her.

The test sat on the counter. Jess paced like she was training for a marathon. Buck’s leg bounced restlessly as he sat on the toilet seat.

“We used a condom! How can I be pregnant? I’m not. I’m just late because of the stress!” Jess announced, still pacing.

“You know, condoms are about 87% effective. They can tear, leak, slip off, or not be used correctly.” Buck rattled off the fact, trying to distract himself from the reality that he might be a dad soon.

Jess let out a shaky laugh. “As much as I’m freaking out, I do love a good fact.” They both laughed nervously. “I can’t look,” she squeaked. “You look.”

“Jess,” Buck started. 

“No! You run into burning buildings, Buck. You can look at a plastic stick!” she said, still pacing.

Buck blew out a breath, reached for it, and read the answer.

Positive.

His stomach dropped.

He met her eyes. She saw the truth before he said it. Her face crumpled. “Oh.” She exhaled. “Okay.”

And then she was crying.

“I can’t, oh God! Buck, what do we do?” she sobbed.

He reached for her hands. “Hey. Hey. Look at me.”

Her chest heaved. “This wasn’t supposed to happen. Not like this. I thought I’d have my life together, my career, a partner who didn’t leave me for his secretary.”

Buck laughed softly at the last part, recognizing her attempt at humor. Jess smiled weakly through her tears.

“Jess.” He says calmly.

Her voice broke. “What if I can’t do this? What if I’m terrible at it? What do we do?”

“Jess,” Buck said firmly. “Whatever you decide, I’m in. If you want to keep it, we’ll figure it out. If you don’t, I’ll drive you to the clinic. If you don’t want to be a mom but don’t want to end it, I’ll take the baby. I’ll be here, no matter what. This isn’t just on you, it’s on both of us. And I’m not going anywhere.”

She blinked at him, tears streaking her cheeks. “You’d really… stay?”

“Of course I’d stay,” Buck said without hesitation. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Her shoulders trembled as she took a shaky breath. “I want to keep it. But I don’t want to be in a relationship… is that okay?”

Buck’s chest tightened, but not in panic, this time in resolve.

“Then we’ll keep it,” he said. “We’ll work it out. Together. I’m fine with not being together. Honestly, I’m secretly pining for my straight best friend, so I don’t think that would be fair.”

Jess barked out a laugh, louder than either expected.

Then she froze. “Wait! You’re gay? Why did you sleep with me if you’re gay? Holy shit! I forced a gay guy to,” 

Buck cut her off mid panic. “Not gay. Bisexual. And I was more than happy to sleep with you. It was fun. And hey, we’re getting a beautiful baby out of it. I’m secretly hoping for a girl.”

Buck laughed, and Jess’s eyes lit up.

“Oh my God! I want a girl too. Just think of all the cute dresses I could make her!” She looked excited for the first time all day. Buck smiled at her.

“You’re going to be a great mom,” he said, pulling her into a hug.

“And she… or he will have the best dad,” Jess whispered, wrapping her arms around him.

For the first time that day, it didn’t feel too scary.

They hadn’t meant for the loft to find out so soon. But privacy there was impossible.

Nick spotted the box in the trash.

“Uh, guys?!” he shouted, holding it up like Exhibit A.

Within thirty seconds, the entire loft crowded into the living room.

Jess and Buck sat on the couch, side by side, hands linked without thinking.

“You’re pregnant?!” Schmidt shrieked, clutching his chest. “Wait! Did I jinx you with my godfather comment?”

Nick paced in a panic. “This is bad. This is really bad. Babies cry, Jess! They cry and they poop and they ruin bars. Do you know how much bar time we’re going to lose?”

Buck laughed. “You literally work in a bar.”

Everyone laughed, except Nick, who just looked unimpressed.

Coach pointed at Buck like he was about to tackle him. “This your fault?”

Buck winced. “I mean… sort of?”

“I’m going to train you! We can time how long it takes to change a nappy,” Coach said, like it was a new challenge.

“Coach!” Jess squeaked. “Just let us wrap our heads around it!”

Meanwhile, Winston calmly sat Ferguson on the coffee table. “Ferguson accepts his role as godcat.”

Buck groaned into his hands, laughing despite himself.

Jess sniffled. “Guys, I’m freaking out!”

Schmidt dropped to his knees in front of her, patting her tummy like it was already precious. “Jess, don’t panic. I will be the best uncle this child could ever want. Organic onesies. No polyester!”

“Schmidt,” Nick groaned. “It’s not about you.”

“Shush,” Schmidt waved him off. “It’s always about me.”

The chaos swirled panic, yelling, laughter. And then, support.

Nick finally stopped pacing, sighing. “Look… if anyone can do this, it’s you, Jess. And… Buck seems solid. He has a job, those firefighter arms, a good jaw. Baby’s set.”

“Thank you?” Buck said, unsure.

Jess sniffled harder, smiling through it. “You guys… thanks.”

That night, Jess called Cece.

Cece came right over.

Buck heard her whispering on the balcony, saw her pacing in the glow of the city lights. When she came back in, Cece was right behind her.

Tall, beautiful, sharp eyed, Cece scanned Buck up and down like she was reading his soul.

“So,” she said, folding her arms. “You’re the one night stand who knocked up my best friend.”

Buck winced. “Yeah. That’s me.”

Cece tilted her head, then smirked. “Well. Jess, you did good. He’s hot.”

“Cece!” Jess squeaked, face flaming.

But Cece’s smile faded as she stepped closer, eyes fierce. “But listen to me, Buck. You don’t hurt her. Not now, not ever. Because if you do…” She lifted her hand in warning. “I will end you.”

Buck met her gaze without flinching. “Never. I’d never hurt her.”

Something softened in Cece’s expression. She nodded once. “Good answer.”

Jess sniffled again, but this time she was happy.

Buck glanced between them, the weight of the moment settling in his chest. Scary, overwhelming, but strangely grounding.

This was happening.

And he wasn’t going anywhere.

Chapter Text

Jess had been up since six in the morning.

Not because she had to be. Not because anyone told her to be. Simply because she had decided that her first prenatal appointment was basically the Olympics and she had to prepare accordingly.

By the time Buck arrived at the loft and wandered into the kitchen at seven, she had already changed her outfit four times.

“Does this scream responsible mother?” she asked, spinning in a striped skirt and cardigan combo.

Buck smiled, handing her a decaf coffee he’d picked up on the way over while sipping his own. “It screams… librarian or old school 50s diner waitress on roller skates?”

Jess gasped. “That’s not the vibe I want! I need competent but approachable. Should I go with a blazer? What if the doctor thinks I’m not mother material? Or worse, what if she thinks I’m too quirky? Or what if I come off cold and unloving?”

“Jess,” Buck cut her off gently, leaning against the counter. “It’s a doctor’s appointment. You don’t need a costume. Just be yourself, you’re perfect the way you are.” He laughed softly.

She groaned, collapsing against the counter dramatically. “You say that now, but what if she judges me? What if she takes one look at me and thinks, Wow, this woman has no business raising a child because her cardigan choice is too whimsical?”

Buck fought a laugh. “I promise you, the doctor is not grading your outfit.”

Jess narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure? Doctors are very judgy people.”

“You’ve been watching Grey’s Anatomy again, haven’t you?”

“…Maybe.”

Of course, the loft gang was already assembled in the living room when Buck and Jess tried to leave.

Schmidt stood by the door, arms crossed, a baby name book tucked under one arm and a tablet under the other. “I’ve made notes,” he announced. “Names. Questions. Birthing techniques to interrogate.”

Jess stared. “Schmidt, why do you have a tablet?”

“Because I’m coming with you,” Schmidt deadpanned.

“No. No, you’re definitely not,” Jess said instantly.

“Yes, I am. Someone has to advocate for the child’s future brand. You’re too flustered, and Buck, no offence looks like a man who uses three in one shampoo. You cannot be trusted.”

Buck opened his mouth, then closed it. He shook his head, a smirk breaking free. “…I do not! I’ll have you know my shampoo is like 60 dollars. It’s for my curls.”

Schmidt looked shocked. “Well…I have some questions about that, but later!”

Coach dropped to the floor mid squat. “This is your first test. This doctor’s appointment is like preseason training. You’ve got to get your head in the game.”

“Coach,” Jess whispered, “I don’t get training references.”

Buck stood back, watching his new friends with amusement, grinning at how much they wanted to be involved.

Nick stumbled in from the kitchen holding a plate. “I made pancakes. They’re… uh… nutritious?”

Jess eyed the gray discs. “Why do they look like hockey pucks?”

“They’re full of vitamins. And regret. I may have put something in there that probably shouldn’t be in there. So everyone but Jess can eat them.” Nick shrugged like it was no issue.

Meanwhile, Winston sat Ferguson on the table with great ceremony. “Ferguson has requested to be in the delivery room. He feels this is his spiritual duty.”

Jess flailed her arms. “No cats in the delivery room!”

“Cat discrimination,” Winston muttered.

“Guys,” Buck cut in, slinging Jess’s bag over his shoulder. “Thanks for the support, but we’ve got this. Right, Jess?”

She gave a nervous thumbs up. “Yes. Just us. Everything will be fine.”

“Ask the doctor about how to capsule your placenta!” Schmidt yelled as they left.

The waiting room was pastel and too quiet. Jess sat with her hands twisted in her lap, bouncing her knee like she was auditioning for a drumline.

Buck pulled a clipboard out of his bag.

Jess frowned. “What’s that?”

“Questions,” Buck said simply. “Symptoms. Concerns. Things we need to ask.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you clipboarding me?”

He grinned sheepishly. “Yeah. They call me Clipboard Buck.” He chuckled. “The team may or may not allow me to have a clipboard at work.”

Jess stared at him for a long moment, then giggled, nervous, but real. “Oh my God. You’re so good. We’ve totally got this.”

He flipped to the first page. “First question: how many of Nick’s gray pancakes is too many?”

Jess snorted. “Answer: one. Always one.”

Inside the exam room, Jess sat nervously on the table, paper crinkling beneath her.

The doctor smiled kindly. “So, first pregnancy?”

“Yes,” Jess replied, her voice too high. “But I’ve read books! Lots of books! And pamphlets. And I’ve Googled everything, which is… bad, right? Am I already a bad mom for Googling? I knew it,”

“Jess,” Buck interrupted softly, touching her hand. “Breathe.”

The doctor chuckled. “Googling is normal.”

Buck flipped open his notepad, that sat on the clipboard, suddenly businesslike. “We have a list of questions.”

The doctor raised an amused brow. “Go ahead.”

“Okay, so morning sickness, how long does it last? Can she still eat cheese? She loves cheese. What about exercise? Prenatal vitamins, what’s the best brand? And,”

“Buck,” Jess whispered, tugging his sleeve, “you’re scaring the doctor.”

He flushed. “Sorry. I just want to make sure we don’t miss anything.”

The doctor smiled warmly. “Don’t worry. You’re both doing great.”

Jess mouthed at Buck, We’re doing great, and he couldn’t help but grin.

Then came the ultrasound.

Jess lay back, clutching Buck’s hand tightly. Her eyes were wide, terrified, as the screen flickered on.

And then, there it was. A tiny bean.

Buck and Jess stood, staring at their baby. The tiniest bean on the screen.

Jess gasped, tears springing instantly. “That’s, oh my God. That’s our baby.”

Buck’s throat closed up, his eyes stinging. “That’s our baby.”

She turned to him, tears rolling freely now. “Buck…”

He squeezed her hand, overwhelmed but steady. “We’re really doing this. This is going to be amazing.”

Jess broke into watery laughter. “We’re really doing this.”

For a moment, the chaos of the loft, the lawsuit, the distance with the 118, all of it melted away. There was just the sound of Buck and Jess, shaky happy breaths, and the bean on the screen that was their baby.

Afterward, they sat in the car, silent. Jess clutched the ultrasound photo in her lap.

“I was so scared,” she whispered finally. “I still am. But… seeing that…” She shook her head, smiling through tears. “It made it real.”

“Yeah,” Buck said softly. “Me too.”

She turned to him, searching his face. “You really aren’t going anywhere?”

“Not a chance,” Buck said firmly. “You’re stuck with me, Jess.”

Her lips wobbled into a smile. “Good. Because I don’t think I could do this without you.”

“You don’t have to. You and me, we’ve got this.” Buck let the tears fall freely.

Back at the loft, Schmidt was waiting with his tablet.

“Well? How did it go? Do we have numbers? Measurements? Did they say the baby has his bone structure?”

Jess groaned, dropping onto the couch. “Schmidt, stop.”

Nick leaned out from the kitchen. “Did you ask if she can have cheese? She loves cheese.”

“Baby is healthy,” Buck smiled. “She can have cheese, in moderation.”

Coach pumped his fist. “Baby’s strong!”

Winston set Ferguson on the coffee table again. “He still wants in on godcat duties.”

Jess giggled, holding up the ultrasound picture. “Guys… this is it. This is the baby.”

For once, the loft went quiet. Everyone leaned in, staring at the little bean.

Schmidt sniffled dramatically. “I’m already the best uncle alive.”

Nick frowned. “That just looks like a bean.”

“It’s the most beautiful bean I’ve ever seen,” Jess whispered, smiling through her tears.

Buck, watching her, thought the same.

Chapter Text

Buck had been spending more and more time at the loft, to the point where he had practically claimed the couch as his own. He stayed over whenever he could, wanting to show Jess that he was in this for everything. Even on nights when he’d say, ‘I’m going home,’ someone in the loft would convince him to stay.

He worried sometimes about overstaying his welcome, but every time they encouraged him to stick around, he couldn’t help but smile. He wanted to be there, he loved spending time with his new friends, and more than anything, he wanted to be there for Jess through the good, the bad, and everything in between. He needed her to know that he would be there, no matter what, especially if anything went wrong.

It wasn’t long before Buck found himself cooking for everyone, pitching in whenever he could. He loved being in the kitchen, so it never felt like a chore, and the gang seemed to love it. Schmidt always had plenty to say, but it was usually more entertaining than annoying. Buck quickly learned that Schmidt had a slight issue with germs.

One night, Buck was halfway through making a lasagna when Schmidt walked in, hovered over his shoulder, and then declared, “I’m cooking the whole meal. I don’t want you touching anything. And I don’t want to hear ‘Schmidt, Schmidt, you’re using too much parmesan’ because I’m not.”

Buck just laughed, held his hands up in surrender, and walked into the living room to join the others.

Then one morning, the second Buck dropped two slices of bread into the toaster, Jess’s entire stomach revolted. She gagged, clapped a hand over her mouth, and sprinted for the bathroom.

Buck blinked after her, bewildered. “It’s just toast!”

From the bathroom came Jess’s muffled wail: “TOAST IS EVIL!”

By the time she emerged, pale and shaky, Buck was standing in the kitchen with a notepad, pen poised like he was solving a crime.

“New rule,” he said, scribbling furiously. “No toast. No strong smells in the morning. No coffee unless you brew it outside. No bacon.”

Jess slumped onto the couch. “You’re banning breakfast foods? What kind of monster are you?”

“I’m not a monster, I’m prepared.” Buck held up the page. “Operation Morning Sickness Avoidance Plan: Section A: Dietary restrictions. Section B: Emergency snacks. Section C: Table of approved foods.”

Jess groaned. “Oh no. I see why your team calls you Clipboard Buck. He’s officially back.”

“Clipboard Buck never left,” Buck deadpanned.

The loft gang caught on quickly.

“Why are there sticky notes on the fridge?” Nick asked suspiciously.

“They’re part of my system,” Buck explained. “Green means approved food. Red means danger zone. Yellow means ‘check with Jess before eating near her.’”

Nick squinted. “So beer is green?”

“Beer is red.” Buck grimaced. The last time he cracked one open, the smell sent Jess running to the bathroom.

Nick gasped. “You monster.”

Meanwhile, Schmidt had taken Jess’s cravings as a personal challenge. “You want pickles? I have imported pickles from Germany. You want crackers? I have gluten free, pepper cracked, and diamond dusted crackers or if you want,” 

“Schmidt,” Jess cut in weakly, clutching a ginger ale. “I just want saltines.”

“Basic,” Schmidt muttered, but he fetched them anyway.

Winston, of course, tried to involve Ferguson. “Cats know when people aren’t well. Maybe Ferguson can be your emotional support cat during nausea episodes.”

Jess shook her head. “No cats in the bathroom while I vomit!”

“Speciesism strikes again,” Winston sighed.

Coach had a different approach. “Push through it, Jess! Pain is weakness leaving the body! You can do it!”

Jess gagged again at the smell of his protein shake. “…keep that protein shake away from me.”

One night, Buck found Jess sitting on the kitchen floor at 2 a.m., surrounded by half empty jars.

“What… are you doing?” he asked carefully.

She looked up at him, wide eyed. “I wanted pickles. But then I wanted peanut butter. So I put peanut butter on the pickles. And now I think I’ve invented something revolutionary.” She paused “But now I’m thinking ice cream.” 

Buck blinked. “…Do you want me to get you some ice cream too?”

“Yes,” Jess said solemnly. “But it has to be vanilla. And it has to go on top of the pickles and peanut butter. Don’t ask questions.”

Buck laughed softly, grabbing the ice cream. “Pregnancy is wild.”

“You have no idea.” Jess laughed with him.

The first real scare came a week later.

Jess doubled over in the middle of the loft, clutching her stomach. “Oh God. Something’s wrong.”

Buck froze, panic rising instantly. “What? What’s wrong?”

“My stomach, it hurts,” she said, voice tight with panic.

Buck was already grabbing his keys. “We’re going to the hospital. Now.”

“Wait,” Jess wheezed, “maybe it’s just gas?”

“Hospital,” Buck repeated firmly, scooping her bag off the hook. “I’m not taking any chances.”

At the ER, Jess sat hunched in a chair while Buck paced like a caged animal.

“Maybe it’s nothing,” Jess said weakly.

“Or maybe it’s something,” Buck shot back. “I’m not risking it. I promised I wouldn’t leave you, Jess. That means making sure you’re okay and the baby’s okay, even if it turns out to be just gas.”

Jess groaned, covering her face. “If this is gas, I will never live it down.”

“Jess,” Buck said softly, crouching in front of her. “I don’t care if it’s gas. I just care that you and the baby are safe.”

Her eyes welled up. “You’re… really good at this.”

“I’m just trying,” Buck admitted. “I don’t always get it right. But I’m here.”

The doctor finally came back with a calm smile. “Everything looks fine. Probably indigestion. Rest and fluids should help.”

Jess buried her face in her hands, mortified. “I knew it.”

Buck just grinned. “See? Totally worth it. This visit eased both our minds.”

She peeked at him through her fingers. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” he said, “but get used to it.”

Back at the loft, Schmidt was waiting like an anxious parent.

“Well? What happened? Is the baby okay? Should I start looking into colic remedies? I need to read some parenting blogs!” 

“False alarm,” Buck said, guiding Jess to the couch.

Jess groaned. “Gas. It was gas.” Everyone laughed “End my life please.” 

Nick cackled. “Oh my God, you went to the ER for fart pains?”

“Don’t call it that!” Jess squeaked.

Winston nodded seriously. “Ferguson approves of you going in, you’re just being safe.”

Coach punched Buck’s shoulder softly. “Good instincts, man. Always trust your gut. Or in this case, hers.”

Jess hid her face in a pillow. “This baby is going to grow up hearing this story, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” the loft chorused.

Buck sat beside her, chuckling softly. “At least it’ll be a funny one.”

Jess peeked at him, a smile breaking through despite her embarrassment. “You’re still here.”

“Always. Did you want me to stay tonight? Just in case?” Buck asked, rubbing her back to keep her calm. 

She nodded with a shy smile, knowing he wasn’t going anywhere.

Not now. Not ever.

Chapter Text

Buck had paced his apartment so many times he was sure the floorboards would have a permanent track.

“Stop pacing,” Jess said from the couch, sipping tea and watching him with faint amusement.

“I’m not pacing,” Buck muttered, making another lap.

“You are. You’re like a zoo animal, but taller. And with bigger biceps.” Jess laughed at her own joke.

Buck stopped mid step, glaring at her. “This is serious, Jess.”

Her smile softened. “I know. But Buck, it’s going to be fine. She’s your sister. Sisters are supposed to love you even when you’re a mess, or you screw up.”

He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. “She’s the one person who’s always been there for me. My parents weren’t really around, she raised me. I’ve been through a lot recently and she’s the only one who’s been constant. We didn’t speak for a while, years back, it’s a long story, but now she’s back in my life. I want this to go well. Maddie… she matters a lot to me. If she doesn’t like you, or thinks we screwed up,” 

Jess cut in with mock offense. “Everyone likes me.” Then she faltered. “Okay, except maybe one mailman, a cat rescue volunteer, and three librarians. But in my defense, those were complicated situations.”

Buck cracked a small smile despite his nerves.

Jess hopped up, tugging at his arm. “Come on. We’ll charm her. And by ‘we,’ I mean me. You just have to sit there and look tall and adorable. It will be fine.”

He groaned, but let her lead him out the door.

The Loft at Its Finest

Jess: Wish us luck! We’re telling Buck’s sister or mom?
Buck: Sister. Who basically raised me. Please don’t call her mom.
Nick: I’m going to call her Momsi. It’s locked in.
Schmidt: Momsi?? I like it. I should be there. I’m still hurt I wasn’t allowed to come.
Coach: I still reckon we should all have gone.
Cece: Jess, just smile. Maybe don’t show her your folder of DIY baby clothes yet.
Jess: But I have so many!
Nick: It’s a horror show of colourful dresses and hats.
Winston: Question? If Maddie doesn’t like Jess, can we fake a fire drill? Because I can yell EVERYBODY OUT real loud so Jess can escape.
Buck: Please. Don’t. Knowing my luck my firehouse would attend the call.
Jess: Buck, what if she hates me??
Nick: Then we move. New city. Change names. Witness protection. Five Men, Two Girls, and a Baby, go out in style.
Winston: And a cat. Don’t forget the Ferguson. 
Coach: Or you could… you know… just act normal.
Cece: Yeah, but when have any of you ever acted normal?
Nick: I resent that. I’m the definition of normal.
Jess: You ate salsa out of a shoe yesterday, Nick.
Nick: It was a clean shoe.
Winston: Can we circle back to Ferguson? He’s low on tuna snacks. After you meet Maddie, can you swing past the shop for me, please?

The café was cozy, full of warm wood tones and the smell of cinnamon. Maddie was already there, sitting at a corner table with a steaming mug. She smiled when she saw him, but it was a little tight, like she could sense the weight in his steps.

“Hey,” she said, standing to hug him.

Buck pulled her in, holding on maybe a little longer than usual. “Hey, Maddie.”

When they broke apart, Maddie’s eyes landed on Jess.

Jess straightened, nerves fluttering in her chest. “Hi. I’m Jess. It’s really nice to meet you. Buck’s told me so much about you.”

Maddie smiled politely, giving her a quick hug. “Nice to meet you too.”

They sat. Silence stretched for a beat, broken only by the hiss of the espresso machine.

Buck cleared his throat. “So, uh… Maddie, this is Jess. She’s,” He stumbled. “She’s important. And there’s something I need to tell you.”

Maddie raised a brow. “Okay…”

Buck swallowed hard. “Jess is pregnant. And… it’s mine.”

Maddie froze, eyes flicking between them. “…Wow.”

Jess blurted, “It wasn’t planned. Obviously. Not that Buck isn’t… you know. Very… um. But it was just supposed to be one night, and then it wasn’t, and now…” She grimaced. “I’m bad at this. Sorry.”

Maddie let out a soft, shocked laugh. “No, it’s okay. I just… wasn’t expecting that.”

Buck shifted in his seat, tension written in every line of him. “I was scared to tell you.”

Maddie frowned. “Why?”

“Because… we aren’t together, and it’s unplanned. After the lawsuit, after the team… I didn’t want you to think I was screwing everything up again.” He sighed, rubbing a hand through his hair. Jess glanced at him, confused at the mention of a lawsuit, something he hadn’t told her about yet. He knew he probably should mention his past six months or so…

Maddie’s eyes softened instantly. She reached across the table, grabbing his hand. “Oh, Buck. No. First, that lawsuit is over, and you were fighting for your job. Second, you’re not screwing anything up. You’re starting something exciting. A new beginning. I’m so proud of you.”

His throat closed. He stared down at their joined hands, blinking fast. “You mean that?”

“Of course I do.” Her voice cracked just a little. “You’re going to be a dad. And I know you, you’ll give that baby so much love it won’t even know what to do with it.”

Jess sniffled, eyes shiny. “Okay, now I’m crying and I wasn’t supposed to.”

Maddie smiled through her own tears. “Sorry. It’s just… he deserves happiness. And maybe this isn’t traditional, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is you’re in this together.” She looked at Jess. “Welcome to the family, Jess.”

Jess nodded, dabbing her eyes with a napkin. “Thanks. We’re still figuring it out, but we’re in it together. He’s been… amazing. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

Buck flushed, ducking his head.

Maddie squeezed Jess’s hand. “Thank you, for saying that. And for letting him be part of it.” She pulled her phone out, unlocked it, and passed it to Jess. “Put your number in here. I’ll text you so you have mine. I’m here for both of you. Anytime.”

Jess typed her number in and smiled at Maddie. “Thank you, that means a lot. And honestly, I don’t think I could stop him. He has spreadsheets.”

Maddie raised a brow. “Spreadsheets?”

“Colour coded ones,” Jess said solemnly. “It’s terrifying.”

Buck groaned. “Don’t make it sound weird.”

“It is weird,” Jess teased. “Weirdly adorable.”

Maddie laughed again, the tension easing between them.

The conversation flowed easier after that. Jess admitted she’d been struggling with morning sickness. Maddie shared stories about Buck as a kid, how he once tried to build a treehouse out of cardboard boxes, how he insisted on wearing his astronaut Halloween costume for three years in a row.

Jess gasped. “I love this! Oh, I’m making our kid an astronaut costume.”

“Please do. That would be adorable.” Buck grinned so wide his cheeks hurt.

By the time they stood to leave, Jess and Maddie were laughing together like they’d known each other for years.

Maddie hugged Jess tightly. “Take care of yourself, the baby, and him.”

Jess smiled, sincere. “Always.”

Then Maddie turned to Buck, hugging him again. She whispered in his ear, “I’m proud of you. Take care of Jess and the baby.” She pulled back with a smile. “I like her, Buck.”

Buck held on tight, eyes burning. “Thanks, Maddie. I do too. And I will.”

Outside, Jess linked her arm through his.

“That went well, right?” she asked, tilting her head toward him.

Buck finally smiled, tension easing from his shoulders. “Yeah. It did.”

Jess grinned. “Told you. Everyone loves me… except a select few.”

He shook his head, laughing softly. “You were great.”

“You were great,” she countered. “And now your sister knows she’s going to be an aunt. She looked so happy.”

“She is so excited,” Buck admitted, his chest warm. “I think everything will work out for us.”

Jess squeezed his arm, smiling wide. “I think so too.”

Chapter Text

Hen was scrolling through her phone in the firehouse kitchen when she froze.

“Uh… Chim?” she called, tilting the screen toward him. “Look at this.”

Chim leaned over, squinting. “Is that… Buck?”

It was. Buck, grinning wide, arms slung around two strangers. Schmidt looking extremely annoyed.

The caption read: Family game night! Winner: Jess (again). Loser: Schmidt (always)

Hen raised a brow. “Do you know these people?”

“Never seen them,” Chim said. “Family game night? But family game night is our thing.”

They kept scrolling. Buck in an unfamiliar kitchen, holding a spoon like a microphone while a brunette laughed in the background. Buck at a bar, clinking glasses with a crowd of strangers, the caption: ‘Jess removed beer out of the red card zone!’ Buck on a couch with a hoodie wearing cat in his lap, dimples deep, looking like it was the best day of his life.

“Looks like he’s made some new friends. Is this why he skipped karaoke that week?” Chim muttered.

Hen sighed. “Maybe.”

Eddie walked in, drying his hands. “What are you guys looking at?”

Hen slid him the phone. “Buck’s new social life.”

Eddie frowned, eyes lingering too long on the game night photo. Buck looked… happy. Really happy.

“Who are these people?” Eddie asked, trying to sound casual.

“Friends, apparently,” Chim said. “I still think it might be a cult.”

Hen shrugged. “They look fun.”

Eddie set the phone down harder than he meant to. “Good for him.”

The words were right. The jaw clench wasn’t.

At lunch, laughter bubbled around the table until Bobby finally looked up from his paperwork.

“What’s going on here? You’ve been staring at Hen’s phone for ages…” Bobby asked, eyebrow raised.

“Buck’s got a secret double life,” Chim announced.

Buck, mid bite of his sandwich, blinked. Panic rising slightly. “What?”

Hen shoved her phone at him. “What is this?”

Buck groaned, dropping his head into his hands. “Oh, God.”

The post was a boomerang of him juggling grapes while Schmidt screamed about his technique in the background.

“Is that you juggling?” Bobby asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“No,” Buck muttered.

“Yes,” Hen corrected cheerfully, pointing at him. “It is.”

Chim leaned forward. “So, when were you planning on telling us about your new friends?”

“Uh, not sure?” Buck said quickly. “Maybe eventually. We just hang out.”

Hen smirked. “Friends you hang out with. A lot, by the look of it.”

Chim clapped his hands. “Is this why you skipped karaoke? You should’ve just brought them!”

Buck winced, looking confused. “I wasn’t invited to karaoke.” Then he stood and left before more questions could fly.

Chim, Hen, Bobby, and Eddie exchanged glances, confusion first, then guilt. No one had asked him to come. It showed on all their faces.

Later, in the locker room, Eddie cornered him.

“So. New friends?” Eddie asked, avoiding Buck’s eyes.

“Yeah,” Buck said, tugging his shirt over his head, gaze fixed on the floor. “New friends.”

Eddie waited. When Buck didn’t elaborate, he pressed, “You gonna introduce me?”

“Not yet.” Buck shoved his uniform into his locker.

“Why not?” Eddie asked, his voice a little too tight.

Finally, Buck met his eyes. “Because I came back and thought everything was fine. But every time I think I’m back with you guys, I’m not. You’ve kept me at arm’s length. And I get it, I screwed up. But it hurts. Not being invited places. Not being in on the inside jokes in the group chat like I used to be? It hurts, Eddie. So now… I’m keeping some things, just for myself.”

Eddie’s chest tightened. “Buck, it’s not,”

“Don’t,” Buck said softly, cutting him off. “Not right now.”

And with that, he walked out.

That night, Buck collapsed onto the loft couch. Jess appeared with a bowl of popcorn like it was a prescription.

“Here,” she said, plopping it into his lap.

The loft was its usual circus: Nick crunching chips way too close to Schmidt’s ear, Winston googling best tuxedos for cats, Cece rolling her eyes so hard it looked like exercise.

Jess perched on the arm of Buck’s chair, folding and refolding a blanket like it was a sport. She caught the faraway look on his face.

“Okay,” she announced, clapping once. “Buck has the broody, handsome fireman look, which means he’s hiding a big, juicy secret. Share with the class.”

“Jess,” he groaned.

She cut him off, sing-songing, “Buck has something going on, and he needs to express his feeeelings!”

Nick perked up mid chip. “Wait, is this group therapy? Because I’ve got a lot to say about my zombie book. But only if there’s beer.”

“There’s beer in your hand right now,” Winston pointed out.

Nick nodded. “Perfect. Continue.”

All eyes, plus Ferguson’s unblinking stare turned to Buck.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Alright. There’s stuff I haven’t told you. About the last six months.”

Jess’s face softened instantly. “Okay…?”

He took a shaky breath. “I was on a call. Someone had planted a bomb on the firetruck. It blew up, and the ladder truck landed on my leg.”

The loft exploded.

Jess gasped.

Schmidt clutched his face. “Well, you’ve found my flabbergast button, and guess what? You’ve pressed it.”

“A firetruck fell on you?” Nick shouted. “Like a real one? Not a toy?”

“Did you sue?” Winston asked. “You should’ve sued. Schmidt sues people all the time.”

“I do not!” Schmidt snapped. “I merely threatened legal action against that dry cleaner who shrank my cashmere. Entirely different.”

“Anyway,” Buck said louder, “I almost lost my leg. They saved it, but the metal caused clots. Pulmonary embolism. Nearly killed me.”

The loft went silent. Even Schmidt shut up.

Jess whispered, “Oh, God, Buck…”

“And then,” Buck went on, “I was at the pier. With my best friend’s kid. When the tsunami hit.”

“TSUNAMI?!” Nick shrieked, chips flying. “You were in that tsunami that we just had and survived that tsunami?” He started pacing, mumbling about how he cannot handle this. 

“Holy shit,” Cece muttered.

“No, this is crazy. Truck. Clots. Tsunami. He’s basically Final Destination in turnout gear!” Nick threw his hands up.

“Yeah… it’s been a lot,” Buck muttered.

Everyone was silent, letting it sink in.

“And when I finally got cleared to return,” Buck continued, “my captain, the guy I see as a father… he blocked me from coming back. My disability checks stopped because I was fit for active duty, so I wasn’t eligible for the checks anymore. They offered me a desk job, but it  wasn’t safe with the clots. So I… sued.”

Schmidt gasped like he was in a telenovela. “That’s Judaism, son!” Buck just blinked at him for a second. 

“Did you win? How much?” Nick demanded. “Ten grand? A hundred?”

“…Millions,” Buck admitted. “I turned it down. Dropped the lawsuit.”

The loft erupted again.

“MILLIONS?!” Nick screamed. “You turned down millions?! Do you know what I could do with that? Buy a phone. Buy TWO phones. Buy salsa shoes and finally prove my point!”

“No one wants you in salsa shoes,” Schmidt said. “That’s not a point, that’s a cry for help.”

Buck laughed, shoulders shaking. “I turned it down because the 118… they’re my family. Their families are my family. And I love the job. Being a firefighter is everything to me. I couldn’t give it up.”

The loft quieted.

Even Nick sat down, stunned.

Cece leaned forward, voice steady. “You did what you had to do. No one can fault you for that. And if they do? They can deal with me. I’m a crazy bitch.”

“Damn right,” Winston added. “Though… a yacht for Ferguson would’ve been cool.”

Jess slipped her hand over Buck’s, eyes shining. “You have us now, and you’re stuck with us. We might be this crazy messy, loud, and a bit unhinged family, but we aren’t going anywhere. You and me right?” Buck nodded with a smile. 

Schmidt dabbed at his eyes with a napkin. “This is better than the Downton Abbey finale. And that had Maggie Smith in it.”

Nick crunched another potato chip furiously. “I hate this. I like you more now. But millions, man!”

Buck chuckled, the heaviness lifting. Jess leaned her head against his shoulder, humming under her breath. A silent I’m not going anywhere.

The loft slipped back into chaos: Nick ranting about salsa shoes, Schmidt googling millionaire firefighter chic, Winston showing Ferguson a new cat toy.

And in the middle of it all, Buck laughed. Really laughed. Like he finally belonged.

Chapter Text

The whiteboard was a thing in the loft.

It had originally been for 'Weekly Loft Chores' (which Nick always ignored). But soon it evolved into the loft’s unofficial game of 'How Long Can I Keep the Whiteboard Before Someone Steals It Back?' Someone would take it, claim it, and then leave the loft, only to return and discover someone else had swiped it.

Today, Jess had managed to steal it from Winston, who’d been using it to brainstorm how to get Ferguson a date. Weird, yes but also very Winston.

The whiteboard was Jess and Buck’s now.

Jess stood in front of it with a marker in hand, hair slightly frizzed from excitement. “Alright, everyone. Tonight we tackle the biggest challenge yet. 'The Everest of adulthood.'" She spun dramatically. “Naming the baby.”

Buck, cross legged on the floor with his notebook, laughed and shook his head. “I thought maybe we’d just… make a list. Quietly. When I said let’s talk baby names, I wasn’t expecting this.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Jess countered, waving the marker. “This child deserves the best brainstorming session in Los Angeles.”

Nick perked up immediately. “Shots!”

Jess blinked. “What?”

“New rule,” Nick said, already heading for the kitchen. “Every time a name makes it onto the whiteboard, we do a shot. Keeps the ideas flowing. Raises the stakes.”

Schmidt groaned. “This is how we ended up with a goldfish named Chairman Meow.”

“And it was iconic,” Nick shot back, returning with a bottle of tequila and mismatched shot glasses.

Jess clapped. “Fine. Baby names and shots. I'll shot water! Best brainstorming session ever.”

She scrawled BABY NAMES in big bubble letters across the top of the board.

“Boom!” Nick cheered. “That counts, everyone drinks!”

They all groaned, but he was already pouring.

"Why did you pour me two?" Buck looked at Nick confused.

"Someone has to drink for Jess, and your a tank, so drink." Nick says passing over the shots.

"Coach is bigger then me!" Buck argued.

"But, you knocked her up." Coach shot back.

"Yeah, alright you win." Buck shot the two shots, grimacing at the burn. 

Winston tilted his head. “You spelled baby wrong.”

Jess frowned, realizing she’d written Bbay. She fixed it quickly.

“Does that count?” Nick asked eagerly.

“It was a marker to the board,” Winston said.

Nick slapped the counter. “It counts!”

Schmidt protested, but Nick shoved a glass into his hand anyway.

Schmidt leapt to his feet. “We start with a classic. Agnes.”

Jess wrote it down.

Nick raised his glass. “Agnes joins the party!” Everyone groaned but took the shot.

"I'm not calling my kid Agnes!" Buck stated firmly.

“Boo,” Nick added after swallowing. “Worst name ever, best tequila.”

“Agnes is chic,” Schmidt argued, ignoring him.

Jess wrinkled her nose. “Agnes sounds like someone who would shush me for humming in a library.”

“I would shush you,” Schmidt muttered.

“Hard pass,” Cece said firmly.

Jess added Jamie and Spencer to the board.

Nick cheered, “Double Shots!”

When she added Jellybean, Buck groaned but still tossed back his drinks, coughing halfway through.

“You can’t bully me into tequila,” Buck complained.

“Yes we can,” Nick grinned, pouring again.

Winston scribbled Winston Jr. and then Ferguson Jr.

“Hard no,” Cece said both times.

Nick ignored her. “That’s two more names, two more shots!”

“Why are we rewarding bad ideas?” Schmidt demanded, glass in hand.

“Because bad ideas are the foundation of greatness,” Nick slurred. 

Soon, the whiteboard was a riot of suggestions:

Schmidt’s pretentious list: Agnes, Genevieve, Persephone

Nick’s bar inspired nonsense: Corona, Margarita, IPA

Jess’s food phase: Marshmallow, Cupcake, Macaroni

Winston’s cat themed suggestions: Whiskers, Tabbytha, Furgalicious

Cece’s boy list: Liam, Marcus, Cory

Buck’s girl list: Gracie, Emily, Sophie

Each new name meant another round, until Nick was whooping every thirty seconds and Buck was slurring and laughing.

By the time Jess stepped back, the board looked like the manifesto of a very confused cult leader, and the loft looked like the aftermath of a frat party.

Buck stared at the board, dazed. “This is… chaos.”

“No,” Jess insisted. “This is a start!”

“Pretty sure this is just a crime against markers and tequila,” Cece muttered, shoving her empty glass at Nick.

Nick squinted. “Who wrote Beyoncé?”

Jess sheepishly raised her hand. “I was feeling inspired.”

Nick raised his glass. “That’s a name worthy of a shot if I’ve ever heard one.”

Everyone groaned but drank.

“Jess,” Buck said gently, slurring with laughter in his voice. “We are not naming our child Beyoncé.”

“Fine,” Jess sighed. “Middle name?”

“Still no.” he laughed way to loud. 

Nick pointed at the board. “Destiny’s Child!”

“That’s a group, not a name!” Schmidt barked.

“Shot for creativity,” Nick said.

Half an hour in, the loft was a blur of tequila fueled chaos. Schmidt was pacing drunkenly like a lawyer in court. “If you name her Cupcake, she’ll never be taken seriously in a boardroom!”

“She’ll own the boardroom,” Jess shot back. “Everyone loves cupcakes!”

Nick raised his beer in one hand, a tequila glass in the other. “To Cupcake!”

“Stop encouraging her!” Schmidt was pointing his index finger at him.

Buck leaned back, laughing until his stomach hurt, the shots making everything funnier.

That’s when his phone buzzed.

Eddie.

Eddie: Hey, I know I screwed up, and I hope you’ll eventually want to hang out so I can apologize for being a jerk, but would you like to see Chris this weekend? I picked up an OT shift on B shift. Tía Pepa’s watching him, but if you’d prefer to have him, you can. I know you’re missing him.

Buck’s chest warmed. His thumbs moved before he could overthink it. Forgetting completely he was drunk. 

Buck: Yrs Slwepober! Me sio hapoy

A minute later:

Eddie: Are you drunk? Are you okay?

Buck: Me otay Edds, wiht frwends. Yues tk chrs

Eddie: Call if you need a lift. Okay? He’ll be excited. I’ll drop him off Saturday around 5 p.m. and pick him up Sunday, same time?

Buck grinned, dimples deep.

Buck: Naah I wil stya herre. Yas. Csn’t wwit.

Eddie: Oh...your staying there. 

For the first time all day, something in his chest loosened.

When Buck tucked his phone away, still smiling, Jess squinted at him. “You’re glowing. Is this Eddie? Shots for Buck glowing!”

Nick immediately poured another round.

“No,” Buck groaned, but everyone attempted to clink their glasses anyway.

By the end, Nick was asleep mid rant about 'strong bar names,' Schmidt was drunkenly googling preschools, ranting about what you need to consider when picking one, Winston was brushing Ferguson while softly whispering, Tabbytha will win, and Cece was done babysitting all of them, laying on the floor ready to pass out. 

Jess curled up beside Buck, Buck drunk, both exhausted.

“You survived,” she teased.

“Barely,” Buck said, voice rough with laughter and tequila.

She peeked at his notebook, full of carefully written names and doodles.

“You’re really taking this seriously,” she whispered.

“Of course I am,” Buck said softly and slurred "This is our baby’s name. It’s the first thing they’ll ever hear about who they are. I want it to mean something. I want them to feel… wanted. Loved.”

Jess blinked hard, eyes misting. She leaned her head on his shoulder. “They will. Because they have you.” She giggled. “Though you do know we don’t know the sex, right? I don’t see any boys names here.”

Buck let out a small laugh. “I know. I just… I really hope it’s a girl. I'll be happy either way though." 

“I hope it's a girl too,” Jess said firmly.

They sat in the quiet of the loft, Schmidt still typing, Winston murmuring to Ferguson, Nick’s passed out snores in the background. And for once, Buck didn’t feel like an outsider looking in. He felt like part of something.

A messy, ridiculous, loud something. But family, all the same.

And in the back of his mind, he could already hear Christopher’s laugh echoing through the loft walls this weekend.

Chapter Text

Saturday evening came quicker than Buck expected. He’d been buzzing with a mix of nerves and excitement ever since Eddie’s text.

The knock on the loft door came just after five. Buck practically sprinted to open it.

Chris stood there, leaning on his crutches, grinning. Eddie was behind him, one hand resting on his son’s shoulder.

“Hey, Superman,” Buck said warmly, crouching down. Chris dropped the crutches and threw his arms around Buck’s neck.

“Bucky! Sleepover!”

Buck laughed, hugging him tight. “That’s right. Just you and me, Superman.”

When they pulled apart, Buck’s eyes met Eddie’s. The air shifted.

“Hey,” Eddie said quietly.

“Hey.” Buck stepped back to let them in. Chris wandered off to look around the loft, chatting about how this was going to be an epic sleepover.

The silence between the adults lingered until Eddie sighed. “Listen… I owe you an apology. For not inviting you. Karaoke, game night, all of it. We just assumed someone else had reached out, and when you didn’t show, everyone thought you were easing back into things. But I should have asked directly, or at least checked in. That’s on me.”

“It felt like you all just didn’t want me there,” Buck said softly.

Eddie winced. “Yeah. And that’s on us. On me. I’m sorry.”

Buck swallowed. He wanted to say it was okay, but the truth was heavier. “I appreciate that. I really do. But Eddie… we’re not back yet. Not fully. It’s gonna take some time.”

Eddie nodded, guilt etched into his face. “I get it.” He paused, then asked carefully, “Just… tell me one thing. That night a few days ago, when you were drunk? You stayed over at someone’s place. Who was it?”

Buck blinked, caught off guard. “Why?”

Eddie shrugged, trying for casual and failing. “Just… curious. You seem happier. Like maybe you’ve found… something.”

Buck gave a small, careful smile. “Just friends, Eddie. That’s all.”

Eddie nodded, jaw tight. “Right.”

By the time Eddie left, Chris and Buck were already tearing into pizza boxes spread across the coffee table.

“Pepperoni for you, cheese for me,” Buck said, handing Chris a plate.

Chris grinned. “Best. Sleepover. Ever.”

They settled in with a stack of board games. Buck let Chris crush him at Connect Four three times before pulling out Jenga. The tower swayed dangerously with every move, Chris giggling so hard he nearly toppled it himself.

When it finally collapsed in a dramatic crash, Buck threw his hands up. “You win again! You’re unstoppable.”

Chris beamed. “I’m the champ!”

Later, they switched to video games. Buck was terrible, Chris wiped the floor with him in Mario Kart, but Buck’s laughter filled the loft, matching Chris’s bright joy.

They ended up on the couch with blankets, a stack of movies queued up. Chris leaned against Buck’s side, munching popcorn, eyes glued to the screen.

Buck looked down at him, warmth blooming in his chest. He’d been through fire and blood and loss, but right here, right now, he felt whole. He had his Superman back.

The knock on the door startled them.

“I got it,” Buck said, setting down the popcorn.

Jess stood there, hair tied up in a messy bun, tote bag on her shoulder. “Hey! Sorry to interrupt movie night. I just came to grab that fabric you picked up for me.”

“Oh, right.” Buck ducked inside, grabbed the folded fabric off the counter, and handed it over.

Jess smiled. “Thanks. I’ll get started on those unisex onesies tomorrow.”

Buck glanced back at the couch. Chris was staring at Jess curiously.

“Hey, Superman,” Buck said. “This is my friend Jess. Jess, this is Christopher.”

Jess’s face softened instantly. She crouched down to his level. “Hi, Christopher. Nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to getting to know you. Buck’s told me so much about you!”

Chris blinked, then smiled shyly. “Hi. Are you making something?” he asked, looking at the fabric.

Jess’s eyes lit up. “I’m making some clothes! You know, Buck calls you Superman, I could make you a Superman cape. Would you like one?”

Chris’s eyes widened, his face breaking into a huge smile. “YES! Bucky, Jess is going to make me a cape!”

Buck mouthed a thank you to Jess before grinning. “That’s so cool!" He looked at Jess "I’ll get you some fabric for that too.” With all the baby expenses, he and Jess were trying to balance things, and she shouldn’t have to pay for the fabric for Chris, herself.

Jess grinned. “Okay, I’ll leave you guys to your epic sleepover. Have fun!” She gave Buck a little wave, then slipped out the door.

Buck turned back to find Chris watching him with wide eyes.

“What?” Buck asked.

Chris smirked. “She’s your girlfriend.”

Buck choked on air. “What? No. Jess is just a friend.”

Chris shrugged, unconvinced. “She’s nice.”

Buck’s chest squeezed. He reached over, ruffling Chris’s hair. “She’s not my girlfriend, Superman. But she is pretty great.”

Chris grinned, then turned back to the movie.

By the time Eddie returned the next evening, no one answered his knocks, so he let himself in. Chris and Buck were half asleep in a blanket fort they’d built in the living room, surrounded by empty popcorn bowls and video game controllers.

Chris perked up when he heard his dad’s voice. “Dad! Best sleepover ever. Bucky let me stay up late!”

Eddie smirked at Buck, who raised his hands in mock surrender. “Guilty.”

They packed up Chris’s things, and Eddie thanked Buck again, quieter this time.

“Anytime,” Buck said, and he meant it.

On the drive home, Chris was chattering a mile a minute. “We played board games and video games and had pizza. And I met Jess, Bucky’s girlfriend. She was really nice.”

Eddie’s hands clenched on the steering wheel. “Jess?”

“Yeah,” Chris said happily. “She even left really quick ‘cause she knew it was my time with Bucky. She is really cool dad. Oh! And she’s making me a Superman cape!”

Eddie kept his eyes on the road, jaw tight. “That’s so cool. Yeah, she sounds great.”

Chris didn’t notice, too busy recounting the great Jenga collapse of the night.

But Eddie’s grip on the wheel didn’t loosen the whole drive home.

Chapter Text

The loft looked like an arts and crafts explosion.

Balloons were scattered across the floor, Schmidt had commandeered the kitchen table with color swatches, and Winston was chasing Ferguson with a paintbrush dipped in non toxic paint.

“Ferguson reveal!” Winston shouted. “It’ll be iconic. Paw prints across paper, Ferguson painted in baby blue if it’s a boy, pink if it’s a girl. Boom. Everyone cries.”

Ferguson darted under the couch, glaring.

“Absolutely not!” Buck said, blocking Winston’s path like he was on a fire call. “We are not painting your cat.”

Jess, sitting cross legged on the arm of the couch, twirled a marker between her fingers. “Okay, but… Ferguson Reveal does have a nice ring to it. Instead of painting the cat, I’ll make a colour coded cat onesies!”

Buck groaned, laughing. “Jess.”

“Fine, fine,” Jess said, pretending to pout. Then she brightened. “I could always write a song instead.” She strummed an invisible guitar. “Who’s that baby? What will they be? A little boy or a little girl, either way they’ll both love meee!”

Nick clapped like he’d just discovered live theater. “That’s it! That’s the reveal. Just Jess singing in a giant box.”

“Why a giant box?” Buck asked, amused.

“I’m just saying,” Nick replied, sipping his beer. “We can work with this. Maybe smoke machines. Maybe Schmidt popping out of a giant cake in a big adult diaper the color of the baby.”

“I am not popping out of a cake in a diaper,” Schmidt snapped, folding tiny onesies into neat piles. “I was thinking more like my re launch party you know the one. That was epic!”

Jess wrinkled her nose. “Schmidt, you almost burnt the place down.”

“Well, we do have a firefighter ready to go,” Schmidt insisted.

Buck raised an eyebrow. “Re launch party and a fire?”

“Almost fire,” Schmidt corrected quickly, pointing at him.

Cece walked in, heels clicking, and groaned at the sight. “What fresh hell is this?”

“Planning,” Winston said proudly. “We’re onto the gender reveal.”

Cece dropped her purse on the counter. “Jess, do not let these lunatics hijack your baby announcement.”

Jess raised a hand. “Don’t worry. No cannons. No cat being painted.” Then she grinned. “But maybe a jingle.”

Buck dragged a hand down his face.

Jess sat on the exam table, bouncing her leg, nerves and excitement buzzing through her. Buck sat beside her, holding her hand. For once, his clipboard stayed in the car.

The doctor smiled kindly. “Ready to see your baby?”

Jess nodded, eyes wide.

The screen flickered, and suddenly there it was: their little baby.

Jess gasped, covering her mouth. “Oh my God…”

Buck’s chest ached in the best way. “That’s them. This never gets old.”

The steady thump thump of a heartbeat filled the room. Strong. Certain.

Jess’s eyes blurred with tears. “Buck, that’s the heartbeat, I love hearing it.”

“I hear it,” Buck whispered, throat tight and eyes glassy. “It’s the best sound.”

The doctor smiled. “Everything looks good. Baby is healthy, growing well, everything is on track. The next scan we can check the babies sex, if you want to know that.”

Jess looked at Buck. “We want to know.”

He nodded, smiling softly. “We do, I don’t care if it’s a boy or girl. As long as they’re healthy, that’s all that matters. But…” His grin turned sheepish. “I’d love a little girl.”

Jess squeezed his hand hard, her voice cracking as she matched his smile. “Yeah. Me too.”

They left the clinic with pictures in hand, Jess clutching them like treasure.

Back at the loft, the gang swarmed instantly.

“Show us the goods!” Nick demanded.

“Did you get the gender?” Winston asked.

Schmidt clasped his hands like a priest. “Healthy? Growing?”

Jess rolled her eyes, still grinning. “Healthy. That’s our reveal. Sex will be at the next scan, so… more time to plan.”

The loft erupted in cheers, confetti cannons forgotten.

Buck hung back, watching Jess hold up the ultrasound pictures as everyone cooed. For the first time that day, he let himself breathe.

Later that evening, when the loft had finally quieted down, Jess sat at the table with the ultrasound photos spread out. Her smile faltered for the first time all day.

“Hey,” Buck said softly, sliding into the chair across from her. “What’s wrong?”

Jess pressed her lips together. “I, uh… I didn’t want to ruin the mood earlier, but… my school had to make cuts. Budget stuff. They let some teachers go. And I was one of them.”

Buck blinked. “Jess…”

“I have savings,” she rushed on. “I’m fine for now. But the insurance was through the school, and with the baby…” Her voice broke. “Buck, what if I can’t cover this? The appointments, the delivery, everything. What if I can’t give this baby what they need?”

Buck reached across the table, covering her hand with his. “Hey. Look at me.”

Her eyes shimmered with tears.

“We’ll work it out,” Buck said firmly. “You’re not alone in this. I’ve got a great insurance plan through the department. And until you’re back on your feet, I’ll cover all the baby stuff, clothes, food, items, appointments whatever you need. All of it.”

Jess shook her head, panicked. “Buck, I can’t let you," 

“You can,” he interrupted gently. “Because this is our baby. And I meant it when I said I’m not going anywhere. We’ll figure out the rest together.”

Jess’s shoulders shook. “But I don’t want to just… rely on you. I don’t want to be a burden.”

“You’re not a burden,” Buck said fiercely. “You’re the mother of my child. And I want to do this. I need to do this. Because no one ever made me feel like I was enough when I was a kid. And I’m not letting our baby feel that, not for one second and I know you won't either. And hey, I know what it’s like to be out of work. I just came back to work myself, remember? So lean on me.”

Jess’s tears spilled over, but she smiled through them. “You’re really something, Buck.”

He squeezed her hand. “Yeah, well. Don’t tell Schmidt, or he’ll try to put it on a T-shirt.”

Jess laughed wetly, wiping her eyes. She glanced down at the ultrasound photos, then back at Buck. “Okay. Thank you.”

“We got this,” Buck said, steady and certain.

And Jess squeezed back, because she believed him.

Chapter Text

The firehouse kitchen smelled like burnt toast and fresh coffee, two scents that shouldn’t work together but somehow always did. Buck sat at the table, flipping through his phone, trying not to think about baby cribs or how Jess had cried last night over losing her job.

He barely noticed Eddie until a takeaway coffee slid across the table toward him.

Buck blinked. “What’s this?”

“Coffee,” Eddie said simply. He set a small paper bag next to it. “And a muffin.”

Buck raised a brow. “Really?”

Eddie smirked, almost sheepish. “Blueberry. Thought you’d appreciate it.”

Buck tilted his head, suspicious. “What’s this for?”

Eddie’s expression softened. “Apology. For… not realizing. For not inviting you places. For not noticing you were hurting. I should have. This is a small effort, but it’s a start.”

Buck’s chest tightened. He reached for the cup, fingers brushing Eddie’s. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

Eddie hesitated, then said quietly, “Chris hasn’t stopped talking about the sleepover. Said you made it the best night ever.”

Buck smiled, warmth sparking in his chest. “We had fun. Pizza, movies, board games… he beat me at Mario Kart like five times.”

Eddie chuckled, but his eyes flicked down to the coffee. “He also mentioned Jess.”

Buck froze. “Oh?”

“Yeah.” Eddie kept his voice casual, but his jaw clenched. “Said she was nice. Thought she was your girlfriend.”

Buck nearly choked on his coffee. “She’s," He stopped himself, shaking his head. Unsure what to say, he muttered, “She liked Chris.”

Eddie hummed, though there was something bitter underneath. “Well… he liked her too.”

“Good,” Buck said, smiling despite himself, unaware of Eddie’s inner battle. “She’ll be around a bit more, so that’s good.”

Eddie forced a smile, but inside something twisted. He wanted to hit something, anything, because the idea of Buck with Jess, Buck smiling like that over someone else was enough to make him crazy. But if Buck was happy, wasn’t that what mattered? Even if it wasn’t with him?

Later that morning, the kitchen filled with chatter as Hen scrolled through her phone.

“Has Maddie mentioned his mystery friends?” she muttered.

“Nah,” Chim said, pouring coffee. “Just that he’s happy. And she keeps telling me he’s allowed to have friends outside of us.”

Hen raised a brow. “Hmm… he’s also allowed to tell us about them.”

Before Chim could respond, Bobby walked in, paperwork tucked under his arm, Buck trailing behind him. “What’s going on?” Bobby asked.

“Buck’s secret life,” Chim said with a grin.

Buck groaned. “Not this again.”

Bobby pulled out a chair and sat across from him. “We’re not prying. We’re… just curious.” His voice softened. “And I am feeling a little guilty.”

Buck frowned. “Guilty?”

Hen sighed, setting her phone down. “We talked after you left the other day. About karaoke, the game night. We all thought someone else had invited you. And when you didn’t show, we figured maybe you had plans. Or you weren’t ready. Or,"

“Or you didn’t want to come,” Chim finished.

Bobby leaned forward, meeting Buck’s eyes. “But we should’ve asked. We should’ve checked in. And I’m sorry we didn’t. That’s on us. From now on, we’ll add all plans to the group chat so you know the invitation always extends to you. Okay?”

The words landed heavier than Buck expected. He swallowed hard and nodded. “It hurt,” he admitted. His voice was quiet but steady. “I came back thinking everything was fine. That I was back. But every time I realized I wasn’t invited, that no one asked me to join, it just… it felt like I didn’t belong anymore.” He paused. “And then I missed out on the inside jokes in the group chat because I didn’t come out.”

Hen reached across the table, squeezing his hand. “You do belong. We messed up. We’re sorry.”

Chim nodded quickly. “We are. Really.”

Bobby gave him a small, careful smile. “Athena and I are planning a family barbecue this weekend. We’d love to have you there.”

Buck hesitated, chewing his lip. “I don’t know…”

“Bring your friends,” Bobby suggested gently. “If that makes you more comfortable.”

Buck shook his head. “Not yet. I’m not ready to introduce you guys. Not until we’re in a better place.”

Bobby nodded, not pushing. “Fair enough. Just… think about it. You’re always welcome.”

Buck exhaled slowly. “Okay. I’ll come. Just me. But… I need you to know I’m still hurt. It’s not fixed yet.”

Bobby’s expression softened. “I wouldn’t expect it to be. But we’ll get there.”

Buck nodded, trying to believe it.

On the way back from a call that afternoon, they swung by the corner café again. Eddie didn’t say much, just handed Buck another coffee.

“Two coffees in one day?” Buck teased. “You’re spoiling me.”

“Don’t get used to it,” Eddie muttered, though there was no heat in it. He was definitely hoping Buck would get used to it.

Buck chuckled, sipping gratefully. “Thanks.”

They drove in silence for a while until Eddie finally spoke. “You know… I meant what I said earlier. I don’t want to just say sorry once and move on. I’m gonna show you. How much you mean to me, to Chris.”

Buck froze, heart hammering. He glanced at Eddie, but Eddie kept his eyes on the window.

“I… don’t know what to say to that,” Buck admitted softly.

“Don’t say anything,” Eddie said, voice low. “Just… let me prove it.”

Buck stared out the window, the city lights blurring past. He didn’t know what to do with the warmth and ache tangled in his chest. “Okay.”

And Eddie sat there forcing a calm smile, while inside he was falling apart. Because Buck had Jess. Jess, who Chris liked. Jess, who was Buck’s girlfriend.

Jess, who had the man he loved.

Buck sat in the kitchen later, thinking about everything. He had new friends who made him laugh until his stomach hurt. He had Jess, carrying their baby. He had Maddie in his corner.

And now, his family was reaching out again.

It should have been enough. It was enough.

But as he sat there, one thought tugged at him like gravity:

Eddie’s voice in the truck, low and certain. 'I’m gonna show you. How much you mean to me, to Chris.'

Buck wasn’t sure he was ready for what that meant.

But he couldn’t stop smiling.

Chapter Text

Buck was halfway through making oatmeal when there was a knock at the door.

It was barely six am.

He frowned, setting the pot down. Nobody came over at six am.

When he opened the door, Jess stood there, hair wild, sunglasses perched on her nose even though the sun wasn’t fully up. She was clutching a sleeping bag like a security blanket.

“Buck,” she croaked dramatically, “save me.”

Buck blinked. “Jess?”

She staggered past him, dropping her sleeping bag by the door. “They thought it would be fun to play True American until four in the morning.”

Buck snorted. “You guys actually made it to four?”

Jess collapsed onto his couch. “They made it to disaster. Schmidt started quoting Churchill, Nick tried to climb the fridge, Winston kept renaming the states, and Cece threatened homicide at least twice.”

Buck grinned. “So… a normal game of True American?”

Jess groaned into the pillow. “I need sleep. I attempted to go to bed at midnight, claiming the baby needed rest, but they were so loud! Please. Your couch, your floor, your bathtub. I don’t care.”

Buck shook his head, amused. “Take the bed.”

She sat up, wide eyed. “Really?”

“Yeah. I’m awake, and even if I wasn’t, I’m not letting you sleep anywhere but the bed,” he said, already grabbing her bag to take it to the room.

Jess softened, giving him a sleepy smile. “You’re the best, Buck.” She shuffled toward his room like a zombie, a sleeping bag dragging behind her.

By the time she got settled into his bedroom, Buck was back on the couch, laughing into his coffee mug.

An hour later, there was another knock.

Buck was still on the couch, flipping through his clipboard notes, he got up and opened the door.

This time, Maddie stood there, dressed for work and holding a travel mug.

“Hey,” she said warmly. “I thought I’d catch you before my shift. Can I steal some coffee?”

Buck blinked, surprised, then grinned. “Yeah. Come in.”

They sat at the kitchen table, steam curling from their mugs.

“How are you?” Maddie asked gently.

Buck hesitated, staring into his cup. “Better... Sort of.”

“Sort of?”

He sighed. “The team… they apologized. Bobby invited me to the family barbecue. They said they thought someone else had invited me to all those get togethers, and that they just assumed I was busy when I didn’t show up. They meant it, I think. But…” He trailed off.

“But you’re still hurt,” Maddie finished softly.

Buck nodded. “Yeah. I thought I was back, you know? But every time I realized I wasn’t invited, that I wasn’t part of the group chat jokes anymore, it was like… confirmation. That I didn’t belong. Even if they didn’t mean it, it still felt real.”

Maddie reached across the table, squeezing his hand. “I’m sorry. That must have been lonely.”

Buck swallowed hard. “It was.” His voice cracked. “And then… I found Jess, and Nick, Cece, Coach, Winston and even Schmidt.” He gave a small laugh. “And now, I have the baby coming. Jess and the baby are the best things that’s ever happened to me. I love that baby so much already. And Jess? Man, Maddie, she is amazing. I don’t see her romantically at all, it’s not like that but we have this bond. We have so much in common, and we’re on the same page about most things. She’s becoming like my platonic soulmate, and I can’t wait to do this with her.” His smile broke through the sadness. “I’m so excited, Maddie. I didn’t think I’d get to have this. But I do. And I don’t want anything to mess it up.”

Maddie’s eyes shone. “You deserve this happiness, Evan. Every bit of it. You’ve given so much of yourself to other people, it’s about time someone gave back.” She wiped a tear away. “I’m so happy for you and Jess. She does seem great. She’s been texting me updates and asking me questions, she really is amazing. She told me she wants me involved, she is a rare gem. Honestly, I get more updates from her than from you.” She gave him a pointed look, half teasing.

Buck blinked rapidly, emotion stinging his eyes. “Thanks, Maddie. She really is great, and is going to be such a good mom. Please don’t tell the others about the baby, or Jess. Not yet. Please.” He chuckled. “Eddie thinks Jess is my girlfriend, though.”

Maddie laughed. “Of course. I haven’t told anyone, and I won’t. Not until you’re ready.” She tilted her head. “Did you correct him?”

“Nope.” Buck popped the p. That set them both laughing.

She shook her head, smiling. “Take the olive branch Bobby offered. Hen and Chim, too. Even Eddie. But take your time. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting how it felt. And you don’t have to rush it.”

Buck nodded, shoulders easing.

What he didn’t know was that Jess had woken up halfway through.

She’d walked quietly out of his room, wrapped in his blanket, intending to grab water. But she froze when she heard him. His voice was low, raw, confessing how alone he’d felt.

She stayed in the hallway, listening. Her chest ached for him.

When Maddie left with a hug and a smile, Jess finally stepped out.

Buck startled. “Jess. I didn’t know you were up.”

Jess leaned against the counter, eyes soft. “I needed water. I heard some of it.”

Buck stiffened. “Oh.”

Jess walked over, plopping into the chair beside him. “You know… you’re really good at being there for everyone else. But you’re terrible at letting people be there for you.”

Buck gave a shaky laugh. “Sounds about right.”

Jess nudged his arm. “I get why you’re hurt. And I get why you’re keeping me and the baby just for yourself right now. But Buck? You’re not alone. Not ever.”

Buck’s throat tightened. “Jess,"

She cut him off with a small smile. “You’ve got me, Schmidt’s unsolicited advice, Nick’s weird rants, Winston’s… cat.”

Buck laughed, the sound cracking.

Jess reached for his hand. “And soon, you’ll have this tiny human who will think you hung the moon. You’re already the best dad, Buck. Because you care this much.” She gave a tired smile. “And you and me? We’ve got each other. Platonic soulmates, right? Because I personally love that.”

His vision blurred. He squeezed her hand, voice rough. “I love that too. I just… I don’t want to screw any of this up.”

“You won’t,” Jess said firmly. “Because you’re you. And that’s more than enough.”

After Jess got her water, Buck sent her back to bed. He sat on the couch staring at the ultrasound, a smile on his face as he traced the photo with his fingers.

The 118 had apologized. Bobby had invited him. Eddie had been making small gestures.

But it was Jess’s voice echoing in his head as he sat there: You’re not alone.

Chapter Text

Buck knew the moment he opened his apartment door and saw Cece standing there with her arms crossed that he was in trouble.

“Uh oh,” he muttered under his breath.

Cece gave him a slow once over. “Good. You know.” She brushed past him without waiting for an invitation, heels clicking against the hardwood.

Buck shut the door with a sigh. “Hi, Cece.”

“Don’t ‘hi, Cece’ me,” she shot back, tossing her bag on the counter. “Sit.”

Buck blinked. “Sit?”

“Yeah. Sit. We’re having a chat.” She gestured toward the couch like she owned the place.

Buck obeyed, mostly because Cece was terrifying when she wanted to be.

Cece sat across from him, legs crossed, eyes sharp. “So. You and Jess.”

Buck raised his hands quickly. “Not like that. We’re just,"

“Platonic soulmates,” Cece interrupted dryly. “Yeah, I’ve heard the speeches. Jess keeps calling you that. She also keeps texting me every time you buy her a prenatal vitamin or carry her bag up the stairs. Do you know how many updates I get?”

Buck flushed. “Uh… a lot?”

Cece leaned forward. “More than I get from Schmidt. And I live with him. And it's well Schmidt. So, that’s saying something.”

Buck chuckled nervously. “Jess likes to overshare.”

“She does,” Cece agreed. “But that’s not the point. The point is she’s my best friend. She means everything to me. And now she’s carrying your baby. Which means I have one job.”

Buck swallowed. “To… kill me if I hurt her?”

“Exactly.” Cece’s eyes narrowed. “If you break her heart, abandon her, or screw this up in any way, I will personally bury you with all of Schmidt’s hair products. Do we understand each other?”

Buck straightened, heart thumping. “Yes. We understand each other.”

Cece waited.

And Buck, being Buck couldn't leave it at that. His voice cracked as he said, “I would never. Not Jess. Not the baby. They’re… they’re everything to me now. I know it’s not romantic, but I love her. She’s my partner in this. And the baby, God! Cece, I love that baby already more than I thought possible. I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”

Cece studied him for a long, tense beat.

Then her shoulders softened. “Good.”

Buck blinked. “Good?”

“Yeah. Good,” she said firmly. “Because I can tell you mean it. And honestly? Jess needs someone like you. Someone who is all in, because she is an all in type person too. Even if you are a little intense with your clipboards and checklists.”

Buck laughed awkwardly. “Yeah, I’ve been told.”

Cece smirked. “Jess says it entertains her. Though she also says it makes Schmidt jealous, so keep doing it.”

Buck grinned. “I can do that.”

Cece leaned back, finally relaxing. “Alright, Buck. You’ve passed shovel talk number two. But remember, I’ve got a whole set. And I’m not afraid to use them.”

Buck raised his hands again. “Message received.”

Cece’s smirk softened into something almost kind. “You’re family now, Buck. Whether you like it or not. So don’t screw it up.”

And for the first time since she walked in, Buck’s chest loosened. “I won’t. I promise.”

They ended up sitting for another hour, Cece grilling him about baby prep, Buck rattling off lists and plans until Cece rolled her eyes but smiled anyway.

When Jess showed up later, she found the two of them mid conversation, Cece sipping wine, Buck gesturing wildly about stroller safety ratings.

Jess blinked. “Wait. You two… are bonding?”

“No,” Cece said quickly.

“Yes,” Buck said at the same time.

Jess grinned, flopping onto the couch. “Called it. Platonic soulmate and platonic bestie. My dream team.”

Cece groaned, but she didn’t move away when Jess curled into her side. Buck just smiled, warmth in his chest.

That afternoon, Buck found himself driving to the Grant-Nash residence.

The smell of barbecue drifted down the street long before Buck reached Bobby and Athena’s house.

He stood at the gate for a moment, clutching a six pack of beer he’d picked up on the way. It felt ridiculous, he’d been here dozens of times, laughed in this backyard, and ate Bobby's ribs, thrown a football with kids. But today it felt different. Like he was showing up as a guest instead of family.

Taking a steadying breath, he pushed the gate open.

“Buck!” Bobby’s voice called warmly from the grill. “Glad you made it.”

Athena appeared at his side, smile as sharp and kind as always. “You look too skinny. Sit. Eat.”

Buck chuckled nervously. “Hi, Athena. Hi, Cap.”

“None of that ‘Cap’ here,” Bobby said firmly, flipping a burger. “This is family.”

The word tugged at something inside Buck, raw and tender.

Hen spotted him next and swept him into a hug. “About time you showed up.”

“Hi, Hen,” Buck said, hugging her back tightly.

Chim followed, balancing a plate of wings. “Look who finally crawled out of his mysterious social life.”

Buck laughed awkwardly. “Yeah, something like that.”

Eddie was last. He stepped forward, smiled carefully, and had a paper plate in his hand. “Hey, Buck.”

“Hey,” Buck said softly.

For a beat, they just looked at each other. Eddie’s eyes were unreadable, but his jaw clenched just a little too tight.

The afternoon unfolded in a haze of laughter and clinking glasses. The kids darted through the yard with water balloons, Chim accidentally sprayed Hen with a hose, and Bobby kept fussing over the grill like it was a rescue operation.

Buck stayed near the edge at first, beer in hand, smiling but quiet.

Maddie and Karen quietly chatting in the corner, Maddie giving reassuring smiles. 

“Relax,” Hen said at one point, nudging him. “You don’t have to hover like you’re on standby. You’re allowed to just… be here.”

Buck exhaled slowly. “Yeah. I’m trying.”

And he was.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. Buck pulled it out without thinking and grinned.

Jess: Nick is trying to make “baby reveal cocktails” but they’re just tequila shots with pink or blue food coloring. Save me, they are all drunk. 

Another buzz.

Jess: Also, Schmidt bought a diaper bag that costs more than my share of the rent.

Buck laughed under his breath, thumbs flying.

Hen raised a brow. “Who’s got you smiling like that?”

Buck shook his head quickly. “Just… a friend.”

Across the yard, Eddie’s eyes flicked up at the sound of Buck’s laugh. He watched the easy way Buck’s shoulders loosened, the soft dimples on his cheeks. Watched the way his eyes lit up at the messages.

And something twisted in his chest.

Later, Bobby waved Buck over to the grill. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

Buck joined him, the heat of the flames warming his face.

“I’m glad you came,” Bobby said simply. “I know it wasn’t easy.”

Buck shrugged. “I wasn’t sure I should.”

“You should,” Bobby said firmly. “This is your family too, Buck. And I know we hurt you. I know it felt like we left you out. That wasn’t fair. But I’m asking you to give us a chance to do better.”

Buck’s throat tightened. “I want to. I really do. But… it’s hard. I’m still hurt.”

Bobby nodded. “I don’t expect you to forgive overnight. Just keep showing up. Let us earn it back.”

Buck swallowed hard. “Okay.”

“Good.” Bobby handed him a burger with a small smile. “Now eat. You look like you’ve been living on protein shakes again.”

Buck laughed, taking the plate.

The sun dipped lower, the backyard glowing gold.

Eddie found him by the cooler, handing him another beer. “Here.”

“Thanks,” Buck said.

They stood in silence for a moment, watching the kids run by.

Eddie finally cleared his throat. “I meant it when I said that Chris liked Jess.”

Buck blinked. “Oh?”

“Yeah,” Eddie said, trying to sound casual. “He couldn’t stop talking about how nice she was. Said she left early because she knew it was his time with you.”

Buck smiled, soft. “Yeah, she’s great like that.”

Eddie’s stomach twisted. He forced a small smile. “So… she’s good for you then?”

“She’s…” Buck hesitated, then shook his head with a chuckle. “She’s really important to me.”

Eddie nodded, jaw tight. “Right. Just… glad you’ve got people looking out for you.”

Buck gave him a puzzled look, sensing more beneath the words, but Eddie had already turned back to watch the kids.

As the night wound down, Buck sat on the porch steps, plate empty, phone buzzing again.

Jess: Schmidt just called himself “Uncle Schmidty.” Please advise.

He laughed quietly, typing back.

Athena settled beside him with a glass of sweet tea. “You look happier than the last time I saw you.”

“Yeah,” Buck admitted softly. “I am.”

She studied him with sharp, kind eyes. “Hold onto it. Whatever it is. You deserve it.”

Buck swallowed, nodding.

When he was finally leaving, Bobby clapped him on the shoulder. “You'll come next get together?"

“I’ll try,” Buck said, and meant it.

Driving home, he thought about Maddie’s words, about Jess’s texts, about Bobby’s steady voice.

Chapter Text

It started just after lunch at the station.

Buck’s phone buzzed once. Then again. Then again. By the fifth ping, Chim was staring across the table.

“Your mysterious friends at it again?” he asked, sauce dripping from his wing.

Buck laughed and nodded. “Yeah, guess so. They’re a bit full on.”

Hen raised her brows. “Full on?”

Buck grinned. “They’re great. You’ll understand when you meet them.”

Chim smiled, amused. “Oh! We get to meet them?”

Buck laughed. “Yeah, eventually.” He smirked.

The phone buzzed again. And again.

Bobby set down his fork. “You should check it.”

With a nod, Buck caved. “Yeah, probably.”

He unlocked his phone. Immediately, the screen exploded with chaos.

Nick: Someone explain why Schmidt is yelling at the blender?

Schmidt: IT’S NOT YELLING, IT’S COMMANDING. THIS MACHINE WORKS FOR ME.

Jess: Buck! I’m freaking out, I’m coming over after shift.

Winston: Ferguson has claimed the stroller as his throne, all hail Ferguson.

Coach: Wait wait wait, you guys bought a stroller?

Buck: Jess, I’ll be off at 8 am tomorrow morning. Arh?We didn’t buy a stroller...?

Cece: There is one in the hallway?

Jess: We didn’t buy that?

Nick: I found it. It was just sitting near the dumpster by the bar. Got some questionable stains, but FREE.

Jess: Get that away from my baby, Nick.

Buck: We are NOT putting the baby in that!

Winston: Ferguson better not get an infection from sitting in it.

Hen smirked. “He’s gone. Look at him, his totally sucked in.”

“I’m not,” Buck protested, but his phone buzzed again. His grin gave him away.

Jess: Buck! How many onesies is too many onesies? Asking for a friend who already made 40. Also, about 30 are girly, so if we have a boy, he might be in bright colors and girly clothes for a bit.

Cece: YOU are the friend. Stop making onesies.

Nick: Never too many. The baby can change outfits hourly.

Coach: This baby’s gonna be better dressed than me.

Schmidt: Everyone is better dressed than you. You have no fashion sense.

Buck typed quickly:

Buck: Jess, 40 already? That was fast! Have you thought about selling the clothes you make? You love making them, and you do a great job!

Cece: OMG! Jess, you so should. Get some extra money while you’re searching for work!

Schmidt: Jess, you REALLY should! I’ll help you market it. We’re having a meeting tonight! No excuses! 

Jess: You guys really think they’d sell?

Buck: Yes! All your clothes are handmade. You’re making all our baby’s clothes with organic fabric, which people love. You could start a really great business.

Cece: We’ll all make this happen! Schmidt is great at start ups. He got my modeling agency off the ground, we can get yours too.

Schmidt: Already building a website for you. Work is so slow. We need to brainstorm names!!

Winston: Attached a photo.

Buck opened the photo and laughed, drawing curious looks from the table. He flipped his phone around.

Hen tilted her head with a laugh. “Is that… a cat in a stroller?”

“Yeah,” Buck said, smiling despite himself.

The rest of the afternoon, the crew tried harder, Chim cracked jokes during inventory, Hen pulled Buck into chatter about a call, and Bobby checked in with quiet steadiness.

And Buck responded, warily at first, then with warmth. The wall between them slowly coming down.

But every time Buck’s phone lit up, Eddie noticed. The secret smiles. The soft looks. Like someone else had a piece of him now.

By nightfall, the firehouse was quiet. Buck and Chim dozed in their bunks, Bobby holed up in his office.

Eddie sat alone at the kitchen table, coffee gone cold in his hands.

Hen walked in and dropped beside him. “You’re brooding.”

Eddie gave a humorless laugh. “That obvious?”

“Only to someone who’s seen it before.” She gave him a knowing look. “Talk.”

His chest ached. His throat closed. But finally, he whispered, “I’m gay.”

Hen’s hand stilled, not expecting that right now. Then she reached over, squeezing his arm. “Thank you for trusting me.”

The words cracked something open. His eyes burned. “And I’m… in love with Buck.”

Hen’s face softened instantly. “Oh, Eddie.”

“I didn’t mean to,” he rushed. “It just happened. He’s my best friend. He’s good with Chris. He’s good with everyone. And now he’s smiling at his phone all the time because of her, because of Jess, his girlfriend. Chris even told me he met her and he said she was nice. And I just…” His voice cracked. “I don’t know what to do with that.”

Hen leaned back, exhaling. “So that’s why you’ve been staring at his phone like you want to break it in half.”

Eddie gave a broken laugh. “Yeah. I want him smiling when I text him.”

“He does. When you text or call, he always lights up,” she said gently. “Look, Buck’s been through hell. You both have. If Jess makes him happy, even if it’s not what you want, you can’t fault him for that.”

“I know.” Eddie’s voice was raw. “It’s just… hard. Loving someone who doesn’t see you that way.”

Hen squeezed his hand. “Then hear this: Buck doesn’t always see what’s right in front of him. Don’t give up. But for now? Just be there. Be his friend. And if you feel the time is right, tell him.”

Eddie swallowed hard. “Thanks, Hen.”

“Anytime.”

They sat in silence, the weight of the conversation pressing in.

Eddie thought of Buck’s smile, the one that grew every time his phone buzzed. He wanted that smile aimed at him.

One day, he told himself.

But for now, he’d settle for being by Buck’s side, however Buck would let him.

Later in the shift, dispatch sent them to an unusual domestic call: possible entrapment, kitchen area.

By the time the 118 pulled up outside the loft, they weren’t sure what to expect. Buck instantly recognized the place, knowing his 118 family was about to meet his other new family.

What they walked in on was Nick, kneeling under the sink, his right hand completely glued to the pipe.

Coach stood over him like a referee at a prizefight.

“About time!” Coach barked. “This idiot tried to angry fix the sink with, what is that, Nick? Superglue?”

Nick groaned. “It was all I had!”

“You had a wrench!”

“I DON’T TRUST WRENCHES!”

The firefighters froze in the doorway. Chim blinked. “What the hell did we just walk into?”

Buck scrubbed a hand over his face. “Oh my god.”

“Buck!” Nick shouted, echoing under the cabinets. “I’m so glad we got your team! Tell them this is normal! Tell them I’m a man who fixes things!”

“You’re a man who glued yourself to a drainpipe,” Buck deadpanned.

“Details!” Nick waved it off with his free hand.

Coach shook his head. “He angry fixes when he’s stressed. It usually ends in blood, injury, or fire.”

“Glue is new!” Nick yelled.

Buck crouched down, peering at the mess. “What’s got you angry fixing this time?”

Nick squirmed. “Nothing.”

“Nick.” Buck pressed.

He avoided Buck’s eyes. Then blurted, “I kissed Jess!”

The room froze.

Hen and Eddie whipped their heads toward Buck, wide eyed.

Buck blinked. “…Okay? And?”

Nick groaned. “We were playing True American. I broke a rule. Punishment was kissing the person next to you. She was next to me. And now...I think I like her, man. And I’m sorry. I know she’s off limits right now.”

“Off limits?” Buck questioned.

“Yeah! She’s got enough going on with you, with, you know. I can’t ask for more of her!” Nick said.

Hen looked confused. Eddie’s hands tightened on a chair.

But Buck just said calmly, “Nick, who says she’s off limits? That’s her decision, not mine. If you feel that way, tell her.”

Nick gaped. “But it’s bad timing, right?”

“Maybe,” Buck admitted. “But give her the option. If you’re serious, tell her. Be honest.”

“You can’t be kissing our roommate, Nick! I like Jess. If things go south, she’s staying here and you’re going.” Coach left no room for argument. Nick just nodded.

Nick then looked at Buck like he’d just been handed a winning lottery ticket. “Man. You sure?”

Buck smiled. “Yeah, man. Tell her.”

Thirty minutes and two solvents later, Nick was finally freed. He raised both arms like a gladiator. “Victory!”

Coach smacked him on the back of the head. “You glued yourself to a pipe. You don’t get to yell victory.”

“Sure I can,” Nick muttered.

The firefighters stood awkwardly in the loft kitchen, half amused, half bewildered. Bobby finally cleared his throat.

“Buck?” he said carefully. “Do you want to…?” He gestured vaguely toward the two lunatics in front of him.

Buck sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Right. Okay. Uh, guys, this is,” He motioned in turn. “Captain Bobby Nash. Hen Wilson. Chimney Han. Eddie Diaz.”

Nick straightened up like he was at roll call. “Nick Miller. Bartender. Zombie novel writer. Amateur plumber.”

Hen’s brows shot up. “Zombie what now?”

“Don’t encourage him,” Coach said. “I’m Coach, by the way. That’s not a nickname. It’s my actual name. Well, it’s my nickname and my name. Long story.”

Bobby, ever the steady one, nodded politely. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Same,” Coach said. “Thanks for rescuing Captain Glue Gun here.”

“HEY,” Nick snapped. “It was tactical! I had a plan!”

Chim smirked. “Yeah? What was the plan, exactly?”

Nick thought for a second, then announced proudly, “Commitment. If you glue yourself to the problem, you become the solution.”

Eddie blinked. “That’s… not how that works.”

“It’s how it works in Millerland!” Nick shot back.

Hen whispered to Buck, “They make you look normal.”

Buck grinned. “Told you.”

“Normalish,” Hen amended.

Coach stepped forward, clapping Buck on the shoulder like they’d been teammates for years. “This guy’s been good for us. He fits in.”

Bobby smiled faintly at that, glancing at Buck. “We know. He’s good for us too.”

Nick, meanwhile, was holding up his still sticky hand toward Eddie. “Wanna shake? No? Okay, fist bump?”

Eddie just stared. “I’m good.”

Nick nodded solemnly. “Respect.”

Chim muttered under his breath, “What even is this?”

Buck laughed, clapping his hands together. “Alright, crisis over. Let’s clear out before Nick finds another pipe to glue himself to.”

Nick called after them as they filed out, “Next time, I’m using duct tape! Way more reliable!”

Coach groaned. “I need new friends.”

Back in the truck, silence stretched, then Chim burst out laughing. “Did that guy really say he glued himself to a pipe because he kissed a girl called Jess?”

Hen gave Buck a long look. “So… you’re okay with that?”

Buck blinked. “What do you mean?”

“You just… seemed very calm about him kissing your girlfriend.” Hen asks softly with Bobby, Chim and Eddie listening in. 

Buck choked on his water. “What?”

Eddie’s jaw ticked. “He said he kissed Jess. You said it was fine.”

Buck stared, then laughed so hard he nearly doubled over. “Oh my god. Did you tell Hen Jess is my girlfriend?”

The truck fell silent. Eddie looked away.

Buck slightly kicked Eddie boot with his, Eddie looked at him “She’s not my girlfriend,” Buck finally admitted, still grinning. “It’s… just complicated.” Eddie nodded in response. 

Hen folded her arms. “Then what is it?”

Buck hesitated. The truth, she’s pregnant with my baby stuck in his throat.

“Complicated,” he repeated.

Eddie stared, torn between relief and confusion. "I thought..."

Buck just shook his head cutting off Eddie "Not my girlfriend." 

Chim muttered, “I’m still stuck on the part where a grown man glued himself to a pipe.”

“That would be my friends,” Buck muttered, smiling to himself.

After shift, Buck barely had time to kick off his boots when there was a knock at the door.

Jess stood there, eyes wild, dragging Cece like a hostage.

“Buck! Hi! It’s us!” she said, already pushing inside.

Buck blinked. “Wasn’t expecting… you both?” He glanced at Cece, he had thought only Jess was coming over.

Cece raised her hands. “Don’t look at me. She dragged me here.”

Jess barreled inside. “It’s an emergency.”

Buck’s heart spiked. “Emergency? Baby okay? You okay?”

Jess spun in the middle of his living room and shouted: “Nick kissed me!”

Cece froze. “He what?”

Buck’s lips twitched. Of course.

Jess flung her arms. “And it wasn’t just a kiss, Buck. It felt like a cosmic shift. Like the planets realigned. Like my molecules were humming show tunes!”

Cece stared. “And your freaking out?"

“Yes! Because I’m pregnant with Buck’s baby and now I have feelings for Nick! How do I process this?”

Cece turned to Buck. “Is this your life now?”

He rubbed his neck, fighting laughter. “Pretty much.”

Jess paced. “It’s insane, right? Wanting Nick? I’m me, he’s him, and I’m already co parenting with you. But when he kissed me, something happened.”

Cece asked simply, “Do you like him?”

Jess fiddled with her cardigan. “…Yes.”

“Then tell him,” Cece said.

Jess looked at Buck, wide eyed. “Would you care? Does it mess things up?”

Buck shook his head. “Absolutely not. Jess, if you want to try with Nick, then try.”

Her whole face softened. “You mean that?”

“Of course.” Buck smiled.

Cece nodded. “Then do it. Don’t waste years like I did with Schmidt. Just be honest.”

Jess sniffled, touched. “That’s… very wise.”

Cece smirked. “I have my moments.”

Jess turned to Buck. “That’s good advice. Maybe you should take it too.”

Buck blinked. “What?”

Cece perked up. “Take what advice?”

Jess grinned. “Be honest about your feelings.”

Cece narrowed her eyes. “Feelings for who?”

Buck hesitated. Then, quietly: “I’m in love with my straight best friend.”

Cece’s face softened. “Oh, Buck…”

Jess’s grin widened. “Maybe he’s not as straight as you think.”

Buck shook his head. “Nah. He lost his wife and has never looked at a guy that way. Trust me, I would know.”

Cece crossed the room, hugging him tight. “I’m sorry. That’s rough. But whoever he is, he’d be lucky to have you.”

Buck blinked rapidly. “Thanks.”

Jess hugged a pillow. “Okay, first of all: ‘maybe not straight’ is still a possibility. Second: we’re both disasters in love. But at least we’re disasters together.”

Buck laughed, lighter now. “That we are.”

Cece rolled her eyes affectionately. “God help this kid. With you two, she’s growing up in a sitcom.”

Jess beamed. “A musical sitcom.” She jazz handed as she said it.

Buck groaned, but he was smiling.

Chapter Text

It started with a flyer.

Jess waved it dramatically in Buck’s face one Tuesday morning as he sat on her couch, sipping coffee.

“Look! Look! Apartment 4C is available!” she sang, the paper rustling as she shook it.

Buck blinked. “Uh… okay?”

Jess rolled her eyes. “No, Buck. Don’t you get it? 4C is across the hall from here. It has four bedrooms. Four. That’s one for me, one for you, one for the baby, and one for… hobbies. Or a guest. Or Cece when Schmidt is unbearable.”

Buck’s brows lifted. “Four bedrooms?”

“Yes! It’s like the apartment gods have spoken.” She flopped onto the couch beside him, legs tucked underneath her. “Think about it. Co parenting would be so much easier if we lived together, at least for the first year. Right now, you’re across town. What happens when it’s 3 a.m. and I’m sobbing because the baby won’t sleep and I’ve run out of lullabies?”

“You’d write new ones to perform them,” Buck said automatically.

Jess grinned. “Exactly. And you’d be right there to sing along!”

Buck laughed, shaking his head. But the idea… it wasn’t bad. His loft was fine, but it was month to month, and he could move easily. He wasn’t tied down. And the thought of being right there, able to help with feedings, diapers, be there for all the firsts, it tugged at something deep inside him.

“Okay,” he said slowly. “Let’s call the landlord. Take a tour.”

Jess squealed, throwing her arms around him. “Best platonic soulmate ever!”

The landlord met them that afternoon, jangling keys as they stood in the hallway.

Jess was practically bouncing. “Open it, open it, open it!”

Buck chuckled. “You’re more excited than you were about the new fabric you got.”

“The fabric was so soft!” Jess retorted. “This apartment is going to be great.”

When the door swung open, sunlight spilled across the hardwood floors. The place smelled faintly of fresh paint and possibility.

“Four bedrooms,” the landlord announced, leading them through.

Jess gasped at every doorway. “Buck! Look! This one could be the nursery. It’s near the bathroom, easy access for late night baths!”

Buck stepped into the room, already picturing the crib, shelves of tiny books, Jess’s handmade onesies stacked neatly. His chest tightened, not in fear this time, but in awe.

Jess grabbed his hand. “Do you see it?”

He nodded, smiling softly. “Yeah. I see it.”

The landlord chuckled. “You two want it?”

“Yes,” Jess said immediately.

Buck smiled and nodded. “Yes.”

“You’re a firefighter, right? And you’re my other tenant from 4D, right?” the landlord asked.

“Yes, I’m your other tenant,” Jess confirmed.

“I’m a firefighter,” Buck added.

“So, I see you only have the one income at the moment, but your wage should cover rent. And Jess, I know you’re reliable. So it’s yours. I can give you the keys by the weekend.”

Buck and Jess grinned at each other, then hugged tight. This was their place.

That afternoon, they signed the lease, and by Friday the landlord pressed cool metal into their palms. “Keys are yours. Welcome to 4C.”

Jess squealed again, hugging the keys to her chest. Buck just stared at his, the weight of it sinking in.

This wasn’t just an apartment. It was the start of something bigger, a home. For Jess. For him. For their baby.

Jess caught his expression, her smile softening. “Hey. We’ve got this, right?”

Buck met her eyes, steady. “Yeah. We’ve got this.”

And he believed it.

The move into 4C had barely started when Schmidt announced, “Okay, emergency meeting. 4D loft living room. Now.”

Buck, who was in the middle of putting Jess’s bed together, frowned. “Emergency meeting?”

“Yes,” Schmidt said gravely. “A matter of the heart. Nick and Jess’s weird unresolved tension.”

Cece crossed her arms. “Finally. I’ve been waiting for someone to bring this up.”

Nick, sitting on the couch, blinked. “Wait, what?”

Jess, balancing a moving box, sat beside him. “What unresolved tension? We’re fine. Totally fine.”

Coach narrowed his eyes. “You two have been acting weird since the kiss. It’s obvious.”

Jess squeaked. “It was a game punishment!”

Nick waved his hand. “Exactly. No big deal.”

Buck snorted. “Yeah, because people definitely glue themselves to pipes over things that are no big deal.”

Nick turned red. “That was unrelated!”

“It was completely related,” Coach muttered.

Jess looked unimpressed, but fighting a smile. “Look, we don’t need to talk about this. We’re adults. Adults don’t need to talk about feelings.”

“Exactly!” Nick agreed too quickly.

Schmidt clapped his hands. “Wrong. Absolutely wrong. Adults always talk about feelings. Or they repress them, grow ulcers, and eventually explode in a very unflattering sweater vest. That will not happen in my loft.”

Then, with terrifying unity, Schmidt, Cece, Winston, Buck, and Coach all stood.

“Jess's Bedroom,” Cece ordered.

Nick blinked. “Jess’s bedroom?”

Jess blinked. “Why my bedroom?”

“Because that’s where we’re locking you,” Winston said cheerfully.

Jess gasped. “You can’t lock us in my room!”

“Watch us,” Coach said, already dragging Nick up by his shirt collar.

“Wait, wait! Hold on!” Nick yelped, scrambling.

Jess squeaked again, trying to wiggle free. “Guys, no! This is entrapment!”

“Exactly,” Cece said. “Entrapment of feelings. Now move.”

Buck, laughing, helped herd them down the hall. “C’mon. You’ll thank us later.”

Jess glared at him. “Traitor!”

Buck grinned. “You’ll forgive me.”

With one final shove, Jess and Nick were pushed into her room. The door clicked shut, followed by Winston’s unmistakable lock turn.

From outside came the chant: “Talk! Talk! Talk!”

Inside, Jess clutched her ukulele like a shield. “This is insane. They can’t just,” she gestured at the door “kidnap us like this.”

Nick shoved his hands in his hoodie pocket. “Totally insane. Totally. We don’t need to talk. We’re fine. Right?”

“Right,” Jess said quickly. Too quickly.

Silence stretched. Jess strummed a nervous chord.

Nick sighed. “Okay, fine. Maybe not totally fine.”

Jess peeked up at him. “Not fine?”

Nick groaned. “Look, Jess… when we kissed during True American, it was supposed to be nothing. Just a dumb punishment dare. But then… I don’t know. It felt like,”

“A cosmic shift?” Jess whispered.

Nick’s head snapped up. “Yes! Exactly that! Like the universe tilted and suddenly I was like, oh crap, I like Jess. And then I glued myself to a pipe because I didn’t know what to do with that information!”

Jess burst out laughing. “You glued yourself to a pipe because you liked me?”

Nick pointed at her, exasperated. “Yes! That’s who I am, okay? I panic and angry fix things!”

Jess clutched her stomach, laughing harder. “Oh my God, that’s so dumb. And kind of… sweet?”

Nick froze. “Sweet?”

Jess’s laughter softened. She set the ukulele down, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I like you too, Nick.”

His jaw dropped. “Wait, you do?”

Jess nodded, cheeks pink. “Yeah. The kiss… it wasn’t just a kiss for me either. It scared me because… I’m pregnant, Nick. With Buck’s baby. And I thought no one would ever want to deal with that.”

Nick’s expression softened. He sat beside her, careful but close. “Jess, I don’t care. I like you. And I like Buck. I trust him. If you guys are moving in together to co parent, cool. Doesn’t change how I feel. I just… want to be in this. If you’ll let me.”

Jess’s eyes shimmered. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” Nick said. “Sloppy, bad at words serious, but serious.”

Jess smiled, teary. “Then… okay. Let’s give it a try. But slow, Nick. Baby steps. I’ve got a lot happening, and this is a big thing you’re stepping into.”

Nick grinned. “Slow is my specialty. I move at the speed of turtles. The baby stuff scares the hell out of me, but I’m good with it.”

Jess laughed, wiping her eyes. “Yay! So… boyfriend.” She nudged his knee with hers.

They sat there smiling at each other like idiots. Then Jess marched to the door and shouted: “WE’RE TOGETHER!”

A cheer erupted outside.

Schmidt screamed, “YES! LOVE CONQUERS ALL!”

Cece yelled, “Finally!”

Coach barked, “Told you so!”

Buck’s laugh was loudest. “Yes! I’m happy for you guys!”

Winston added last: “Ferguson has dibs on being ring bearer!”

Nick blinked. “Wait, ring bearer? That escalated fast.”

Jess laughed. “Don’t freak out, no one’s getting married, Nick.”

Nick smiled, reaching for her hand. “Yeah. Okay. I’m good.”

From outside, Schmidt shouted, “Now kiss again so we know it’s real!”

Jess groaned, but Nick smirked. “Rules are rules.”

And when they kissed this time, there was no game, no punishment. Just them.

The move went well. Jess buzzed with excitement, humming nonsense jingles about 'new beginnings in four bedroom glory.' But in between the chaos, Buck noticed her frown as she stared at her growing piles of fabric and craft supplies.

Her baby clothes and sewing projects had already swallowed her room. With Schmidt making a website and everyone else encouraging her to sell, Buck could see it clearly: Jess needed more than a craft corner. She needed a workspace.

So he pulled Cece and Schmidt aside.

“The fourth bedroom,” he whispered. “I don’t want it. I want to make it Jess’s home office. A real space for her business. Desk, storage, sewing machine, racks whatever she needs. I want it ready as a surprise.”

Cece’s expression softened instantly. “Buck… that’s perfect.”

Schmidt pressed his hands to his chest. “Oh my God. You’re like… a perfect platonic soulmate. Who does this? Can I claim you?"

Buck shrugged, laughed but slightly embarrassed. “I just… I want her to feel supported. She’s amazing at this, and she deserves a real shot. If this helps her feel like she can do something for herself, that’s what matters.”

Cece hugged him tight. “You’re a good guy, Buck. A really good guy.”

“Agreed,” Schmidt said, diving into a three way hug.

By evening, the room was transformed.

Shelves lined the wall, stacked neatly with Jess’s fabrics. A pegboard held scissors, thread, and jars of buttons. Her sewing machine gleamed under a new lamp. A corkboard stood ready for sketches, and painted in cursive on the wall:

Jess Day Originals

When Jess finally wandered past, she froze.

“What’s this?” she asked, peeking in.

“It’s your space,” Buck said simply. “For your business. So you can work without being buried in fabric.”

Jess’s eyes filled with tears. “This is… this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.” She threw her arms around all three of them, squeezing tight. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

Buck hugged her back, smiling softly. “You’re welcome.”

Schmidt dabbed at his eyes. “Allergies, man.”

Jess twirled in the middle of the room, humming her own theme: “Who’s that girl? She’s got her own business! Who’s that girl? It’s Jess!”

Buck leaned against the doorway, warmth spreading through his chest. The apartment was theirs now. Their home. Their place. 

And with this little room, Jess wasn’t just going to be a mom, she was going to keep being herself.

Exactly as she deserved.

Chapter Text

The shift had been quiet so far, a rarity at Station 118. Bobby had just set lunch on the table when the tones went off, cutting through the chatter.

“Medical,” the dispatcher’s voice came, reading out the address. “Male, twenty eight, possible… uh…” There was a pause. “Genital injury. Patient conscious, complaining of severe pain.”

Every head at the table turned to Buck.

He froze mid bite of his sandwich. “...oh no.”

“Isn’t that where your friend glued his hand to a pipe?” Hen asked slowly.

Buck dropped his sandwich, groaning. “Yep. Same place.”

Chim bit back a grin. “Genital injury?”

“Wonder who,” Buck muttered, dragging a hand down his face as they scrambled to the truck. Secretly, he prayed it wasn’t Jess who injured Nick. Please don’t let my pregnant platonic soulmate be involved in a broken penis incident. He shuddered. “I’m going to give them so much shit.”

Everyone laughed.

By the time they rolled up outside, Buck was already bracing himself. He heard it before they even opened the doors: a scream echoing from the building.

“MY PENIS! YOU NEED TO LEAVE, CECE! YOU’RE TOO SEXY WITH ALL THE WORRYING, IT’S A HUGE TURN ON!”

Chim burst into laughter before Bobby swatted him in the chest. “Professional, Chim.”

Buck recognized the voice instantly and sighed in relief. Not Jess. Not Nick. He’d happily take Schmidt’s drama over that nightmare scenario.

They climbed the stairs and reached the familiar door of 4C. Buck didn’t even wait, he pulled out his own key and opened the loft, getting a few side eyes from his team.

Cece was pale, frazzled, and drowning in one of Schmidt’s oversized t shirts.

“Thank God you’re here! Oh, Buck! Thank God!” she exclaimed, dragging them inside. “It’s Schmidt. I… I think I broke him.”

Bobby blinked. “Broke… him?”

Schmidt’s wail from the couch answered for her. “She broke my penis!”

Buck instantly slapped a hand over his mouth, shoulders shaking, but the laugh ripped out anyway.

“Oh my God,” he wheezed. “I can’t,” He composed himself just enough to add, “Seriously, the couch?! I sleep on that sometimes!”

“Don’t laugh!” Schmidt cried, clutching an ice pack against himself. “Yes, the couch! And this is serious! A medical emergency! A national tragedy! My penis is an asset, and now it’s… I can’t even!”

Chim leaned against the wall, grinning. “What exactly happened here?”

Schmidt pointed at Cece like she was the villain in a courtroom drama. “Her! My goddess girlfriend. We were making beautiful love, and things got heated. How could they not? Look at her! But physics betrayed us. And now? Broken!”

Cece clenched her hands, stepping closer. “I’m so sorry! I don’t know what happened!”

“Don’t come closer! Little Schmidt still thinks we aren’t finished!” Schmidt groaned.

Cece froze, horrified. Everyone else tried to hold back their laughter but failed the second Buck lost it again.

Hen knelt down, clinical as ever. “Okay, I'm Hen, let’s stay calm. Schmidt, it’s most likely a fracture. Painful, yes, but you’ll live, once the hospital checks you out.”

“Live?!” Schmidt gasped. “Hen, I may never function again! Cece, you’ve destroyed my legacy!”

Cece glared. “Destroyed your legacy? You begged me to leave you alone because my hotness was endangering your recovery!”

“Because it is!” Schmidt moaned. “You’re standing there with your cheekbones and your eyes, and Harold and Kumar are just, right there in my face! It’s a cruel and unusual punishment!”

Hen raised an eyebrow. “Harold and Kumar?”

Cece groaned and shook her head, but Schmidt let out a long, pained cry. “Don’t bring them up! They just popped into my head and ouuuuuuchhhh!”

Buck choked on his laugh. “That’s what Schmidt named her boobs.”

The room went silent for half a beat before Bobby, Eddie, Hen and Chim all burst out laughing.

“You named her boobs Harold and Kumar?” Eddie wheezed, doubled over.

Buck leaned against the counter, wiping tears from his eyes. “This is… oh my God. Cece, I’m sorry. He’s never going to let this go.”

“I feel terrible!” Cece snapped, pacing. “I didn’t mean to,"

“Don’t you dare feel bad!” Schmidt shouted. “Every time you feel bad, it turns me on, and I cannot be turned on right now! You are too hot for my medical condition!”

Cece stopped dead. “You are the worst patient I’ve ever met.”

“Hot and cruel,” Schmidt moaned. “A lethal combination.”

Buck peeled off his turnout jacket and handed it to Cece. “Here. Put this on. Maybe if he can’t see you, he’ll calm down.”

She slipped it on gratefully, sleeves hanging past her hands. It smelled faintly of smoke, but at least it gave her cover.

Unfortunately, Schmidt immediately sat up and pointed. “Nope! Nope! That’s even hotter! That’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen! Buck, can I borrow that jacket when I get cleared to use my penis again?”

Buck’s head shot up, horrified. “Absolutely not. That’s a hard no."

Chim wheezed, collapsing against the wall. “Hard no. Oh, that’s good.”

“Not a pun!” Buck insisted, but it was too late.

Hen snorted. “It was definitely a pun.”

The entire loft dissolved into laughter again. Cece covered her face with Buck’s jacket sleeves, groaning, while Schmidt yelled, “Stop laughing! Puns are sexy! Puns are the hottest form of english literature! You’re making it worse!”

Finally, Bobby cleared his throat, trying to restore order. “Alright, let’s get him loaded up. Schmidt, you’ll be fine. Cece, maybe wait here?”

“No!” Cece argued. “I’m coming with him.”

“Too hot!” Schmidt yelped. “Your presence is like gasoline on an open flame! Stay away, my beautiful tormentor, I love you, but back off!”

Cece threw up her hands. “Fine! I’ll stay!”

Buck was laughing so hard he had to brace himself against the counter. And then, because he couldn’t help himself, he pulled out his phone. One quick angle, click. Schmidt mid wail, Cece mid glare.

“Buck!” Cece snapped. “What are you doing?”

“Making history,” Buck grinned, already opening the group chat.

He typed quickly:

Buck: Emergency medical call. Patient: Schmidt. Diagnosis: Broken penis.

[Photo attached: Schmidt screaming, Cece glaring, Buck’s turnout jacket swallowing her whole]

The replies came instantly:

Jess: WHAT?! How?? Why?? I leave you guys alone for ONE night!

Nick: LMAO. Finally. The universe heard my prayers.

Coach: Hahahaha! Best thing EVER!

Cece: BUCK DELETE THAT RIGHT NOW.

Winston: Ferguson wants to send flowers. What hospital?

Jess: Cece, did you really break it?!

Cece: IT WAS AN ACCIDENT.

Nick: Cece is a hero. Medal of Honor.

Coach: Agreed. Schmidt’s ego needed deflating.

Cece: I HATE YOU ALL.

Jess: STOP I’M CRYING.

Cece: I feel so bad, but it is funny.

Nick: Add this to the group chat banner photo.

Buck: Already done.

“NOOOO!” Schmidt howled as they wheeled him out. Buck nearly fell over laughing as his phone buzzed nonstop.

“Keep that turnout!” Schmidt cried dramatically.

"Not happening Schmidt!" Buck clapped Cece’s shoulder. “He’ll be fine.”

Cece sighed. “I know. You realize he’s going to be the biggest baby while he heals?”

“Oh, definitely,” Buck grinned. “Stay over whenever you need to escape.”

Cece laughed. “I’m definitely taking you up on that.”

As they rolled Schmidt to the ambulance, Bobby muttered, “So… more of your friends?”

“Yep,” Buck said proudly. “My very normal, totally stable friends.”

“Normal?” Hen scoffed.

Buck just shrugged. “You get used to the craziness. They’re great.”

Eddie chuckled. “They seem very entertaining.”

By the time Buck finally got off shift that evening, he was still laughing about Schmidt’s dramatic wails echoing down the hallway.

Chapter Text

The ultrasound room was quiet except for the steady thump thump thump of the baby’s heartbeat on the monitor. Jess gripped Buck’s hand so tightly he thought she might crush it, but he didn’t dare complain. His eyes were glued to the screen, to the tiny shape wriggling like it was doing somersaults inside Jess’s belly. It was the size of a banana now, and the thought made him smile. 

The doctor smiled. “Everything looks great. Strong heartbeat. Good measurements. Do you want to know the sex?”

Jess turned to Buck, her expression soft. “Do we still want to know?”

Buck swallowed. He wanted to. He wanted to so badly. But something held him back. “Can you… write it down instead? On a slip?”

The doctor nodded, printing out the image and writing it neatly on a folded piece of paper before sliding it into an envelope. “Don’t peek until you’re ready. Everything else looks great, mom and baby are both doing well. You should start showing any time now.”

Buck and Jess looked at each other and grinned. Jess was already so excited to start showing; she’d even made herself some maternity clothes.

Buck took the envelope like it was fragile glass. His chest ached. Tears blurred his vision. Jess noticed immediately.

“Buck?” she whispered.

He shook his head, voice breaking. “I just… I don’t want to do this halfway. I want my family there. All of them. Maddie, Bobby, Eddie, Hen, Chim, Athena, Karen, the kids. The 118. Nick, Schdmit, Cece, Winston and Coach. I want them all there when we open this. Do a whole thing. If I do it now, without them, it feels wrong. Like I’m cutting them out again. I want to celebrate with them.”

Jess squeezed his hand. “Then we won’t open it yet.”

He blinked at her. “You're happy to wait?”

“Of course,” Jess said simply. “This is our baby. And our people. If you want your family there, then we’ll make it happen.” She took the envelope gently from his hands, tucked it in her tote, and gave him a little smile. “We’ll put it somewhere safe. Somewhere Schmidt can’t 'accidentally' find it and style the nursery with.”

That made Buck laugh, especially knowing that since Schmidt had broken his penis and was on bed rest, he’d done nothing but order baby things online, and complain because they all had to be gender neutral for now, which according to Schmidt was 'Not good enough.'

Back at the loft, Jess marched into her new office. The desk was cluttered with fabric swatches and a sewing machine, courtesy of Buck, Cece, and Schmidt’s surprise renovation. Jess kissed the envelope once for luck, then slid it into the filing cabinet. She locked it with a tiny key and dangled the key in front of Buck.

“There. Hidden away. We’ll open it when you’re ready.”

Buck’s throat tightened. “Thank you.”

Jess smiled. “Platonic soulmates, remember? We got this.”

Later that evening, Buck sat on the couch with Winston. Ferguson was perched on Winston’s shoulder like a pirate’s parrot, glaring as Schmidt hobbled toward the kitchen in a giant cast that looked suspiciously like a diaper.

Winston cleared his throat. “So… weird question.”

Buck raised a brow. “With you, there’s no such thing.”

“Do you think Athena, the one you talk about like she’s your mom, would let me do a ride along?” Winston asked casually.

Buck blinked. “Athena? LAPD Athena?”

“The one and only,” Winston said solemnly. “I’ve been thinking… firefighting isn’t for me. But maybe police work is. I mean, I already solved the case of who ate the last bag of chips, Schmidt. And I once tackled Nick when he tried to break into the loft without keys. I have natural instincts, I'm like a cat, quick reflexes.”

Buck rubbed his face. “Oh my God.”

“Come on, Buck,” Winston pleaded. “I think I’d be a good cop. Since I came back from playing basketball, I haven’t found my thing. I think this is my thing.”

Buck sighed, already reaching for his phone. “Honestly? I think you’d make a good cop. I’ll ask her. But if she says no, I’m not responsible.”

Winston grinned as Buck dialed.

“Athena,” Buck said when she answered. "How are you?" 

"It's good to hear from you, I'm good, we were hoping you would come over for dinner soon, May wants your help with college applications. How are you?" Athena says happily. 

“Hey. Yeah I'll come over, text me the details. And I’m good, uh, listen, I’ve got a close friend who’s interested in becoming a cop. He was wondering if he could do a ride along with you, get an idea before applying to the academy.”

Silence. Then: “A close friend?” Athena’s voice dripped with suspicion.

“Yeah,” Buck said quickly. “Really close. He’s totally serious. Good guy.”

Winston whispered loudly, “Tell her I once caught a shoplifter at Target!”

Buck smacked him with a pillow. “Ignore that.”

Athena sighed. “Tell him to come to the 118 tomorrow for dinner. I’m eating there before my night shift. If he survives Hen’s questions and Chim’s sense of humor, then we’ll talk.”

Buck grinned. “Thanks, Athena. You’re the best.”

“You owe me,” Athena said, "I expect you over for dinner soon." Then she hung up.

Winston fist pumped. “Yes! Officer Bishop! Winston is on the case!”

“Do not give yourself a title,” Buck laughed. “You have to survive a night shift with Athena first.”

The next night, Winston arrived at the 118 wearing his best button down, clearly borrowed from Schmidt, given how tight it was in the shoulders. Ferguson was left behind at the loft after Buck explicitly banned 'emotional support cats' from the firehouse and the ride along. 

“Wow,” Winston whispered, looking around. “This is like Disneyland for grownups. Do you guys sell churros?”

“No,” Buck said quickly. “Don’t ask Bobby that.”

Bobby was already in the kitchen, flipping burgers with the seriousness of a man negotiating world peace.

Hen spotted Winston first. “Well, hello. Who’s this?”

Buck grinned nervously. “Everyone, this is Winston Bishop. Winston, this is Bobby Nash, Chimney Han, Hen Wilson, and Eddie Diaz.”

Chim leaned over, muttering, “Is this friend like your other friends?” Buck just smiled.

Winston waved like he was meeting royalty. “Hi! I’m Winston. I played professional basketball overseas, live with Buck’s platonic soulmate, have an adorable cat named Ferguson, I’ll show you photos later and I once stopped a store robbery.”

Buck coughed. “You accidentally stopped it. By tripping and knocking the guy down.”

“Still counts,” Winston said proudly.

Hen smirked. “I like him already.”

Eddie frowned. “Platonic soulmate?”

Buck’s ears went red. “Jess.”

“Oh.” Eddie looked away, jaw tight.

Before the awkwardness could thicken, Athena walked in. She was in uniform, radiating authority. Winston straightened so fast his back cracked.

“Athena Grant,” Winston breathed. “You’re even scarier in person than on the phone.”

Athena raised a brow. “That’s a compliment?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Winston said quickly.

Buck fought a laugh. “Athena, this is Winston. Winston, Athena.”

Athena shook his hand. “So. You want to be a cop?”

“Yes ma’am,” Winston said. “I have heightened senses, like a cat. For example, I can tell right now Chimney is hiding snacks in his pocket.”

Chim sputtered. “I, what? No I’m not!”

Hen reached over and pulled a pack of gummies from Chim’s pocket.

Winston pointed. “See?”

Athena gave Buck a long suffering look. “Good friends, huh?” buck just grinned.

Dinner was chaos. Winston quizzed Bobby about firehouse rules 'If the stove explodes, do you stop, drop, and roll or just run?', tried to arm wrestle Eddie for bonding, and asked Hen if Ferguson could have a playdate with her dog.

By dessert, Bobby was laughing, Chim was cracking jokes with Winston, Eddie was trying his best not to laugh, and Hen was plotting to adopt Winston.

Finally, Athena stood. “Alright, Winston. Time to go. Ride along awaits.”

Winston leapt up, saluting with his fork. “Yes ma’am!" He turned to Bobby "Buck’s dad, your cooking is championship level! I'm totally coming back. Nice meeting you all!” He followed Athena out, leaving Bobby, Hen, Chim, and Eddie laughing while Buck groaned.

“Buck’s dad?” Chim snorted.

Buck rubbed his hands over his face, but behind them, a smile escaped.

As they reached the door, Winston whispered to Athena, “Quick question. Does your station have a station cat?”

Athena paused. “A what?”

“A cat. For morale. If not, I have a candidate. Ferguson. He’s loyal, terrifying, and looks great in hats. Jess can even make him a little police uniform to match.”

Athena turned slowly toward Buck. “Is he serious?”

Buck buried his face in his hands. “Unfortunately… yes.”

Winston beamed. “So I’ll fill out the paperwork tomorrow, bring him by to get a feel for the station?”

“Out,” Athena ordered, ushering him through the door.

Buck watched them go, shaking his head but smiling. “Good luck, Mama Thena.”

Athena just groaned, though the smirk tugging at her mouth betrayed her amusement.

Chapter Text

Jess burst into their loft like a tornado in ballet flats. Her cardigan was half off her shoulder, her hair in a half up bun that had clearly given up halfway through, and she was clutching a manila envelope to her chest like it was the most important thing in the world.

“Buck!” she yelled, voice echoing. “Oh, Buck! Platonic soulmate of mine!”

Buck nearly dropped the screwdriver he was using on the dining table. He looked up, eyebrows shooting high in alarm. They’d just finished moving in, his old apartment keys handed over, furniture slowly getting assembled, boxes stacked and now he was tackling the dining table.

“What? What’s wrong? Is it the Baby? You okay?”

Jess froze dramatically in the doorway, then grinned so wide it was borderline alarming. “Everything is fantastic. I got the job!”

Buck’s eyes lit up. “Wait, you got it?”

She tossed the envelope onto the counter, then flung both arms up like she’d just won Olympic gold. “Adult literacy night school! Two nights a week! I will be teaching people the magic of words, Buck. The magic of words! I’m shaping adult minds. Adult. Minds.”

Buck laughed, relief washing over him. “Jess, that’s amazing. Congratulations.”

Jess bounced on her toes. “It leaves my days free for baby appointments, and for getting my business up and running. It’s perfect.”

Before Buck could reply, Nick’s head popped in from the hall. He was balancing two mugs of coffee like he was in a diner commercial. “She’s also starting casual shifts for me at the bar. Couple nights here and there. Nothing crazy. I get extra hands, she gets extra cash. Win, win.”

Jess clutched her chest. “I’m contributing! I’m a functioning adult again!”

Nick smirked, handing over the coffees. Buck’s chest tightened with warmth as he watched them, Jess radiant with excitement, Nick offering easy support. He accepted the mug, voice soft. “This is perfect. You’re going to be okay, Jess.”

Jess leaned forward, hugging him tightly. “We’re all going to be okay.”

The morning of the shopping trip, Buck had imagined chaos. What he hadn’t imagined was that Schmidt, still stuck at home in a penis cast would somehow manage to be the most involved person without even leaving the loft.

“Cece! Tilt the camera up! Higher! Higher!” Schmidt’s voice echoed from Cece’s phone.

Jess rolled her eyes as they entered Baby World, a warehouse stuffed with every stroller, crib, and gadget known to humankind. “You’re literally in a penis cast, Schmidt. Maybe sit this one out?”

“Absolutely not,” Schmidt said through the screen. He was propped on the loft couch, silk pajamas gleaming, looking like a king in exile. “This is my niece or nephew, and I’m still waiting for the official godfather offer. They deserve the best. I will not allow subpar nursery choices.”

“Schmidt,” Cece said flatly, adjusting her phone so only half his face was visible, “your penis is literally in a diaper.”

“It’s a cast,” Schmidt hissed. “A medically necessary support system that just happens to be wrapped in white fabric. It is not a diaper.”

“It looks like a diaper,” Nick muttered from behind a row of bassinets.

“SHUT UP, NICK!” Schmidt screeched through the speaker so loudly that passing shoppers turned to look.

Jess buried her face in her hands. “Why are we like this?”

Buck was already laughing, shoulders shaking. “This is my life now.”

They split into groups, though Schmidt made sure every group had 'reporting duties,' sending updates and photos back to him so he could narrow down options before Buck and Jess made official approvals. Cece held her phone up like a news anchor while Schmidt barked orders.

“Show me the stroller wheels, Cece. Zoom in! Are those rubber? I demand rubber. None of this plastic nonsense.”

“Schmidt,” Buck said patiently, “they’re rubber. Look.” He tapped the wheel.

“Good,” Schmidt sniffed. “This baby deserves smooth sidewalk glides, not bump induced trauma.”

Winston strolled over holding a baby monitor that looked more like CIA equipment. “What about this? Top of the line. Night vision. Two way audio.”

“Unnecessary,” Schmidt declared. “Jess is going to sing lullabies live in view of the baby. Why would we need a speaker?”

Jess perked up. “I do love singing lullabies.”

Cece groaned. “Why are we encouraging her?”

“Because she’s the mother of my godchild,” Schmidt shot back. “Encouragement is my love language.”

Nick, meanwhile, had stopped in front of a display of strollers, arms crossed. “Still don’t get why we can’t use the one I found by the dumpster. Worked fine.”

Jess whirled on him. “It had stains, Nick! Stains!”

“That could have easily been paint!”

“Paint does not smell like that,” Cece said, horrified.

On Cece’s screen, Schmidt leaned so close his nose practically touched the camera. “If you put that baby in a dumpster stroller, I swear I will sue you for emotional damages.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “You can’t sue me for imaginary stroller crimes.”

“I can and I will!” Schmidt thundered.

Buck sighed, rubbing his temples. “Please stop saying the words stroller and sue. They’ve officially lost all meaning.”

Two hours later, Jess and Buck had settled on essentials, crib, bottles, diapers, changing table, chest draws and a whole heap of smaller things. Jess paused at the fancy stroller display.

“I’ve got my night teaching job now, and the shifts at the bar. Once I get a paycheck, we can come back and get the stroller.”

Buck nodded. “We’ve got time. Or I can get it with my next pay. Just with all the costs lately, baby appointments, moving, upfront rent and only just getting back to work, I’ll need to wait. Don’t want to drain my account completely.” He gave a sheepish laugh.

Cece suddenly pulled a folded receipt from her purse, smirk firmly in place. “Or maybe you won’t have to worry at all.”

Jess blinked. “What?”

Buck frowned. Nick, Winston, Cece, and even Coach (who had wandered off to test toddler jump chairs like tactical gear) all shared mischievous grins.

Schmidt’s voice rang out from the phone speaker. “SURPRISE! We already bought it!”

Jess’s jaw dropped. “You WHAT?”

Buck blinked at them in shock. 

“We all chipped in, early baby shower gift,” Cece said proudly.

“The stroller car seat combo,” Winston added. “Top of the line.”

Buck froze. “You guys didn’t,”

“Oh, we did,” Schmidt said smugly, beaming from his couch throne. “I may be injured, but my godchild deserves the best. You two have had a lot of costs lately. We wanted to help.”

“Don’t,” Cece warned, eyeing Jess and Buck as they both looked ready to argue.

Jess covered her face, overwhelmed. “You guys are amazing.”

“Amazingly generous,” Schmidt corrected. “Now, Jessica Day, I expect tears. Cry delicately. For the baby album. I screenshotted your reaction.”

Jess laughed through her tears, hugging Cece, Winston, Nick, and Coach in turn. Cece shoved Buck into the circle. “You too, come on.”

Buck’s throat tightened as he wrapped his arms around them. “Thank you, guys. Really. You didn’t have to,”

“Of course we did,” Schmidt cut in. “This baby is our baby too. By proxy. Also, I’ve already registered for godfather status.”

“You can’t register for that!” Nick shouted.

“I JUST DID!” Schmidt snapped, and hung up.

“I think he really wants to be godfather,” Buck laughed.

“He’ll probably kill us if he isn’t,” Jess said, still laughing.

“Oh, he definitely would,” Cece agreed.

Back at the 4C Loft, chaos reigned. Winston assembled a cat tree in the corner of the living room like it was a religious altar, claiming 'Ferguson needs a safe space here too.' Nick battled the changing table and lost. Cece and Jess debated curtain colors. Buck crouched by the crib, tightening bolts, sneaking glances at Jess as she hummed and folded tiny onesies into the new dresser Coach had just finished putting together. His chest swelled every time.

The nursery was starting to look real. Like a promise, that everything will be okay.

That night, halfway through pizza, Buck’s phone buzzed. He glanced down, heart flipping.

Eddie: Chris wants to know if you’re free for movie night Friday. You in?

Buck: Absolutely. I’ll bring Chinese.

Eddie: Great. He’s excited. 6pm?

Buck: Perfect. Can’t wait.

When he looked up, every eye in the loft was on him.

Jess narrowed hers. “That was a smile.”

Buck groaned. “No, it wasn’t.”

“Yes, it was,” Cece said. “A crush smile.”

“Definitely a crush smile,” Nick added.

“Who’s got you grinning like a love sick teenager?” Winston asked.

“It’s just Eddie,” Buck muttered. “Movie night with him and Chris.”

Jess gasped. “So it is your crush smile. I knew it!”

“It’s not!” Buck’s ears turned red.

“It is,” Cece said flatly.

Buck buried his face in his hands. “I hate you all.”

Jess patted his arm. “You love us. Admit it.”

“…Maybe a little,” Buck muttered.

Friday night, Chris practically launched himself into Buck’s arms. “Bucky! Movie night!”

Buck grinned, holding him close. “Movie night! What’s the plan?”

“The Incredibles and Chinese!” Chris beamed.

Eddie hovered in the doorway, smiling softly. “He’s been counting down the days.”

The evening passed in easy warmth, Chinese food, laughter, Chris narrating the movie. Buck loved every second.

When Chris finally crashed, Eddie handed Buck a beer. They sat in the quiet, something heavier between them.

“So…” Eddie said casually. “Platonic soulmates?”

Buck chuckled, nerves creeping in. “Umm, about that. Been meaning to tell you something.”

Eddie shifted. “Okay?”

Buck turned to him. “Jess and I, we call each other platonic soulmates. We met through Nick at his bar. She’d just gotten cheated on, asked me to help her move past her ex, so… we slept together once. That’s all it ever was. Nothing romantic. We’re friends. Family.”

“Family?” Eddie echoed.

Buck’s eyes softened. “We’re having a baby. We moved in together. We’re going to co parent, nothing romantic. She’s actually with Nick now, the guy who glued his hand to the pipe.”

Eddie blinked, floored. “…You’re having a baby?”

“Yeah.” Buck smiled, small and sure. “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m so excited. And I think you’ll love Jess.”

Eddie’s chest ached. “…I’m really happy for you. You’re going to be a great dad. You already are...So Jess isn’t… going to be anything more?”

“Definitely not,” Buck said firmly.

Silence stretched. Buck studied him, like he wanted to ask why it mattered, but didn’t. Eddie’s gaze lingered when Buck wasn’t looking. Relief swelled so strong it almost hurt. Buck wasn’t taken. Not like that.

Finally, Eddie’s voice cracked the quiet. “Okay. Just checking.”

Buck tilted his head, lips twitching. “Okay.”

They clinked bottles, the moment charged and fragile.

Eddie let himself believe there was hope.

Chapter Text

The smell of lasagna filled the loft. Buck had decided to make Bobby's recipe, and the warmth that filled the room made everything feel safe. He pulled the dish out of the oven with the kind of concentration usually reserved for highrise rescues.

Jess, however, was spinning in circles with a wide smile on her face.

“Do I look pregnant, or do I just look like I ate three large burritos?” she demanded, tugging at her cardigan.

Buck set the dish on the counter. “You look pregnant. You’ve really popped now,” he replied with a huge grin.

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

“Really,” Buck said softer this time, smiling as he took in how her bump pressed against the fabric. She’d been waiting for this moment, when it wasn’t just a secret on a stick anymore, but something real, visible. Buck loved it. That was their baby. He found himself looking at her belly randomly and smiling.
Jess’s grin spread wide.

“I love it. That I’m showing, Buck. It’s like the baby is announcing themselves to the world. They’re waving through my stomach saying, ‘Hi! I exist!’”

Buck chuckled. “I don’t think that’s medically accurate.”

“Don’t ruin this for me,” she said, smoothing her hands over her belly. “I’m showing. It’s so exciting!”

“You definitely are. It makes it so much more real now,” Buck said, smiling like a proud father. “You’re glowing too.”

Jess laughed and placed her hands on her belly to show the bump even more. “It makes it so much more real. I’m glowing?”

Buck just gave her a massive smile. “You are. You look gorgeous, Jess.”

Jess stopped and looked at him. “Thanks, Buck. I actually needed to hear that.” She gave him a small smile, then sighed. “They’re going to kill me.” She adjusted her cardigan for the twentieth time.

Buck slid the garlic bread into the oven, then glanced at her. “They’re your parents, Jess. They love you.”

“Love is one thing,” Jess shot back, hands flapping, “finding out your daughter is pregnant by her platonic soulmate, slash firefighter roommate, slash soon to be co parent, and not by her current boyfriend, is another story. I mean, they already think my life is a disaster. I moved in with a loft full of guys I met on Craigslist. My dad loves Cece, but my mom has always thought Cece crashed her car in high school. This is just the cherry on top of the sundae of chaos.”

Buck leaned against the counter, arms folded. “I’ve cooked plenty. I’ll try to win them over, and hopefully, they will be just excited for you, for us. Plus, no one can yell during lasagna.”

Jess pointed at him like he’d just discovered fire. “That’s why you’re my soulmate. Platonic soulmate. You’re the smart one!” she corrected quickly, as if her parents were already in the room.

There was a knock at the door. Jess froze.

“Buck,” she hissed, “do I look like someone who’s got her life together?”

Buck eyed her half buttoned cardigan, she has moved the cardigan just enough to hide her growing bump, her wild hair, and socks with stars on them. “…Sure.”

She groaned and threw the door open.

“Jess!” Joan Day looked at her daughter with a smile, eyes sparkling. “You look well, a little frazzled, but glowing!”

Bob followed with a six pack in hand, smiling at the smell of Buck’s lasagna. “Smells good. Hope there’s enough. I brought beer.”

Abby walked in behind them, oversized sunglasses perched on her head despite it being evening. She clocked Buck instantly and grinned.

“Oh. My. God. Who’s this? Is this your roommate, Jess? Hello, biceps.” She eyed him up and down.

Buck blinked. “Uh… hi.”

“Abby!” Jess groaned.

Abby smirked, leaning on the counter. “What? You didn’t tell me your roommate looked like he walked off the set of next year’s firefighter calendar.”

Cece stepped through the door with a glass of wine and didn’t hesitate. “Back off, Abby. He’s in love with Eddie.”

The entire room went silent.

Buck choked. “Cece!”

Cece shrugged. “What? It’s true.”

Bob frowned. “Who’s Eddie?”

“No one!” Buck said quickly, ears red.

“Someone,” Cece laughed.

Jess smacked her forehead. “Cece!”

They gathered around the table, Buck serving generous squares of lasagna while Joan insisted on pouring everyone iced tea like they were at a country club luncheon.

Bob stabbed into his plate, then leveled his fork at Buck. “So. Evan, right?”

“Buck,” Buck corrected politely.

“Buck.” Bob leaned in. “What are your intentions with my daughter?”

Jess dropped her fork with a clatter. “Dad!”

“What?” Bob said defensively. “It’s a valid question.”

Buck cleared his throat. “Uh. Jess and I, we’re not dating. We’re friends. Platonic soulmates, actually. But I’m here for her. For everything, anything.”

Abby’s eyes lit up. “So you’re single.”

“Abby!” Joan and Jess said in unison.

“What?” Abby feigned innocence. “If he’s single, I have dibs.”

“Abby, he is literally waiting for Eddie,” Cece deadpanned.

“Eddie sounds fake,” Abby shot back.

Halfway through dinner, Jess realized she couldn’t hold it in anymore. Her fork hovered in midair.
“Okay, um… so, I have something to tell you all.”

Joan froze. “Oh God, you’re not joining the circus again, are you?”

Jess groaned. “That was one time. For one weekend show. And no. This is… different. I’m pregnant.”

Silence.

Bob’s fork clattered onto his plate. Joan’s mouth fell open. Abby blinked once, then twice.

“Oh my God,” Abby whispered dramatically. “The firefighter calendar guy knocked you up?”

Buck choked on his lasagna. “I did, but I’m not… I’m not going anywhere.”

Jess buried her face in her hands. “Yes, Buck is the father. But we aren’t together. We’re going to co parent.”

Abby leaned back, fanning herself. “Wow. This is so juicy.”

Joan snapped out of her daze. “Jessica. Sweetheart. Are you… are you ready for this?”

Jess hesitated, then glanced at Buck. He gave her a steady, encouraging nod.

“Yes,” Jess said softly. “I was freaked out at first. But Buck’s been amazing. He has come to every appointment, helped organized everything, and helped a lot with expenses. I lost my teaching job, but I got a new one, adult literacy, two nights a week. And Nick’s been giving me shifts at the bar.”

Bob blinked. “Nick?”

As if on cue, Nick leaned into the doorway, holding a six pack. “Hey! Did I hear my name?”

Jess flushed. “Uh. Mom, Dad, Abby… this is Nick. My boyfriend.”

Bob stared between Buck and Nick like he was trying to solve a word problem. “So, Buck’s the father. Nick’s the boyfriend.”

“Correct,” Jess said.

“And you’re all living together.”

“No, I live in the apartment across the hall,” Nick clarified.

Bob blinked. “…Alright then.”

Joan cleared her throat delicately. “I just worry. Financially. Babies are expensive.”

Jess nodded. “I know. But I’ve got my new job, shifts at the bar, and Buck has great insurance and a good job. We’ve talked it through. We’ll make it work, we will be more than okay.”

Buck added, “I’ll cover whatever. It’s not even a question. We help each other.”

Bob nodded slowly. “…And what do you do, Buck?”

Buck laughed, thinking of Abby’s earlier comment. “I’m actually a firefighter.”

Abby’s eyes lit up. “Oooh, I knew it! Are you sure you’re pining for Eddie?”

Buck smiled at her. “Yeah, sorry.”

Joan studied him, then smiled faintly. “Well. That’s good enough for me.”

“Me too,” Bob admitted reluctantly. “Though I reserve the right to lecture you about anything I see fit.”

Buck nodded in agreement.

Abby swirled her wine. “I, for one, think this is fantastic. It’s like a sitcom. Firefighter dad, quirky teacher mom, sarcastic bartender boyfriend, and me. Obviously I’m the star.”

Nick snorted. “You’re like the Kramer of this sitcom.”

Abby gasped. “How dare you. I am at least a Phoebe.”

“Phoebe would never hit on her sister’s baby daddy,” Cece muttered.

“Phoebe dated her sister’s stalker,” Abby shot back. “So.”

Buck buried his face in his napkin to hide a laugh.
After dinner, Joan hugged Jess tight, tears in her eyes. “I just want you to be happy, Jessica. And it looks like you are.”

Jess nodded, resting her hand on her bump. “I am. It’s crazy, but… I am.”

Bob shook Buck’s hand firmly. “Take care of her, and the baby.”

Buck’s voice was steady. “Always.”

Joan pulled Buck into a hug. “You sound like a good guy, standing by her. Don’t let Jess down.”

Buck shook his head. “Never. We’re in this together from now on. I promise.”

Joan smiled, pleased with his answer.

Nick, surprisingly, earned a handshake too. “You seem like a decent guy, but I’ll be watching you,” Bob admitted gruffly.

“I think if I hurt Jess, Buck would have my head,” Nick said with a smirk.

Bob looked between Buck and Nick. “Good. And vice versa. Got it?”

“Got it,” Buck and Nick said in unison.

When Jess’s family finally left, she collapsed on the couch with a groan.

“Well,” she sighed, “that could’ve gone worse.”

Buck sat beside her, smiling. “They’re okay with you being pregnant. And they seem to like Nick and me. That’s a win.”

Jess grinned tiredly. “Abby tried to get you into bed, though.”

“Yeah,” Buck chuckled. “But Cece saved me.”

Jess leaned back, laughing. “That she did.”

Buck glanced at her belly, warmth softening his smile. He rubbed soft circles over the bump, calming them both. “Did baby like the lasagna and the garlic bread?”

Jess beamed. “Oh yeah! Actually, is there any more?”

Buck laughed. “Yeah, I made another tray. I knew you’d want more later, so I set one aside. I’ll get you another slice.”

Jess pulled him into a hug. “You are the best.”

Chapter Text

Buck had been pacing for so long the hardwood floors might’ve worn grooves under his boots. His coffee sat forgotten on the counter, stone cold. Jess sat cross legged on the couch, sewing a little striped onesie, humming something that sounded suspiciously like the Friends theme song.

Every few seconds, she glanced up at him, her expression half amused, half curious. “Buck,” she finally said, voice sharp enough to cut through his thoughts, “if you walk one more lap, I’m calling Schmidt. And you know how much he loves interventions. He’ll show up with a powerpoint presentation and at least two handouts.”

Buck stopped, pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed. “I just… Maddie’s coming over, and there’s something I need to say to her. I’m just not sure how to tell her, or how she’ll take it.”

Jess set her sewing aside. “So practice on me. You always make me do trial runs for important conversations. I’ve done, like, so many fake job interviews with you. My turn to return the favor. Come on, sit down and let’s practice.”

He sat heavily beside her, hands fidgeting in his lap. “Okay. Fine. Jess… my parents. The Buckley's.” His face twisted just saying their name.

Jess wrinkled her nose dramatically. “The evil ice queen and her sidekick cardboard husband? Yeah, I know of them.”

Buck laughed at her description. “Yeah. Them. I don’t want them in the baby’s life. At all. Not at the birth, not at birthdays, not ever. I don’t want to introduce you to them. I don’t want them to meet our baby. They weren’t there for me. They blamed me for Daniel’s death, treated me like a problem my whole life, and they don’t deserve to be there for my kid.”

Jess blinked at him, then said matter of factly, “Okay. Then they’re out.”

“It’s not that simple,” Buck whispered. “They’ll find out eventually. They’ll try to swoop in, make it about them, and play grandparents of the year for appearances. It’s always about appearances with them. And I… I don’t want them anywhere near this.”

Jess’s face softened. “Then draw the line. You’ve survived worse. And now you’ve got me, this baby, the guys, Cece, Maddie, and your team.” She hesitated, then added, “Sort of. Whenever you’re ready to let them in. You’re not doing this alone, Buck. If they show up, the boys will be here in a heartbeat. And if it comes down to it, we’ll get Athena. From what you’ve told me, she’ll leave no room for excuses.”

Buck laughed, knowing Athena absolutely would. Before he could reply, a knock sounded at the door. Jess hopped up to answer with dramatic flair.

Maddie stood there, calm as always, a bakery bag in hand. “I brought muffins. Chocolate chip and blueberry. One of each for the mom to be and one of each for the man who looks like he hasn’t sat down in an hour.”

Jess grabbed a chocolate chip like it was life saving medicine. “You are, without a doubt, the superior Buckley.”

“Low bar,” Maddie muttered with a laugh, though she smiled as she hugged Buck.

He clung to her a little too tightly. She noticed, but didn’t comment.

They settled at the table, muffins and coffee between them.

Buck finally blurted, “Maddie, I don’t want our parents in the baby’s life. At all. I know they’re technically the baby’s grandparents, but… they’ve never been parents to me. They only ever made me feel bad about myself, and I can’t risk them hurting my kid the way they hurt me.”

Maddie studied him for a long moment, then said simply, “Okay. We’ll keep them away from you and the baby. You do whatever you think is best for you, Jess, and the little one.”

Buck blinked. “Just like that?”

“Evan, you’re not selfish. You’re protecting your baby. Protecting you and Jess. They don’t get a second chance just because they share blood. You get to build the family you want and choose who to give second or third chances to. If they don’t make the cut, that’s your choice and yours alone.” She paused. “They always treated me better than you. We both know that. So you decide what you want, and I’ll respect it.”

Jess chimed in around a mouthful of muffin. “Seriously, you’ve got enough people who will love this little one and show up for you. So, do what you want to do.”

Buck smiled, then dropped his face into his hands. “But what if the baby grows up and hates me for it? For cutting them out?”

Jess reached across the table, patting his hand. “Then you tell them the truth. That you protected them from people who didn’t deserve them. That you wanted them to feel loved, and your parents never gave you that. By then, they’ll be too busy being spoiled and adored by, like, fifty unofficial aunts and uncles to notice. And of course Maddie the official aunt, because let’s be real, Abby won’t be around much.” Jess laughed, thinking of her own messy sister.

Before Buck could answer, his phone buzzed. Then again. And again. Maddie raised a brow. “That’s your crazy friends, isn’t it?”

Buck grimaced, pulling out his phone. Jess laughed knowingly. Twenty five unread messages blinked back. He opened it.

Schmidt: I swear this penis cast is going to kill me. It’s so itchy, I want to take it off.
Cece: Don’t you dare.
Winston: Ferguson says it smells.
Nick: Ferguson also says you’re clingy. And I 100% agree.
Cece: Same.
Coach: Bro, once you get clearance, I’ll train you back into shape. You’re looking a little lanky.
Schmidt: LANKY?! How dare you! I am sculpted marble!
Jess: You are lanky.
Buck: Schmidt, distract yourself! Finish Jess’s website or something. Stop being so clingy lol.
Nick: Seriously, Buck. He’s been hanging around me like a sweaty barnacle. It’s unbearable.
Cece: What Nick said, and he’s my boyfriend!
Schmidt: I can’t do Jess’s website! We’re waiting for her to make the product samples to upload. You’re all monsters. When this cast comes off, you’ll regret mocking me.
Winston: Nah, we’ll just regret smelling you.
Buck: Guys, play nice. Also, Schmidt, take a shower. I can smell you from here.
Jess: Ferguson agrees.
Schmidt: Don’t worry, I have figured out something to do. But no one gets to know yet.
Jess: God help us!

Buck groaned. “That can’t be good.”

Jess laughed, popping the p. “Nope!” She passed her phone so Maddie could read.

Maddie shook her head, amused. “You weren’t kidding. They really are insane.”

“Family,” Jess corrected proudly. “A loud, messy, smelly, clingy, penis cast wearing family.”

When the laughter faded, Buck sobered again. He looked at Maddie, voice steadier. “So… that’s it. No Buckley's. Not in my kid’s life. Not ever.”

Maddie reached across the table, clasping his hand. “That’s the line. And I’ll support you. Always.”

Jess piled her hand on top of theirs. “Me too. Platonic soulmate pact. And sister in law pact, because you’re my sister now, Maddie. No excuses.”

Maddie’s eyes filled with tears. “I would love to have you as a sister.” She squeezed Jess’s hand, and Jess beamed.

Buck’s throat tightened. For the first time, the weight of the decision was lifted. Seeing Jess and Maddie grow closer made him believe everything would be okay. “Thanks. Both of you. I mean it.”

After Maddie left, Jess found Buck standing in the nearly finished nursery, staring at the crib. His hand rested on the rail like it was the only thing holding him up.

“You okay?” she asked softly, walking in.

He nodded, eyes wet. “Yeah. Just… thinking how different this baby’s life is going to be. They’ll have people who actually show up. They’ll never have to doubt if they are loved.”

Jess leaned against him, cardigan slipping off one shoulder, her bump pressing into his side. “And they’ll have a dad who makes extra lasagna, just in case.”

That made him laugh, shaky but real. “Jess?”

“Yeah?” she smiled at him.

“I’m so glad I accidentally knocked you up. I couldn’t think of anyone better to do this with.” He said pulling her into a hug. 

She tilted her head. “I’m glad you knocked me up too, Buck. We fit perfectly together, but I still think you’d like to go through this with Eddie.” She teased.

Buck laughed. “He’s still not interested.”

Jess just grinned, she hasn't met the guy yet. But things Buck has said Eddie has done for him, makes her think otherwise. 

They stood in the nursery, taking in the room that would soon belong to their little one. Jess’s bump was round and real now, pressing into Buck, a living reminder of everything they are building together.

The Buckley's were out. The Day's were in.

And this chaotic, loud, messy group that they call their family, is full of chaos, laughter, and unconditional love, and this is their family.

And Buck finally felt strong enough to claim it, all of it, and he was ready to do just that. 

Chapter Text

Buck had never been this nervous walking into a house he already thought of as a second home. His palms were clammy against the steering wheel as he pulled into Bobby and Athena’s driveway. Jess sat in the passenger seat, her cardigan tugged tight around her, even though her bump showed clear as day now.

“Do I look way too pregnant?” Jess asked, leaning forward to peer into the side mirror.

Buck blinked. “That’s not a thing.”

“It is definitely a thing,” Jess said. “I’m, like, officially round. Before, I looked like I’d just had a big burrito. Now I look like I swallowed a watermelon.”

“You look beautiful,” Buck said honestly. “They will love you.”

Jess softened, though she still fiddled nervously with the hem of her cardigan. “These are like your parents. You really think they will like me?”

“I know they will,” Buck said firmly, shutting off the engine. “Come on. Let’s do this.”

Athena opened the door before they could even knock twice. She was dressed casually, but her presence still carried that sharp authority that had made Buck quake in his boots the first time he had met her.

“Buck,” she greeted, pulling him into a hug. “You look good.”

Her gaze slid past him, landing squarely on Jess. Athena’s eyebrow arched, ever so slightly, as her eyes flicked down to the curve of Jess’s stomach and then back to Buck. 

Buck flushed. “Uh, hey Athena, this is Jess.”

Jess, blissfully unaware of Athena’s laser eyed analysis, beamed and stuck out her hand. “Hi! Jess Day. Nice to meet you. Thank you so much for having us. Buck has told me so much about you, Bobby, May and Harry.”

Athena shook her hand warmly. “Hi Jess, lovely to meet you, let’s go inside.” She gave Buck a look that clearly said, We’ll talk about this inside.

The moment they stepped into the kitchen, Bobby turned from where he was checking the roast. His smile widened at the sight of Buck; then confusion flickered across his face as his eyes landed on Jess, on the bump and he looked back to Buck, whose gaze was pointed everywhere but at them.

“Buck,” Bobby greeted, walking over and pulling him into a hug. Then he turned to Jess, his tone instantly gentle. “And this must be Jess. Welcome.”

Jess smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Hi, you must be Bobby, Buck talks about you all the time. Oh my gosh, that smells incredible. You cooked all this?”

“Of course,” Bobby said, with a fond glance at Buck. “He learned his lasagna from me, you know.”

Jess gasped. “So you’re the source of the life changing recipe! Honestly, I should have brought you flowers. He bulk cooks it for me! I'm obsessed.”

Bobby chuckled, though his eyes shifted to Buck again, silently asking questions. Buck gave a tiny shake of his head. Later.

The table was set beautifully, with roasted chicken, potatoes, and cornbread. May and Harry were already seated.

May immediately perked up, smiling brightly at Jess. “Hi! You must be Jess. We’ve heard a lot about you and your friends.”

Jess beamed. “All good things, I hope.”

“Mostly,” May teased.

They all settled in; conversation flowed easily, Jess chatting with May about teaching, and Jess offering to help with her college applications. Harry asking Bobby if he could have extra cornbread, Athena keeping the conversation balanced. Buck almost started to relax.

Then May, sharp eyed as always, tilted her head at Jess.

“Wait… are you, are you having a baby?”

The table went silent.

Jess’s eyes went wide, then flicked to Buck.

Buck’s chest tightened, but he forced himself to breathe. He met May’s eager eyes, then glanced at Athena and Bobby, waiting for their reaction.

“Yes,” Buck said softly. “We are.”

Harry, never one to filter, blurted, “And it's Buck’s?”

“Harry!” May scolded, mortified.

Buck nodded, his throat thick. “Yeah. It’s mine. We are having a baby."

All eyes swung to Bobby and Athena.

Athena leaned back slowly, arms folded, regarding Buck with the kind of stare that made him want to crawl under the table. Then, to his shock, her lips curved into the faintest smile.

“Well,” she said, “welcome to the family, Jess.”

Jess brightened instantly. “Oh! Thank you!”

Bobby exhaled softly, his hand resting on the table. He met Buck’s eyes. “Are you doing okay with this?”

“Yes,” Buck said firmly, surprising himself with the strength in his voice. “I want this. We both do.” He glanced at Jess, who nodded eagerly.

Bobby’s expression softened, and a smile spread across his face. “Then we’re happy for you, very happy.”

Athena added, “It’s not what I expected when I opened the door tonight, but if this is what you want, then we’ll be here. For both of you. And for that baby. Congratulations, I am very excited for both of you.”

Relief crashed over Buck so hard he had to blink back tears.

May leaned forward. “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl? Do you have names?”

Jess laughed, overwhelmed. “One question at a time! No, we don’t know the gender yet. We have the slip, but Buck wants everyone there for the reveal. And we have a bunch of names, but nothing picked.” She glanced at Buck with a smile. 

Buck smiled shyly. “I wanted to tell you guys earlier, but the lawsuit and getting things okay again, then we moved, and all the appointments, and getting things organised...it’s been pretty crazy. You both are important to me, so I wanted to tell you both, before the gender reveal party.” Bobby and Athena smiled at that.

As dinner went on the mood lifted. Jess told stories about her teaching; Bobby asked about Schmidt’s injury, which led Jess to describe the ridiculous 'penis cast.'

Athena nearly choked on her wine. “Penis cast?”

Buck groaned. “Don’t ask.”

May laughed so hard she had tears in her eyes. “Oh my God, your friends sound insane.”

Jess grinned. “Insane but loyal. Kind of like Buck.”

Bobby smiled quietly at that.

After dessert, May and Harry went to clean up, leaving Buck, Jess, Bobby, and Athena in the living room.

Buck’s nerves returned. He rubbed his palms on his jeans, then looked at them. “There’s something I need to say. It’s important.”

Athena tilted her head. Curious. “Go on.”

Buck swallowed hard. “I decided I don’t want my parents in this baby’s life. They weren’t there for me. They don’t deserve to be there for my kid. But…I want this baby to have grandparents. We have Jess's, and they’re lovely people. But Jess and I talked and we want this kid to have all the love in the world, grandparents who actually care. Ones who show up. You have both done more for me than my parents ever did. So…would you consider being that for our baby?”

His voice cracked, but he held their gaze.

Bobby’s face softened with emotion; Athena’s eyes shone. She reached over and took his hand. “Buck. Of course we will. You don’t even need to ask. We would be honoured."

Bobby nodded, his voice thick. “We would love that. I will never get that with Brooke or Robert, and that would mean everything to me, to us.”

Jess wiped at her eyes. “Oh no. Here come the pregnancy tears. Somebody hand me a napkin.”

Buck laughed wetly, relief flooding his chest. He stood and pulled Bobby into a hug.

“Thank you, Bobby, for everything. You’re going to be such a great grandfather,” Buck said, wiping a few loose tears away.

“Grandpa, I would prefer ‘Grandpa,’” Bobby corrected, voice filled with emotion. Buck nodded into his shoulder and pulled away.

He went to Athena and pulled her into a hug. “Grandma?” he asked.

“Grandma. Oh! I need to take you shopping, Jess, need to spoil my first grandbaby. You can show me what you still need,” she said, already hugging Jess.

“You don’t have to do that,” Buck protested. “Just because I want you to be the little one’s grandparents doesn’t mean you have to buy things for them.”

“Hush! I can and I will. Now answer one question, are you two together?” Athena asked quickly, glancing at Bobby.

Buck shook his head. “No. We are friends; and we live together so we can co parent. We’ll have you over soon, you can see the place and the nursery. But we aren’t together. We’re happy though. Jess is actually with the guy who glued himself to that pipe.” Buck laughed, looking at Bobby.

“So you’re the Jess he kissed? Well, I’m happy you two worked it out. So you’re happy with your arrangement?” Bobby asked.

Jess smiled and Buck nodded. “Yeah. We’ve been saying we’re platonic soulmates, and it fits perfectly for us.” Jess beamed.

Athena and Bobby laughed. “I like that. You seem to fit well together, that’s rare. I’m very happy for you both, and can’t wait to meet this little one,” Athena said, rubbing her hand on the bump. Jess smiled at her.

When they finally left that night, Jess slipped her arm through Buck’s, singing happily.

“Well,” she said, “that went better than expected. No shouting. No grilling. Just acceptance. I like them.”

Buck grinned, warmth spreading through him. He felt the weight lift, the certainty that his baby would grow up surrounded by a real, loving family.

He glanced at Jess’s bump, then back at the house they’d just left.

This was it: the family he’d chosen, the one who had chosen him back. Buck felt exactly where he belonged.

Chapter Text

The smell of garlic knots lingered faintly in the loft, mixing with the lavender scent of Jess’s latest candle obsession. Buck was baking, garlic knots this time. The baby had been craving garlic, so Buck had been making all things garlic while Jess and Chris sat cross legged on the rug, playing a round of Uno.

“Okay,” Buck muttered, pulling the last tray of knots from the oven. “I think movie night’s sorted. Pizza’s ordered, I'll pick it up soon, drinks are chilling, and Chris picked out the movies.”

“You missed one,” Jess said, not looking up from her cards.

“What?” Buck asked, confused.

“Snacks,” Jess replied. “Where are the gummy bears? This is a serious offense.”

Chris nodded solemnly. “She’s right, Buck. Movie nights need gummy bears.”

Buck groaned, dragging a hand through his hair. “You two are going to kill me, I'll grab some when I grab the pizza." That caused Jess and Chris to smile wide. 

Jess smirked and slapped down a draw four card with a flourish. “Uno!”

Chris’s jaw dropped. “That’s cheating!”

Jess gasped. “It is not! I play to win, Christopher!”

The front door opened, and Eddie stepped inside balancing a six pack of beer. His eyes landed on Jess and Chris, who were now locked in a dramatic debate over card game rules.

“Wow,” Eddie said, amused. “Didn’t realize Uno was a full contact sport.”

“Eddie!” Buck grinned. “Did you get everything sorted with Tía Pepa?”

“Yeah,” Eddie nodded. “Flat tire is fixed. Thanks for watching Chris while I ran out.”

“Anytime, you know that.” Buck smiled. Eddie smiled back.

Chris bounded over, hugging his dad tight. “We were playing Uno, and Jess cheated.”

Jess raised her hands in mock surrender. “Objection! That was a legal play.”

Eddie chuckled, studying her for the first time. She hadn’t been around when he’d dropped Chris off earlier. Jess radiated warmth and chaos, instantly inviting though. “You must be Jess,” he said, extending a hand.

Jess ignored it and pulled him into a hug instead. “None of that. You’re family. But yes, I am Jess. And you’re Eddie, the famous Eddie. Buck has told me all about you.”

“Has he now?” Eddie shot Buck a raised brow.

Buck flushed. “In a good way!”

“Jess is really fun,” Chris added proudly. “She makes up songs about everything. And she made me this cape.” He twirled to show it off.

“That’s a pretty cool cape,” Eddie said warmly. “Thanks, Jess. That was really nice of you.”

Jess beamed. “Sometimes you just need a theme song for brushing your teeth. And don’t worry, I’m making a matching cape for the baby. They’ll be superheroes together.”

Chris’s eyes lit up. “Yes! We’re going to be a team!”

Eddie laughed, shaking his head. He liked her already.

After some chatter, Buck grabbed his keys. “I’m gonna run and pick up the pizzas, and snacks. Chris, want to come with me? Little Buck and Chris adventure?”

Chris’s face lit up. “Yes! Just us! Bucky time!”

Jess and Eddie exchanged amused smiles as Chris scrambled for his jacket.

“Alright, we’ll be back,” Buck said, herding Chris out. “Don’t kill each other.”

Jess gasped. “Us? Absolutely not.”

Eddie muttered under his breath, “I would never.”

And then it was just Jess and Eddie.

Jess sat back on the rug, stretching her legs out. Eddie sat on the couch, hands uncertain. She tilted her head at him.

“You love him, don’t you?” she said suddenly, like she was commenting on the weather.

Eddie blinked so hard he thought his eyeballs might pop out. “What?”

“Buck,” Jess said simply. “You’re in love with him.”

Eddie opened his mouth, shut it, and laughed nervously. “That’s… no. I, uh, no.”

Jess smirked knowingly. “You laughed when you denied it. That’s basically a confession.”

Eddie groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re very observant, aren’t you? And very straight to the point.”

“Teacher eyes,” Jess said proudly. “I see everything. Especially when it comes to Buck. I know him better than I know my Netflix password. And you? The way you look at him? Yeah, that’s love.”

Eddie’s chest tightened. “Even if I do… what good would it do? He doesn’t feel that way. He has you, and the baby…”

Jess leaned forward, earnest now. “Eddie. Listen to me. We’re not together. We never will be. We’re co parents, friends, and platonic soulmates. That’s it. I love Buck, and he loves me, but not like that. I’m with Nick. And I’m pretty sure Buck… well, I think he’d want to be with you.”

Eddie stared down at his hands, a slight smile breaking free, but that flattened as fast as it came. “What if I tell him and he doesn’t want me? He’s my best friend. I can’t lose that.”

Jess softened. “Don’t let fear stop you. Trust me, you two would survive the risk. And if you don’t tell him, you’ll regret it every time he smiles at someone else.”

Eddie let out a shaky laugh. It was so true.

Jess nudged him playfully. “Besides, I can totally see it, growing old together, raising kids, making fun of each other at barbecues. It just fits.”

His throat tightened. “You’d really be okay with that? With me in the picture?”

Jess grinned. “Eddie, I’d love that. Chris would make the best big brother. I’d be more than happy to have you as another dad, or stepdad, or whatever you and Buck decide. The more love, the better. Buck would never get in the way of me and Nick, just like I’d never get in the way of you and him. We will always make it work.”

Overwhelmed, Eddie blinked rapidly. Jess reached over and squeezed his hand.

“Just think about it,” she said gently. “Don’t let fear stop you. Buck deserves love, and from what I can see, you’re it. You deserve to be happy too, Eddie.”

The door burst open.

“We’re back!” Buck called, juggling pizzas while Chris carried a bag of gummies like treasure.

“Pizza!” Jess cheered. Eddie helped her up from the rug. She mouthed a subtle 'Tell him'. He nodded, smiling faintly.

Buck set everything on the table. “Different toppings, pepperoni, cheese, and one with the lot.”

“Classic,” Jess said approvingly.

As they ate, laughter filled the loft. Jess got sauce on her cardigan, Chris declared Buck’s garlic knots unbeatable, and Eddie found himself watching Buck whenever he thought he wouldn’t notice. The way Buck smiled, the way he cared for Chris, the light he carried even after everything, Eddie’s heart ached.

But now it was aching with hope.

They settled in for The Incredibles. Jess curled under a blanket, Chris tucked against Buck’s side, and Eddie nursed a beer nearby. Every so often his eyes flicked toward Buck, catching the way his face softened when Chris giggled.

Jess noticed, of course. She just smiled knowingly and turned back to the movie.

By the time the credits rolled, Chris was asleep on Buck’s chest.

“I should get him home,” Eddie murmured.

Buck brushed hair from Chris’s forehead. “He had a blast.”

“Yeah,” Eddie said softly. “Me too.” His gaze lingered too long, but Jess didn’t say a word.

Later, driving home with Chris snoring in the backseat, Eddie’s mind replayed Jess’s words.

Don’t let fear stop you.

She’d been so certain. So sure Buck might feel the same.

For the first time, Eddie let himself imagine it. A future with Buck. A family with Buck.

And for the first time, it felt possible.

Chapter Text

The smell of fresh coffee lingered in Maddie’s apartment when Buck knocked on the door. He bounced on the heels of his feet, shifting the paper bag of muffins he’d picked up on the way over. He had barely slept, Jess had been on a sewing binge, showing him every new item she made. Schmidt had FaceTimed him, insisting it was absolutely necessary at one in the morning, and Winston had sent seventeen cat photos of Ferguson wearing tiny hats, asking which one would be best for the baby’s first introduction. But Buck was buzzing anyway.

The door swung open, Maddie smiling softly. “Evan. You’re early.”

“I brought muffins,” Buck announced like it was a grand offering.

“That explains the smell,” she teased, pulling him into a hug. He clung a little tighter than usual, maybe it was the baby on the way nerves, or maybe he just missed his sister.

Inside, Maddie set the muffins on the counter and poured him coffee. They settled at the table, sunlight spilling through the blinds.

“So,” Buck said, grinning. “What’s the big news? You sounded… I don’t know. Happy.”

Maddie folded her hands, eyes shining. “I am happy.” She let the pause linger just long enough to make him twitch, then said with a smile, “I’m pregnant.”

Buck nearly dropped his mug. “You’re?!” His voice cracked halfway through. “Pregnant?!”

Maddie laughed. “Yes, Evan. Pregnant.”

Buck shot up from his chair so fast it nearly fell over. “Oh my God, Maddie!” He leaned in, hugging her tight. “That’s amazing!” His eyes were wet before he even pulled back. “Maddie, our kids are gonna grow up together. They’ll be like cousins, but also built in best friends.”

She smiled at his excitement. “That was exactly what I thought when I saw the test, that you wouldn’t be alone in this.” She laughed softly. “They won’t be that far apart in age.”

Buck flopped back into his chair, still beaming. “This is perfect. They’ll play together, drive us nuts together, probably team up against us when they’re older, oh, wow. Maddie, I’m so happy for you and Chim."

Maddie laughed, wiping tears from her eyes. “I knew you would be.”

Then her face sobered. “But Evan… I need to be clear. Mom and Dad will be in my baby’s life, but they won’t know about you. Not from me. Not ever. If they’re in town, I’ll tell you beforehand so you can avoid my place. They don’t get to know about Jess, or the baby, or you, not unless you decide you want that. I also won’t invite them to any parties you and Jess come to. You first. Always.”

Buck’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Thank you. I don’t want them near my kid.”

“I know,” Maddie said softly. “And Chim will keep it quiet too. He doesn’t know about your baby yet, but I’ll make sure he doesn’t spill it. We’re in this together.”

Relief and love flooded him. “Thanks, Maddie.”

She squeezed his hand. “Always.”

That weekend, Buck found himself at Baby World Round Two, except this time, he wasn’t with the loft gang.

It was Bobby and Athena.

And Jess, practically glowing as she pulled her cardigan tighter around her bump. She was showing more every day, and she didn’t bother hiding her excitement.

Bobby, meanwhile, had a cart already piled so high it looked like he was stocking a daycare. “Okay,” he said, pulling another pack of diapers from the shelf. “Can never have too many of these.”

“Bobby,” Buck groaned, “you don’t have to,”

“Too late,” Athena cut in, dropping bottles, pacifiers, and wipes into the cart. “He’s in grandparent mode. We both are. No stopping it now.”

Jess giggled, patting Buck’s arm. “I think it’s adorable. Let them go. This is their happy time.”

Bobby sniffed. “Thank you, Jess. At least someone appreciates the effort.”

Buck opened his mouth, but Athena pointed a finger at him. “Don’t even start. You know you’re gonna need this stuff. And when you run out at three in the morning, you’ll thank us.”

Jess nodded solemnly. “Athena is right. I am not facing the wrath of a 3 a.m. diaper emergency.”

“See?” Athena said, victorious.

Buck groaned but couldn’t fight the smile tugging at his mouth. Watching Jess laugh with Athena, watching Bobby fuss with the car seat like he was inspecting firehouse equipment, something warm spread through his chest. He felt loved.

“Oh, Bobby, we have car seats for both our cars,” Buck said as Bobby continued to inspect one.

“This is for my car. Save us from pulling them in and out.” Bobby waved it off like it was common sense. Buck and Jess laughed, while Athena looked just as focused as Bobby.

They moved down another aisle. Bobby picked up a soft gray blanket, holding it between his hands. “Think this will be cozy enough?”

Jess touched the fabric, her eyes softening. “Perfect.”

Athena slipped an arm around her shoulders, squeezing. “You’re going to be a wonderful mother, Jess.”

Jess blinked rapidly, then ducked her head. “Thanks, Athena.”

Buck swallowed hard. The lump in his throat made it impossible to speak.

By the time they made it back to the loft, they had enough baby gear to supply half of L.A. Buck unlocked the door, and Jess immediately dropped onto the couch with a groan, stretching her legs out.

“Shopping should count as cardio,” she muttered.

Athena laughed, setting down bags. “Tell me about it.”

Bobby, meanwhile, was unloading bottles and blankets onto the kitchen counter. “Alright. Before you argue, let me just say thank you. Thank you for letting us be part of this.”

Buck blinked. “Bobby,"

“No, really,” Bobby said, turning to face them. His voice was steady, but his eyes were warm. “We know your family isn’t nearby, Jess, and Buck, we know your parents, well… aren’t, you know. So, Athena and I, we bought a portable crib, some supplies, and of course the car seat. If the little one ever needs to stay with us, if you need a break, or we just want a sleepover with the little ball of sunshine, the door’s open.”

Athena nodded firmly. “You’ll have a safe place with us. Always.”

Jess froze, then shot to her feet and flung herself at them both, hugging them tightly. “You guys are the best. Seriously. Thank you.” she paused "I'm going to make you some blankets." She announced happily. 

Buck hung back, emotions choking him. But when Jess finally pulled away, he stepped forward and wrapped Bobby in a tight hug. “Thank you,” he whispered, voice rough. He did the same with Athena, holding on a second longer than he meant to.

Athena rubbed his back gently. “Of course, Buck.”

Jess sniffled, laughing through her tears. “You’re stuck with us now.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Bobby said.

Athena smiled slyly. “Oh, and one more thing. May and Harry have decided they’re the baby’s aunt and uncle, seeing as Bobby and I are grandparents. So you’d better expect offers for sleepovers.”

Jess burst into laughter. “Deal. Though, fair warning, our baby might be singing lullabies about lasagna when they can talk.”

Bobby groaned. “Lasagna?”

“Buck’s specialty. Your recipe, Bobby,” Jess explained. “The baby is obsessed with that and anything garlic.”

Athena chuckled. “Smart baby. Bobby’s recipe is the best.”

Buck just shook his head, laughing.

For a moment, standing in the living room surrounded by baby supplies, Bobby and Athena at their side, Jess radiant with her bump, Buck felt it all.

Safe.
Home.
Family.

That night, when Jess waddled off to bed, Buck sat at the table staring at the ultrasound photos taped to the fridge door.

Two babies now. His and Jess’s. Maddie’s and Chim’s.

The future looked chaotic, messy, and overwhelming.

But it was full.

And Buck couldn’t wait.

Chapter Text

The call had been bad.

Not just bad, but brutal. A multi car pileup on the 105, cars stacked like dominoes, glass and metal twisted together in ways that defied physics. They’d worked for hours, pulling victims from crumpled vehicles, hearing screams cut short by silence, the thick metallic tang of blood clinging to their skin.

By the time they made it back to the station, everyone showered off the grime, sweat, and blood, then went straight to the loft to take a breath. No one had much to say. Even Chim, who usually filled silences with rambling humor was quiet as he fell into the couch. Eddie collapsed into an armchair, rubbing his face with both hands. Hen sat next to Chim, flipping her head back. Bobby went straight for the coffee pot, pouring everyone cups with grim determination.

And Buck sat in the other armchair, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor like if he blinked, he’d see the wreckage all over again. His body ached, his lungs burned, but what hurt worst was the heavy ache in his chest.

He pulled out his phone, thumb hesitating before typing into the loft group chat:

Buck: Wrecked. Need food and sleep.

He meant to toss the phone aside, let it buzz itself into silence. But the responses came so fast, it was impossible not to look.

Jess: Oh no. What happened?? Are you okay??

Nick: Dude… are you hurt?

Cece: Talk to us, Buck.

Schmidt: On a scale of 1 to 10, was it better or worse than my broken penis call?

Coach: Ignore Schmidt. You good, man?

Winston: Ferguson has stopped moving. He senses you’re not okay.

Jess: Evan Buckley, my platonic soulmate answer me!

Buck: Multi car pileup. Really bad one. We’re fine, just… drained. Took hours to get through. It was tough.

Jess: Okay. That’s it. We’re coming.

Buck: No, guys, really. You don’t have to.

Nick: Already grabbing the keys.

Cece: Don’t argue.

Coach: Pizza, soda, snacks. 

Winston: Ferguson insists on coming. He’s already in the duffel bag.

Buck: …NO. Do not bring the cat.

Jess: Too late! Winston’s out the door.

Buck: Bobby will kill me. And you.

Schmidt: Can I come with my penis cast?

Nick: You don’t have a choice, Schmidt. It’s attached to you.

Cece: He’s unbearable.

Winston: Ferguson says he still smells.

Schmidt: I DO NOT SMELL.

Jess: Buck, we’re on our way.

Buck groaned, dragging a hand down his face. Eddie wandered past with two water bottles, passing one to him with a raised brow.

“What’s wrong?” Eddie asked curiously.

“They’re coming,” Buck muttered.

“Who’s coming?” Eddie asked curiously.

Buck sighed. “You’ll see.”

Forty minutes later, the smell of pizza spread into the firehouse. The faint scuff of sneakers echoed in the hall. And then… singing.

Off key. Loud. Dramatic.

“When firefighters have it tough, we’ve got your pizza, soda, and snacks!!”

Jess.

Every head in the common room snapped toward the door.

There she was, balancing two pizza boxes, cardigan slipping off her shoulder, baby bump proudly leading the way. Behind her trailed Winston with a suspiciously lumpy duffel bag, Cece with napkins stuffed under one arm, paper cups and plates in hand, Coach carrying a crate of snacks and sodas, Nick balancing more pizzas, and Schmidt… dramatically pointing to his casted crotch like it was a medal of honor.

Buck blinked, too stunned to move.

“Delivery!” Jess sang, thrusting the pizzas aloft like a trophy.

Hen froze halfway through a sip of water. “What the hell…”

“Emergency delivery!” Jess beamed.

Chim’s brows shot up. “Did you just bring… pizza? To a firehouse?”

“Damn right,” Nick said. “Buck said you had a rough one. Food heals all.”

“What," Bobby started, but trailed off when Winston’s duffel bag wiggled.

The zipper burst open. Out popped Ferguson, blinking serenely like a conquering emperor.

“Oh, for the love of," Eddie muttered.

“Surprise!” Winston declared, scooping the cat into his arms. “Station 118 now has a mascot.”

The room fell into stunned silence.

Then Ferguson jumped down, trotted to the dispatch desk, and promptly sat on the keyboard.

The screen beeped angrily.

“Winston,” Bobby said flatly, “we don’t do cats.”

“But Ferguson is special,” Winston insisted. “He senses trauma. Basically therapy on four legs. Emotional support cat at your service.”

The cat chose that moment to leap onto Bobby’s paperwork, pawing through incident reports and knocking over his mug of coffee.

Hen whipped out her phone, recording. “Oh, this is gold.”

“Get him off the desk!” Bobby yelled, lunging. Ferguson batted his hand away with regal disdain and darted across the table.

Cece shrieked. Schmidt clutched his cast like Ferguson might mistake it for a scratching post.

Buck barked out a laugh, the first sound of happiness since the call. “Winston, seriously?”

“What?” Winston spread his hands, unapologetic. “Every great firehouse needs a station cat.”

“Absolutely not,” Bobby repeated, but his voice lacked bite.

Hen was cackling behind her camera. “Oh, Bobby, you’re going viral tonight.”

Chim doubled over laughing.

Meanwhile, Eddie leaned back in his chair, watching Buck laugh with his ridiculous, chaotic, pizza wielding friends. Buck looked lighter. At ease. For the first time all night, Eddie saw the weight lift from his shoulders.

And somehow, Eddie couldn’t even be mad about the cat pawing at their paperwork.

Pizza boxes exploded across the table like confetti. Jess immediately claimed the garlic bread, Coach popped open sodas, sliding cans toward Hen and Chim. Cece stacked napkins neatly, while Schmidt dropped his and declared, “The penis cast ruins everything!”

“So,” Hen asked slowly, eyes twinkling, “how is the penis cast?”

Schmidt lit up. “Thank you for asking! It’s itchy, humiliating, and according to certain liars, it smells.”

“Because it DOES,” Winston shot back.

Nick groaned. “He’s been following me around like a sweaty barnacle. I’m losing my mind.”

“I am a wounded warrior!” Schmidt cried. “A Greek god tragically encased in plaster!”

“You’re clingy. And gross,” Cece said without looking up.

Hen wheezed, sliding down in her chair. “Oh my God, this is better than TV.”

Buck buried his face in his hands, laughing. “Why are you like this?”

Schmidt pointed dramatically. “Because you invited us into your life, Evan Buckley. You knew what you were getting into.”

Laughter rolled through the firehouse, the weight of the day finally cracking open.

It was Chim who noticed Jess’s bump first. His grin faltered. “Wait… Jess. Are you…?”

Hen’s jaw dropped. “Jess. Are you pregnant?”

Jess smiled, resting a hand on her belly. “Yep.”

Both their heads swiveled toward Buck.

He flushed. “Yeah. I’m going to be a dad.”

Silence.

Then Hen squealed so loudly everyone jumped, crushing Buck in a hug. “Oh my God, Buck! That’s amazing!”

Chim grinned ear to ear. “No way. Maddie’s pregnant too. Our kids will grow up together!”

Buck’s throat tightened. “Yeah. They will.”

Jess laughed through watery eyes. “This baby’s going to have so many aunts and uncles.”

Hen grabbed her hand. “Count on it.”

At the end of the table, Bobby’s expression softened with something like pride. Eddie didn’t say much, just kept his eyes on Buck, smiling faintly.

The laughter softened, the room quieting. Buck looked around, at Jess glowing, at Hen and Chim beaming, at Bobby’s quiet pride, at Eddie’s steady smile. His worlds joining and mixing together.

This was family.

Of course, Ferguson chose that moment to climb onto Bobby’s shoulder like a pirate’s parrot.

“Winston,” Bobby deadpanned, “remove the cat.”

“Not until you admit he’s part of the team.”

Bobby sighed, long suffering. “We don’t do cats.”

The room erupted in laughter.

They ate. They laughed. Schmidt gave an overdramatic speech about sacrifice 'Do you know what it means to be denied certain pleasures for eight weeks?' until Cece shoved a breadstick in his mouth. Winston toasted with a soda can: 

To family, both blood and chosen.

Nick leaned across the table, smirking. “Buck, you realize you’re officially the glue now, right? Without you, we’re just a chaotic loft. With you, we’re a chaotic loft and a firehouse.”

Buck groaned, but couldn’t stop smiling.

Jess rested her head against his shoulder, bump pressing into his side. “Family,” she said softly.

And right now, Buck didn’t feel the need to argue.

By the time the loft gang packed up, the firehouse smelled like pizza and garlic bread, the tension of the call washed away in laughter and chaos.

Winston carried Ferguson out in his duffel like royalty, the cat’s head poking out as he surveyed his subjects.

“See?” Winston said smugly. “Born to be a station cat.”

Bobby pinched the bridge of his nose. “Not happening.”

But when Buck caught his captain’s eye, Bobby’s mouth twitched into the faintest of smiles.

And Eddie just stood back, watching Buck glow in the middle of it all.

Surrounded. Loved.

Maybe it wasn’t traditional. Maybe it wasn’t neat.

But it was family.

And it was theirs.

Chapter Text

[New Group Chat Created]

Schmidt has created 'Baby BBQ – Do NOT tell Buck and Jess that means you sweat back Nick'

Schmidt added Nick, Winston, Coach, Cece, Bobby, Athena, Maddie, Chim, Eddie, Karen, Hen

Schmidt: Ladies and gentlemen (and Nick), welcome to the official planning committee for the surprise Baby Shower + Gender Reveal. It’s going to be epic!

Maddie: Great Idea Schdmit!

Bobby: Agreed, Very nice idea. - Bobby Nash

Nick: Wow. The hurt from the group chat name.

Cece: He’s not wrong, you can’t keep a secret.

Schmidt: You will sweat like a marathon runner the second Buck or Jess looks at you.

Winston: You. Really. Will. 

Coach: If you ever want a secret exposed, you tell Sweatback Nick.

Athena: That name is ridiculous.

Schmidt: It’s GREAT.

Hen: Schmidt, change the name. It’s too long.

Schmidt: Fine. BUT only because I’m an epic leader.

Schmidt has renamed the chat: 'Baby BBQ – Do NOT tell Buck and Jess'

Nick: Much better. Feeling less attacked.

Cece: Still not great name, though.

Maddie: Buck is going to lose it.

Athena: He’ll love it.

Bobby: We’ll make sure of it. – Bobby Nash.

Schmidt: Okay. Down to business. I, Schmidt, Organizer Extraordinaire, will delegate tasks. A great event lives or dies on planning.

Nick: Already bored.

Cece: You’re in charge of alcohol.

Nick: …well, I do run a bar, so yeah. Fine.

Eddie: If Nick’s handling alcohol, I’ll grab the non alcoholic drinks. Sodas, juices, sparkling water. For the non drinkers and, you know, children.

Nick: Who the hell doesn’t drink?!

Maddie: Pregnant women, like me and Jess.

Nick: Oh right! But Midori is weak, pregnant women can drink that.

Hen: That’s… not how it works.

Nick: I am a bartender. I would know.

Hen: Please tell me you don’t actually give that advice.

Nick: I will not confirm or deny.

Bobby: I also don’t drink, for other reasons. – Bobby Nash.

Nick: Understood Bobby. And fine, Eddie will bring the boring drinks. The rest of you better drink with me.

Athena: We don’t do peer pressure here, Nick.

Nick: Not peer pressure. Friendship encouragement.

Karen: Hen and I will do desserts, including the reveal cake.

Hen: I’ve got a cake guy.

Cece: I’ll steal the gender slip.

Athena: You really shouldn’t announce theft to a cop.

Cece: It’s for the greater good. Jess definitely hid it in her filing cabinet, and I know she keeps the key in her jewelry box. I’ll grab it and hand it to Hen and Karen. We won’t peek.

Hen: Definitely won’t look.

Schmidt: Better not.

Bobby: Athena and I will host. Backyard BBQ. We’ll handle the main food. - Bobby Nash

Athena: Winston, come early, help us set up. Then I’ll look over that police academy application you mentioned with you.

Winston: Thank you! That will be great! Coach will come too, and we’ll bring Cece’s decorations.

Coach: We’ll make it sparkle.

Winston: Ferguson will oversee setup.

Athena: You are NOT bringing the cat.

Winston: Ferguson already RSVP’d yes.

Hen: You’re all insane.

Chim: What’s up, guys??

Hen: NO.

Athena: Absolutely not.

Maddie: Sorry Chim, you’re banned.

Nick: Why??

Bobby: Because Chim cannot keep a secret. – Bobby Nash.

Eddie: He’s worse than you, Nick.

Chim: HEY.

Schmidt has renamed the chat: 'Baby BBQ – Do NOT tell Buck and Jess that means you sweat back Nick & can’t hold a secret Chim!'

Chim: RUDE.

Nick: Right?!

Maddie: Accurate.

Chim: Still rude.

Nick: We stand together! Right, Chim?

Chim: United front!

Schmidt: Roles recap:

• Cece: Slip + decorations

• Hen & Karen: Cake + desserts

• Nick: Alcohol

• Eddie: Non-alcoholic drinks

• Bobby & Athena: Host + food

• Winston & Coach: Setup

• Maddie & Chim: Snacks

• Schmidt: Visionary Mastermind

Cece: That covers it all.

Athena: Major things, yes.

Winston: Circling back on Ferguson.

Athena: NO.

Maddie: Jess is going to cry.

Hen: Happy tears.

Eddie: Definitely happy tears.

Nick: Nope. Ugly cry. Red blotchy face, she will sing cry.

Bobby: Buck will be speechless and will be shocked someone will do this for him. - Bobby Nash

Eddie: 100% agree.

Chim: Random side question, how’s your penis healing, Schmidt?

Nick: CHIM.

Coach: No.

Schmidt: Thank you for your concern, Chimney. It’s itchy, uncomfortable, and Cece is cruel.

Cece: Because you complain constantly.

Winston: Ferguson says it still smells.

Nick: Cat’s not wrong.

Schmidt: Monsters. All of you.

Bobby: Anyway, next Saturday. That way we’ve got 48 off. – Bobby Nash. (Everyone gave a thumbs up)

Athena: Winston, if that cat shows up, I swear. 

Hen: Mama Thena tone unlocked.

Winston: Ferguson will win her over.

Nick: Believe it or not he’s a good cat.

Athena: NO CAT.

Maddie: Buck’s going to feel so loved. They both are.

Karen: That’s the point.

Eddie: Yeah. He deserves it.

Cece: Aw, Eddie’s being sentimental.

Nick: He’s blushing through the screen.

Eddie: I hate you all.

Chim: What if I accidentally tell him?

Hen: You WILL.

Athena: Which is why you two are grounded until party day.

Cece: We need a code word if they’re about to break.

Nick: Pineapple. Always pineapple.

Winston: Yes. Pineapple.

Schmidt: No. Something classy. Like Château Margaux.

Coach: What even is that?

Cece: Wine. He’s unbearable.

Nick: Pineapple wins.

Schmidt: Fine. But I’m pronouncing it puh-NYAH-plé.

Hen: Please don’t.

Athena: Alright. I think we have everything covered.

Winston: Karaoke machine?

Chim: Winston, we just became best friends.

Nick: Beer pong.

Coach: Baby beer pong! Instead of red cups, we use baby bottles! 

Hen: Children. All of you.

Karen: Let’s keep it simple.

Athena: Agreed.

Bobby: Simple. Relaxing. – Bobby Nash.

Maddie: Relaxing sounds nice. 

Cece: It does.

Nick: If Buck ugly cries, I’m taking pics.

Schmidt: Same. For the album.

Athena: This is going to be chaos.

Bobby: Agreed. We will have some house rules. – Bobby Nash.

Winston: Rule #1: Ferguson wears a bow tie.

Athena: NO CAT.

Chim: He’s bringing the cat.

Nick: Betting $20 he shows up and in a bow tie.

Schmidt: Make it $40. 

Eddie: I’m in. 

Hen: I’m filming. This will become a viral video.

[Pinned Message by Schmidt]

• Baby BBQ – Next Saturday @ Grant-Nash Backyard.

• Do NOT tell Buck or Jess.

• Nick & Chim = scream 'Pineapple' if you’re about to spill.

• Schmidt = visionary genius.

• Ferguson = banned (but probably sneaks in).

Karen: This is going to be a disaster.

Eddie: You have no idea.

Chapter Text

The station had settled into that rare, quiet between calls. Chim was fiddling with the coffee machine, Hen sat with her tablet half reading, half judging, and Eddie leaned back in his chair with a water bottle dangling from his hand, eyes resting. Buck, as usual, was bent over a notepad, scribbling lists.

“Ice cream,” he muttered “garlic, baby monitor, and more lasagna sheets.”

Bobby walked past, caught sight of the page, and smiled faintly. “You’re going to need a bigger notepad.”

Buck chuckled, a little sheepish. “Feels like every day I think of five more things Jess and I need.”

Bobby set his coffee down, pulling out a chair to sit across from him. His voice carried that calm warmth he always had when it was just him and Buck. “Speaking of you and Jess… Athena and I were hoping you’d come over for lunch Saturday. Both of you. Nothing fancy, just a family lunch. We haven’t had you over in a while.”

Buck blinked, then grinned. “Really?”

“Really,” Bobby confirmed. “Athena’s already planning the menu.”

Hen peeked up from her tablet, smirking. “Translation, she’s making sure Bobby doesn’t turn it into one of his five course feasts.”

Bobby raised his brows but didn’t deny it.

Buck’s smile softened, that familiar warmth creeping in. “Yeah. We’d love that. I know Jess will be excited too. She’s… she’s been wanting to know you guys better.”

Bobby smiled "See you both Saturday, about 1pm?"

Buck nodded, still smiling to himself, like the invite meant more than words could say.

Later that night at the loft, Jess was curled on the couch, belly bump visible under her striped cardigan, singing softly while she attempted to knit something vaguely hat shaped. She looked up when Buck came in, his grin still plastered on.

“You’re smiling,” Jess accused. “What happened? Did Schmidt finally stop talking about his penis cast?”

Buck laughed and dropped onto the couch beside her. “Nope. Better. Bobby and Athena invited us for lunch Saturday. Just us, at their house.”

Jess gasped, “Really? That sounds great!”

He shrugged, but his smile was soft. “It’s just lunch. But… yeah. It feels good. Normal. Like they actually want us there.”

Jess leaned her head on his shoulder, knitting forgotten. “Well, I’m in. Lunch with Bobby and Athena? Count me and the bump in.”

Buck chuckled, squeezing her shoulder. “Then it’s a date. Saturday, family lunch.”

Jess beamed. “I can’t wait.”

Saturday morning at the Grant Nash house started calm.

Bobby had coffee in one hand, spatula in the other, flipping pancakes with the precision of a man who’d once run a star kitchen. Athena sat at the table, scrolling through her phone with her reading glasses perched low on her nose, half keeping an eye on him. The house smelled like butter and syrup, the kind of morning that whispered normalcy.

And then the doorbell rang.

Athena sighed. “And here comes chaos.”

Winston burst in like he lived there, hauling a box of streamers and balloons under one arm and a cat carrier under the other. “Sup, Captain Dad and Officer Mom!”

Bobby pinched the bridge of his nose. “Don’t call me that.”

Athena’s eyes narrowed immediately at the carrier. “Winston. Please tell me you did not,”

The zipper wriggled. A faint meow came from inside.

“...bring that cat into my house.”

Winston grinned sheepishly, clutching the carrier tighter. “Ferguson insisted. He’s part of the family. He wanted to supervise.” he pouted "I can't leave him home alone."

Athena shot Bobby a look that said if he lets that cat out, I’m moving out. Bobby just muttered, “No cats in the house, Winston. Outside only, it's completely enclosed."

“Deal,” Winston said cheerfully, like he hadn’t just smuggled contraband into their house.

Behind him, Coach carried in folding tables under both arms, setting them down with a grunt. “We’re early. Told Schmidt we’d beat him here because he’s useless with his cast.”

“This is going to be a day,” Athena deadpanned.

Winston laughed so hard he almost dropped the carrier.

By midmorning, the backyard was a battlefield of crepe paper, half inflated balloons, folding chairs, and Winston arguing with a balloon pump.

“This thing’s defective!” he shouted, red in the face.

“It’s not defective,” Coach said calmly. “You’re using it wrong.” He plucked it out of Winston’s hands, inflated a balloon in two pumps, and tied it neatly.

Winston gawked. “Show off.”

Athena emerged with a stack of decorations Cece had dropped off earlier, streamers, a banner that said WELCOME BABY BUCKDAY! in glitter letters, and enough pastel tablecloths to smother a football field.

“Who signed off on the glitter?” Athena asked, glaring at the sparkles now coating her hands.

“Schmidt,” Winston said proudly. “He said it was ‘aesthetic.’”

Athena muttered something unrepeatable.

Soon, cars started pulling up one by one.

Nick arrived, arms loaded with clinking bottles. “I brought the booze!” He set them on the counter and immediately cracked one open.

Bobby raised a brow. “It’s ten a.m.”

“Breakfast beer,” Nick replied with a shrug. “Don’t judge me.”

Athena walked over and poured herself a wine, Bobby gave her a look. 

"Do you expect to host sober?" She questioned in her 'don't mess with me' look. 

"Athena, it's official! You are my drinking buddy today." Nick says happily, Athena gave him a look. Nick smirked and walked off with his beer. 

Eddie showed up next with Chris, carrying bags of soda and juice. “Non alcoholic options, as promised.” Chris ran straight into the backyard, immediately asking if he could help inflate balloons. Winston handed him one and cheered like he’d found a prodigy.

Then Maddie and Chim arrived, Maddie balancing a tray of muffins while Chim carried three grocery bags of chips, dips, and snacks. “We come bearing carbs!” Chim announced proudly.

Karen and Hen followed close behind, Hen carefully balancing a bakery box with the all important gender reveal cake. “Do not drop this,” she told Hen like it was a bomb.

“I’m not dropping it,” Hen said, exasperated. “You’re the one wobbling.”

“I’m steady!” Karen shot back.

Athena clapped her hands. “Everyone outside. Now. Set up before Buck and Jess get here.”.

Bobby cleaned the grill, with absolute focus, trying to ignore Nick yelling about needing a “signature cocktail station.” Winston dangled streamers from the trees, only to fall off a chair and land flat on his back. Chris fell into giggles while Coach hauled Winston back up by the scruff of his shirt.

Ferguson started to run around in a tiny bow tie, hopping onto a chair like royalty.

“Tada!” Winston announced. “Station cat AND party cat. He’s versatile.”

Bobby closed his eyes, muttering a prayer. Athena put her hands on her hips. “He better not break anything.”

“He is a very good boy,” Winston stated. Ferguson meowed on cue. “He is the life of the party.”

Chris cheered. “He’s so cute!"

Athena groaned. “He better not scratch my outside sofa.”

“He wont!” Winston smiled, like he just won a prize, Ferguson now riding his shoulder like a parrot.

Once the streamers were mostly hung and the banner was only slightly crooked, Winston slipped over to Athena with his application. He was uncharacteristically quiet.

“So, uh… about that police academy application…” He handed her the application like it weighed 100 pounds.

Athena raised a brow. “You actually brought it?”

“You promised you’d look at it,” Winston said defensively, shifting on his feet. “I need a second opinion. And, you know, maybe a third and fourth because I think I screwed it up.”

Athena smiled, and took the application. “Sit down, you're making me nervous."

They sat at the table, Winston bouncing his leg nervously while she scanned the application. After a moment, Athena glanced up. “First of all, your handwriting looks like a toddler let loose with crayons.”

“It’s artistic!” Winston protested.

“It’s illegible,” Coach called from across the yard without looking up from the balloon arch.

Athena smirked. “Exactly. If the recruiter can’t read your last name, you’re not getting in.” She grabbed a pen and started making notes in the margins. “Second, you don’t need to list ‘cat whisperer’ under special skills.”

Winston groaned. “But it’s true!”

“Doesn’t matter,” Athena said firmly. “List teamwork, leadership, problem solving. Not… cat whispering.”

Winston slumped, then perked up. “What about karaoke champion?”

“No,” Athena deadpanned.

Bobby passed by with a tray of burger patties. “Athena, don’t crush the boy’s spirit.”

“I’m not,” she said, scribbling. “I’m saving his application from being used as a coaster.”

Despite himself, Winston grinned. “Okay, fair.”

Athena softened, leaning back. “Look, Winston. You’ve got heart. That’s half the job right there. You show up for your people, even if it’s in weird ways. You did good on the ride along. If you take this as seriously as you take protecting Ferguson, you’ll make a damn good cop.”

Winston blinked rapidly, genuinely moved. “Wow. That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

Athena chuckled, sliding the application back to him. “Fix your handwriting, drop the nonsense, and you’ll be fine. And when you get in, remember. Do not bring the cat to the academy.”

“No promises,” Winston said, clutching the folder like it was holy. “Thanks, Athena. Really.”

She gave him a rare smile. “Take it seriously.”

By the time Schmidt finally arrived late, wearing sunglasses, and gesturing dramatically at his still casted crotch, the backyard looked like a pastel explosion. Tables were covered, and the cake sat safely hidden under a cover in the kitchen.

“Fashionably late,” Schmidt declared. “You’re welcome.”

“You’re useless,” Cece snapped, sweeping past him with another bag of decorations.

“Love you too, babe,” Schmidt called after her.

Inside, Athena peeked at the clock. “Alright, people. They’ll be here any minute. Get ready.”

Everyone scrambled into place. Winston with Ferguson perched like a furry centerpiece, Nick shoving a beer into Eddie's hand, and Hen whispering to Chim that this is going to be fun.

The Grant Nash backyard was ready.

Now all that was left was Buck and Jess.

Chapter Text

The Grant Nash backyard was pure chaos disguised as decoration. Balloons were half floating, half tangled in trees. A banner sagged at one end because Winston had insisted duct tape was a legitimate party tool. Schmidt, despite his penis cast, had demanded final say on the table layout and was bossing Nick around like an unpaid intern.

“Nick, the chips do not belong there,” Schmidt scolded, hands on his hips. “We are not savages.”

Nick shoved a chip in his mouth. “Maybe, I want the setup to be like that.”

“It has to be perfect, this is not,” Schmidt says annoyed, moving things around. 

Cece rolled her eyes. “Oh my God, they’re here, stop arguing.”

Everyone scattered into places like kids caught doing something bad. Hen elbowed Chim in the ribs when he tried to sneak a taste of the cake, Maddie hissed for silence, and Winston attempted to shush Ferguson, who was already pawing at the tablecloth.

The doorbell rang.

Athena smoothed her blouse, gave everyone a look that promised death if they ruined the surprise, and opened the door.

Buck and Jess stood there.

Jess, cardigan sliding off one shoulder, baby bump leading the way, holding a bouquet like she was trying to be polite. Buck, clean shaven and nervous in that 'please don’t let me ruin this dinner way.'

“Hey,” Buck greeted with his bright, nervous smile. “Thanks for inviting us.”

Athena took one look at Jess’s bump, then flicked her gaze to Buck. Her eyebrow arched like it had been rehearsed. She said nothing, just stepped back with a small smile. “Come in.”

They stepped inside, and immediately froze.

“SURPRISE!”

The backyard doors flew open and chaos erupted. Hen blew a party horn directly in Chim’s ear, Winston threw confetti that immediately tangled in Buck’s hair, and Schmidt shouted “BABY BBQ!” like he’d just discovered fire.

Jess’s jaw dropped. Then her eyes filled with tears so fast she pressed a hand to her mouth.

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “Oh… my God.”

Buck’s mouth fell open. Closed. Opened again. He looked like someone had pulled the rug out from under him, but in the best way.

“What is this?” he finally choked out.

Schmidt strutted forward like a game show host. “This, Evan Buckley, is the most perfectly curated baby shower slash gender reveal slash barbecue extravaganza Los Angeles has ever seen.”

“Translation,” Chim said around a mouthful of chips, “we love you guys, so… surprise.”

Jess let out a watery laugh, tears spilling freely now. “You guys, this is insane. You did all this for us?”

“For you guys, our family,” Hen said simply, pulling her into a hug.

Buck blinked rapidly, eyes shining. “I don’t… I don’t know why you’d do this for me.”

Athena stepped forward then, her voice soft but firm. “Because you deserve it. You both do. And that little one deserves to be celebrated.”

Jess sniffled, clutching Buck’s arm. “We really don’t have words.” she paused "Wait, how do you know the gender?" Buck and Jess looked confused. 

Cece laughed "I'm your best friend Jess, I know your hiding places. I didn't look." Jess and Buck laughed at that. 

“We are glad you don't have words,” Bobby said dryly, flipping a burger at the grill. “Then you can eat instead of trying to make a speech.”

Winston raised his beer bottle like a toast. “To family!”

“Winston,” Cece groaned, “stop quoting Fast and Furious.”

“Never,” Winston declared.

Ferguson meowed dramatically from the side, as if seconding the toast.

Buck laughed, really laughed and raked confetti out of his hair. Jess wiped her cheeks, still grinning through tears. “Okay, but seriously… this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”

“Same,” Buck admitted, voice quiet, raw. “You guys… you’re everything.”

Cece huffed, tossing him a napkin. “Don’t go ugly crying, Fireboy. We still need photos.”

“Already filming,” Hen said, phone raised.

The group dissolved into laughter, but beneath it all, Jess and Buck stood in the center of it, speechless, overwhelmed, and more loved than they’d ever felt in their lives.

Bobby turned into a grill sergeant, barking orders like, “Don’t touch the patties until they’re ready, Chim!” Schmidt complained about “too much ketchup, not enough aesthetic,” and Nick ate three burgers before anyone noticed.

Jess waddled between tables like the star of the show, with Athena attached to her side and May rapid firing baby name suggestions.

Meanwhile, Buck tried to absorb everything, the food, the decorations, the laughter and felt something in his chest crack wide open.

This wasn’t just a party.

It was proof.

That he belonged.

That they both did.

After burgers, snacks, and Schmidt’s unsolicited speech about 'celebrating the miracle of life while tragically encased in plaster,' everyone gathered near the big backyard table.

Hen cleared her throat, standing proudly beside the gorgeous two tier cake decorated with tiny fondant fire trucks, and a teacher teaching new trainees and pastel blue and pink balloons.

“Alright, everyone, gather around! Time to find out if Buck’s and Jess's tiny human is going to wear more blue or pink onesies.”

Jess covered her mouth, laughing through tears. “You guys really didn’t have to, ”

Cece waved her off. “Shush, we absolutely did.”

Bobby clapped his hands once. “Alright, let’s do this before Winston’s cat jumps on the cake again.”

“I told you, he was sniffing it, making sure it was safe!” Winston protested, clutching Ferguson protectively.

Athena shot him a look. “He was sniffing the frosting.”

Winston shrugged. “The frosting could have been poisoned.”

The group roared with laughter, but quieted when Buck and Jess stood shoulder to shoulder in front of the cake. Buck’s hand found Jess’s, fingers threading easily. Her bump pressed against his side; they were both beaming.

Hen handed Buck the knife, grinning. “You ready, Dad?”

He swallowed hard, emotion welling up in his throat. “I think so.”

Jess squeezed his hand. “Let’s do this.”

“Count of three!” Schmidt declared, dramatically raising his hand. “One! two! three!”

The knife slid through frosting, the room holding its collective breath, then came a flash of pastel pink.

The crowd exploded.

“IT’S A GIRL!” Hen shouted, waving a napkin like a flag.

Jess gasped, then burst into tears again. “Oh my God! A girl! We’re having a girl!”

Buck froze for half a second, staring down at the cake like his brain needed to buffer. Then he laughed, a laugh so pure it cracked through the air. “A girl! I’m...Jess, we’re, oh my God.”

He hugged her so tightly she squeaked, then started laughing too. “We’re gonna have a little girl!”

Everyone cheered. Schmidt’s confetti popper went off too early and hit Nick in the face. Cece screamed because Ferguson decided now was the perfect time to leap onto the table and plant himself in the middle of the table.

“Ferguson!” Athena barked, half amused, half exasperated.

“Let him have his moment,” Winston said solemnly. “He’s very emotional.”

Maddie was crying. Hen was crying. Chim was definitely crying, though pretending he had smoke in his eye. Bobby clapped Buck’s shoulder, eyes misty. “You’re gonna be a great dad, kid.”

Buck could barely answer past the lump in his throat. “Thanks, Cap.”

Then May piped up, camera out. “Name? Do you guys know the name yet?”

Jess sniffled and smiled. “We do.”

Buck nodded. “But we’re keeping it secret for now.”

The group booed playfully.

Cece shouted, “Rigged!”

Nick groaned, “At least tell us if it’s cool or like, aggressively boring.”

Jess smirked. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

And then, because chaos has perfect timing, Chris’s voice broke through the noise.

“Yes!” he shouted, pumping his fist. “I have a little sister!”

The entire yard went dead silent.

Every single head turned toward him. Then to Buck. Then to Eddie.

Buck blinked. Eddie blinked.

Jess tried and failed to stifle a laugh. “Okay, before anyone gets confused, I may have told Chris he could be a big brother if his dad and Buck were cool with that.”

Eddie rubbed his neck, eyes darting between Buck and Chris. “Wait, you what?”

Chris looked entirely unfazed. “You said I could be a big brother when Dad and Buck get together, because it will be permanent. So since you said yes, that means you’re together now.”

Buck choked on his drink. Eddie’s eyes went wide.

“We’re not, uh...Chris,”

But before Eddie could even finish the sentence, Nick yelled from the back, “Oh my God, just get over this secret pining and kiss already!”

“Agreed!” Winston added, holding Ferguson aloft like Simba. “It’s getting painful to watch!”

Hen was laughing so hard she nearly dropped her phone. “Oh, I’m recording this.”

Athena crossed her arms, smirking. “You two really have been dragging this out.”

Jess leaned over, teasing, “You guys might as well admit it. You’re like one slow song away from a rom com finale.”

Eddie groaned, face red. “We’re, look, we’re not,”

Coach shouted, “KISS!”

“Coach!” Buck yelped, but laughter rippled through the group.

Even Bobby, the usually stoic captain, looked faintly amused. “You might as well, son. They’re not letting this go.”

Eddie met Buck’s eyes across the chaos. The noise faded for just a second. The background laughter blurred.

And then, without thinking, without hesitation Eddie stepped forward, cupped Buck’s face, and kissed him.

It wasn’t dramatic or long; just soft, sure, and exactly right.

When they pulled apart, Buck blinked like he was coming back from orbit. “Oh.”

“Oh?” Eddie echoed, grinning.

“Yeah,” Buck said, smiling wide. “Oh.”

The crowd erupted.

Hen threw her hands up. “FINALLY!”

Maddie laughed through her tears. “It only took ages and a baby shower.”

Chim perked up. “Wait! Nobody from the 118 technically meddled, until after it was already too far. That means the bet is still valid!”

Athena grinned, palm out. “Damn right it is.”

Groaning, Bobby, Hen, Chim, Maddie and Karen all dug out cash and slapped it into her hand.

“You had a bet?” Buck sputtered.

Athena counted the bills. “Ongoing since the day you guys met. I’m buying myself some new fancy shoes.”

Jess laughed so hard she snorted. “You guys are insane!”

Chris, meanwhile, stood there looking smug as anything. “Told you, Dad and Buck are too slow.”

Eddie crouched down beside him. “You would be okay with this, bud?”

Chris rolled his eyes. “Duh. Why do you think I told you Jess was Buck’s girlfriend? You needed to be jealous.”

Buck’s jaw dropped. “Wait, you what?!”

Chim nearly fell over laughing. “The kid’s been parent trapping!”

Chris shrugged, totally unbothered. “I’ve been trying to get you guys together since the day I met Buck.”

Jess wiped tears from her cheeks, grinning ear to ear. “Chris Diaz, you are officially my hero.”

She pulled him into a hug. “You’re gonna be an amazing big brother. And you can come stay over whenever you like, okay?”

Chris smiled so wide it nearly split his face. “Thanks, Jess.”

Around them, laughter and cheers filled the yard again. Buck and Eddie just stood there, cheeks flushed, grinning helplessly at each other while their entire chaotic found family whooped and clapped.

Bobby shook his head with a smile. “Well, that’s one hell of a gender reveal.”

Athena smirked. “And people say combining parties is a bad idea.”

The yard was still buzzing, laughter, music, clinking glasses, the faint sound of the grill cooling down. Someone (probably Winston) had hooked up a portable speaker and was blasting an odd mix of ‘Fireworks’ by Katy Perry and a country version of ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.’

Ferguson had escaped again and was now lounging under the gift table like he owned the place. Winston guarded him like a bodyguard.

Jess had finally stopped crying and was now signing her jiggles while she ate a slice of her own pink cake, and Schmidt was walking around dramatically telling anyone who would listen, “I planned the greatest party in history, and I did it while injured!”

“Babe,” Cece sighed, “you delegated everything.”

“Delegation is leadership!” he declared proudly, crumbs dotting his shirt.

“Leadership is boring,” Nick muttered, stealing a beer from the cooler.

Hen, Bobby, and Athena were in a quiet conversation near the porch, watching the chaos with fond smiles. Maddie was showing Karen old pictures of Buck and laughing over his tragic 90s haircut.

In the middle of it all, Buck and Eddie hadn’t left each other’s sides.

Every time Buck moved, Eddie seemed to follow, not consciously, just instinct. Their shoulders brushed, their knees knocked when they sat, and neither seemed to notice, or maybe they didn’t care anymore.

It was easy. Natural. Like gravity.

Buck had that dazed smile, the one that looked half joy, half disbelief, while Eddie looked softer than anyone had seen him in years.

“You two good?” Hen teased as she passed with a plate of cupcakes.

Eddie smirked. “Good is one word for it.”

Buck bumped him with his elbow. “She means we look ridiculous.”

Hen grinned. “I mean you look happy. Don’t mess it up.”

When she walked away, Eddie looked at Buck, voice quieter. “She’s right. You look happy.”

Buck smiled, eyes warm. “I am. You do too." 

Eddie smiled back "I am."

Later, when most of the chaos had mellowed into laughter and low music, Buck and Eddie finally found a moment of peace at the back porch steps.

They sat side by side, plates forgotten beside them, the low light from the house painting them both gold.

For a moment, neither spoke. Just quiet. Comfortable silence.

Then Buck knocked his knee lightly against Eddie’s. “So…”

Eddie bumped him back, smirking. “So.”

“You kissed me.”

Eddie chuckled, gaze fixed on the yard. “Yeah, well. Peer pressure is a hell of a thing.”

Buck laughed softly, shaking his head. “You know, I think you wanted to.”

Eddie turned, eyes crinkling. “I did.”

That little answer, quiet, honest made Buck’s breath catch.

He looked out at the party: Jess dancing with May and Cece, Chris giggling near the dessert table, Schmidt loudly ranking the top ten best Buck moments.

“Feels kinda perfect, doesn’t it?” Buck murmured.

Eddie’s voice softened. “Yeah. It does.”

A pause, comfortable and full of promise.

“So,” Eddie started, a bit awkward but sincere, “you think we could… you know… actually try this? Us?”

Buck’s answer came without hesitation. “Yeah. I think so.”

Eddie smiled, that rare, real smile that reached his eyes. “Good. Then maybe you should come back with me tonight. Stay with me and Chris."

Before Buck could answer, a very loud voice interrupted.

“I’M GOING HOME WITH JESS!”

They both turned to see Chris proudly holding his crutches, Jess grinning behind him like a mischievous fairy godmother.

Eddie blinked. “You’re what?”

Jess shrugged innocently. “He’s got his overnight bag packed in your car already. I promised him a movie marathon and pancakes in the morning.”

Buck stared, half amused, half shocked. “Wait, how long have you been plotting this?”

Jess smirked. “Since last week.”

Chris added helpfully, “Cece said you and Dad need some ‘grown up time.’”

Eddie nearly choked. “She did what?”

Cece yelled from across the yard, “You’re welcome!”

Athena was laughing from the porch. “I like her.”

Jess held out her hand for Eddie’s keys, smiling like she hadn’t just detonated a bomb. “We’ll take your car, since Chris’s stuff’s already in there. You two can take Buck’s Jeep back.”

Buck blinked. “I can't believe you planned this.”

Jess gave a one shoulder shrug, eyes twinkling. “Of course I did. It’s what I do.”

Chris started walking over to the car. “Bye, Dad! Bye, Buck!”

“Bye, buddy!” Buck called, still processing.

Eddie tossed Jess his keys. “Try not to teach him any more dance songs.”

Jess grinned. “No promises!”

The car pulled out with Jess at the wheel, Chris waving through the window.

The yard quieted again, just for a second.

Eddie turned to Buck, the smallest smirk tugging at his lips. “Kid free night?”

Buck raised a brow. “Guess so."

Eddie leaned in slightly. “You ready for that?”

Buck smiled, soft and sure. “With you? Always.”

They stood, brushing crumbs off their shirts, and walked toward the gate together.

Behind them, Winston yelled, “USE PROTECTION!"

Athena smacked him on the back of the head. “Winston!”

Laughter erupted again as they disappeared into the night, side by side.

Later, at the Diaz house, Eddie handed Buck a beer. They didn’t talk much, didn’t need to.

They just sat together on the couch, their knees brushing, TV flickering in the background, their world finally still.

For the first time in forever, Buck didn’t feel split between families, or work, or chaos.

He just felt home.

And when Eddie leaned over, brushing their mouths together, and whispered, “Bedroom?"

Buck smiled and whispered back, “Yes.”

Chapter Text

The world outside was already awake, sunlight spilling through curtains, birds chattering faintly in the Diaz backyard but inside, everything was still.

Buck blinked awake slowly, his cheek pressed against something warm and solid. Eddie.

The first thing he registered was quiet. The kind of quiet that didn’t ache or echo. Just… peace.

Eddie’s arm was heavy over his waist, anchoring him, and Buck didn’t dare move. Not yet. Not when Eddie’s breath tickled the back of his neck, steady and deep, or when their legs were tangled in a knot of sheets and bare skin that felt right.

It took him a second to realize he was smiling.

The kind of smile that didn’t even need a reason, it just was there.

He tilted his head slightly, just enough to see Eddie. His hair was a little messy, lips curved in the faintest sleep, heavy smile, one arm tucked under the pillow, the other wrapped tight around Buck like he’d spent the night making sure he wouldn’t vanish.

Buck’s heart gave a slow, ridiculous somersault.

He shifted closer, pressing against Eddie’s chest. Eddie murmured something soft in Spanish, still half asleep, voice gravelly and low. Buck didn’t catch the words, but he felt them, felt the warmth in them.

He could stay like this forever.

Eddie’s breath hitched as he stirred, eyelashes fluttering before he cracked one sleepy eye open. “You watching me, babe?”

Buck chuckled softly. “Maybe.”

Eddie’s voice came out rough, lazy, full of sleep and affection. “Creepy.”

“Romantic,” Buck corrected.

“Debatable,” Eddie mumbled, smiling against his skin.

They fell quiet again, just breathing together.

Eventually, Buck twisted enough to face him. Eddie blinked, finally awake enough to grin.

“Mornin’,” he whispered.

“Morning,” Buck murmured back, eyes tracing over Eddie’s face, the softness there, the safety.

Eddie reached up and brushed a thumb over his jaw. “You look happy.”

“I am,” Buck admitted. “Really, really happy.”

Eddie smiled, sleepy and sure. “Good. Cause I don’t plan on letting you go now.”

Something about the way he said it simple, certain, made Buck’s chest ache in the best way.

He leaned in, closing the space between them, kissing him slow and deep. It wasn’t the frantic kind of kiss they’d shared the night before, it was warm, steady, full of the quiet promise that this wasn’t going anywhere.

When they finally pulled back, Buck whispered, “You sure this is okay? I have a lot going on. It is a lot to take on. Me and Jess, the living situation, baby, everything? I don’t ever want you to feel weird about it, or like you have to."

Eddie’s thumb traced lazy circles on his hip. “You and Jess have your own thing. I get it. I like her, and Chris loves her. I trust you both. I’m happy you are going to be a dad and I will love your little girl, like you love Chris." 

Buck’s voice was soft. “You mean that?”

Eddie nodded, eyes steady. “I trust you, Buck. I trust both of you. And if it means I get to have you in my life, like this and in Chris’s life, then I’m all in. Even if it means I end up sleeping at your place more than mine.”

Buck smiled, heart swelling. “We actually have a pullout sofa. So you and Chris can stay over whenever you want. Chris will have somewhere to sleep." 

Eddie laughed, shaking his head. “You planned that, huh?”

“Jess did,” Buck admitted. “She said it’s ‘our’ couch, because families crash at each other’s places. Guess she was right.”

Eddie grinned, sliding his hand to Buck’s jaw. “She usually is.”

They kissed again, softer this time, laughing quietly when Buck’s hair got caught in Eddie’s fingers.

Buck pulled back just enough to whisper, “I want this to work. You and me.”

Eddie looked at him like he was the only thing in the room. “Me too. I’ve wanted it to work for a long time.”

“Even before the bet?” Buck teased.

Eddie smirked. “Way before the bet. I think I was meant to come to the 118."

Buck laughed "Such a sap, Diaz." Eddie smiled leaning in. They kissed again, slower, longer until the rest of the world slipped away.

When they finally came up for air, Buck’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I love you, Eddie.”

Eddie froze, eyes widening slightly, not out of fear, but out of the sheer gravity of it. He never thought he would hear those words from someone he actually loved so much.

Buck’s heart thudded so hard it hurt. “I do. I love you. I’ve loved you for a while, I just,”

Eddie cut him off with a kiss, quick and sure.

When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against Buck’s. “I love you too, Buck.”

Buck exhaled a shaky laugh. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Eddie said softly. “Been trying not to for ages. Didn’t work.”

Buck grinned. “Good.”

They stayed like that for a while, tangled up in sheets and sunlight, whispering little nothings that didn’t need to mean more than what they were: home, safety, belonging.

Eddie’s fingers traced lazy shapes on Buck’s arm. “Can't believe Chris, parent trapped us.”

“Oh, me either,” Buck laughed. “Glad he did though.”

Eddie chuckled. “Me too. We better go pick him up before Jess convinces him to join a musical number.”

“Too late,” Buck said with a grin. “He texted me a video, they were singing theme songs.”

Eddie groaned, burying his face in Buck’s shoulder. “Of course they were.”

By the time they finally dragged themselves out of bed, the sun was high.

Eddie made coffee while Buck stole one of his shirts, which was too tight but smelled like him. When Buck wandered into the kitchen, Eddie just stopped and stared for a moment, coffee forgotten.

“What?” Buck asked, grinning.

Eddie’s smile softened. “Nothing. Just… this. You. Here. Feels right.”

Buck’s cheeks flushed. “It does.”

They ate breakfast standing at the counter toast, fruit, leftover cake from the fridge, laughing over everything that happened at the party.

When they finally got dressed and grabbed their keys, Buck slipped his hand into Eddie’s without thinking.

Eddie squeezed it gently, smiling. "Let’s go.”

They stepped out into the sunlight, fingers still twined, their laughter carrying down the quiet street.

There were no secrets. No walls. Just love, simple and easy.

And as Buck climbed into the passenger seat, he realized, this wasn’t the start of something new.

It was finally, finally, the beginning of something that had been waiting for a long time.

While Buck and Eddie had their time alone, Chris and Jess enjoyed their time together. The smell of vanilla and sugar filled the loft, warm and heavy, the kind of smell that made the whole place feel like home. Jess had flour on her cardigan, butter in her hair, and a streak of chocolate across her cheek.

Chris was laughing so hard he could barely breathe.

“Jess!” he wheezed, pointing at the counter. “You said just a little flour!”

Jess looked down at the small mountain that had exploded across the kitchen island and shrugged. “Technically, I said a little flour, but I will just guess.”

Chris grinned, shaking his head. “You’re as bad as Dad.”

“Thank you!” Jess beamed, then paused mid whisk. “Wait… was that a compliment?”

“Not at all,” Chris teased, dumping chocolate chips into the bowl with dramatic flair.

They were supposed to be making pancakes for dinner, but somewhere along the line, pancakes had turned into “let’s try baking everything in the cupboard.” There were muffins, half decorated cookies, and something Jess called a breakfast cupcake that defied the laws of physics.

When the timer dinged, Jess crouched to open the oven, waving away a puff of steam like she was performing magic. “Ta da! We didn’t burn the house down!”

Chris clapped. “Ten out of ten.”

She gave a bow. “Thank you, my loyal audience.”

He giggled, brushing flour off his crutches before leaning them against the counter. Then he grew quiet, fiddling with the hem of his shirt.

Jess noticed immediately. “What’s up, buddy?”

Chris hesitated, voice small. “Can I… ask you something?”

“Of course.” Jess set the tray down and wiped her hands on a towel, crouching so she was eye level with him.

He bit his lip, thinking. “Now that Dad and Buck are together… that kinda means I have two dads, right?”

Jess smiled softly. “Yeah, I guess it does.”

Chris shifted a little, eyes darting to the floor. “So if I ever… I don’t know… have a question that’s like, a mom kind of question, or about stuff that’s not a dad thing… can I come to you?”

The question hit her square in the heart. For a moment, she couldn’t even breathe.

Then she reached out and wrapped him in a big, warm hug, pulling him tight. “Oh, buddy. Of course you can. Anytime. Day or night. About anything at all. I’ll be here as long as you need me, okay?”

Chris smiled against her shoulder. “Thanks, Jess.”

She rubbed his back gently. “You’re part of this family, Chris. You, me, Buck, your sister, your dad… and, of course, Ferguson.”

They both burst out laughing.

An hour later, the loft looked like a fort kingdom had taken over. Blankets were draped from chairs, fairy lights hung from curtain rods, and the coffee table had been turned into a bunker for snacks.

Jess had officially lost to Chris in Uno twice, Monopoly once, and was now being thrashed at Mario Kart.

“This is rigged!” she accused, squinting at the screen.

“It’s called skill, Jess,” Chris said proudly, tongue poking out as he zoomed past her character.

“Uh huh,” she muttered, pouting. “Next time I’m choosing Rainbow Road.”

“Deal!” Chris laughed.

The door buzzed, and Jess scrambled to untangle herself from the blanket fort.

A few minutes later, Nick and Winston came through the door carrying takeout bags and drinks.

Nick looked around, wide eyed. “Whoa. Did a pillow factory explode in here?”

Winston’s grin was immediate. “Looks like you guys are having fun.”

Chris popped his head out of the fort, eyes gleaming. “We’re playing Mario Kart. Loser does the dishes!”

“Ha! Not a chance, kid. I am undefeated,” Winston bragged, setting down the bags.

Jess snorted. “You’re about to meet your match, Officer Almost a Cop.”

“Big talk for someone who hit every banana on the last lap,” Nick teased.

They piled onto the couch and the floor, controllers flying, laughter echoing. Ferguson perched on top of the couch like a king, tail flicking in rhythm to the chaos.

At some point, Jess realized Chris was laughing so hard tears rolled down his face, and her heart squeezed again.

He was happy. Wildly, comfortably, unreservedly happy.

That night, they fell asleep in the fort, empty plates around them, the glow of fairy lights soft over Chris’s face. Jess covered him with a blanket, whispering, “Sweet dreams, big brother.”

Ferguson meowed like agreement and curled up at his feet.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the big windows. Jess was half asleep on the couch when the knock came.

Buck opened the door first, grin spreading when he saw the disaster zone. “Oh wow. You had fun.”

Eddie stepped in behind him, taking in the pillow fort, the flour footprints, the streak of chocolate on the wall. “Looks about right.”

Chris came stumbling out of the fort, hair sticking up, still in his pajamas. His face lit up instantly. “Dad! Buck!”

He darted forward, hugging Eddie tight. “I think I love this family, Dad.”

Eddie’s arms tightened around him, voice rough when he answered, “Me too, buddy. Me too.”

Over Chris’s head, Eddie looked at Buck, and Buck’s smile said everything.

Jess stretched, and smirked. “So, how was your kid free night?”

Buck turned bright red. Eddie coughed into his hand.

Winston, emerging from the kitchen with coffee, smirked. “Judging by the smiles, successful.”

Jess threw a pillow at him. “Shut up. Kid around."

Nick raised a cup in salute. “More kid free nights.”

And somehow, in the middle of all that laughter and mess, it didn’t matter who was related by blood or who wasn’t, they all just fit.

As Buck helped Chris gather his things and Eddie thanked Jess, there was a calm, unspoken understanding between all of them.

Jess wasn’t just part of Buck’s life anymore, she was part of theirs.

And as they stood in the doorway, Chris hugged her one more time. “Bye, Jess. Thanks for being my… whatever you are.”

Jess laughed, her eyes misty. “Your Jess. Always.”

He grinned. “Yeah. My Jess.”

Chapter Text

The restaurant Jess picked was trying way too hard to look fancy.

Soft jazz floated through the air, candles flickered on every table, and the waiter pronounced pasta like it was a spiritual experience.

“This is so adult,” Jess whispered, clutching her menu like it was a sacred text. “We’re like real grown ups doing grown up things.”

Buck grinned. “You literally made me take a photo of you, with your bread plate.”

Jess huffed. “It had a vibe, Buck.”

Across from them, Eddie was scanning the wine list like he actually understood it. Nick, meanwhile, had already given up and was drinking his whisky like it was water.

“So,” Nick said, leaning back, “are we gonna pretend this isn’t weird?”

Jess blinked. “What’s weird?”

“You know,” Nick gestured between everyone, “this entire setup. The firefighter, the other firefighter, the teacher, and the bar owner. It’s like a rejected sitcom pitch.”

Eddie chuckled. “Hey, at least we get along.”

Buck smirked. “Not weird at all.”

Jess pointed her fork dramatically. “We are totally normal, the entire situation suits us."

“It really does,” Buck laughed, amused.

Nick grinned. “Okay then, if you're all good, I am good.”

Buck smiled into his drink, Jess smiled like she’d just won Bingo.

“So,” Eddie said, changing the subject, “Nick, how’s the bar going?”

Nick perked up. “Pretty good, actually. We just started karaoke nights. Cece thought it would bring in new customers. But Winston’s rendition of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ scared three customers away.”

Jess laughed loudly. “That is a classic!”

“It’s a horror movie when Winston does it,” Nick said dryly.

Eddie chuckled. “Maybe we’ll come by next time.”

“Yeah,” Nick said, grinning. “You should. First round’s on me. Guys night."

Buck pointed at him with his fork. “I’m not carrying you home again.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “That was one time.”

Jess was laughing so hard she nearly snorted. “Oh my God, please Buck make sure he gets home.”

Buck nodded "Yeah, I will."

Eddie smiled, watching them all. “This is… nice. Weird, but nice.”

Jess softened. “It’s the good kind of weird. Like when you find a sock that doesn’t match but it’s still comfortable.”

“Exactly,” Nick said. “We’re a mismatched family that somehow fits.”

Buck looked across the table at Eddie, his smile soft. “Yeah. We do.”

Back at the loft, Jess was in her element.

Music played quietly while she unpacked the new baby things they had brought, making the nursery more girly. 

Buck leaned against the doorway, watching her drape a pink pastel mobile over the crib. “I think we officially hit full nesting mode.”

Jess spun, holding up a frilly throw. “Look at this! Tiny polka dots!”

Buck squinted. “She’s not even born yet, and her room already has more style than mine.”

Jess beamed, folding the throw and placing it over the cot frame. “She’s gonna be so loved, Buck. This baby… she’s already got a whole village waiting.”

Buck smiled softly. “Yeah. She really does.”

For a moment, they just stood there, surrounded by soft pink light and the faint scent of lavender from the diffuser. It was the quiet, kind of happy that came with knowing things were right. Buck gave Jess a quick hug, and headed over to Eddie's.

Buck knocked lightly before letting himself in. The house was dim and cozy, the smell of coffee and cinnamon lingering in the air.

“Hey,” Eddie said from the couch, smiling up at him. “You made it.”

“Of course,” Buck replied, closing the door behind him.

He was halfway through kicking off his boots when he froze.

Something in the corner of the living room caught his eye, a small, neatly folded portacot.

Next to it, a stack of baby wipes, a teddy bear, and a soft pink blanket.

Buck turned slowly. “What’s… all that?”

Eddie rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly shy. “Uh… Chris and I went shopping.”

Buck blinked. “You what?”

Eddie chuckled nervously. “Chris said if the baby’s gonna be family, she should have her own spot here too. So, we grabbed a few things. Just in case you and Jess ever crash here or I babysit. Or, if you're here and she needs a nap.”

Buck just stared at him. His throat tightened, and it took him a second to find his voice. “Eddie… you didn’t have to do that.”

“I know,” Eddie said softly, stepping closer. “But I wanted to. I wanted you to have things here, it's your home too.”

Buck’s heart was pounding. He smiled, watery and small. “You have no idea what that means to me.”

Eddie smiled back, gentle and steady. “I think I do. Plus, you do the same for Chris."

Buck laughed under his breath, brushing a hand through his hair. “I love you, you know that?”

Eddie’s eyes softened. “Yeah. I love you too.”

Then naturally, Buck took a photo of the portacot and other items and sent it to the group chat that had everyone in it.

Buck: Look what Eddie and Chris did...

(photo attached)

Jess: STOP. I’M CRYING.

Cece: CHRIS DID THIS. Because Eddie looks too serious to have picked a pink blanket.

Nick: Bro’s whipped.

Schmidt: CAPITAL W. Whipped for Buck!

Hen: That’s actually the sweetest thing ever.

Athena: Eddie Diaz, your romantic.

Chim: I KNEW IT. Domestic Diaz era.

Winston: Ferguson says great color coordination.

Coach: Does Ferguson talk now?

Winston: To me, yes.

Maddie: You guys are too cute 

Eddie: You’re all dramatic. It’s just a cot.

Jess: He’s lying. I bet he folded the blanket twice for symmetry.

Buck: He did. It’s color matched to the loft nursery.

Cece: Ohhh he’s gone gone.

Nick: Emotionally kidnapped.

Schmidt: I’m making shirts. “WHIPPED FOR BUCK.”

Eddie: Don’t you dare.

Athena: Too late. I’ll order one for the next BBQ.

Buck: I approve. 

Eddie: omg.

Hen: Look at them pretending they’re not already married.

Chim: I’m crying.

Buck laughed, setting his phone aside.

Eddie shook his head, smiling. “Your friends are unhinged.”

“Our friends,” Buck corrected, sliding into his arms.

Eddie wrapped his arms around him, head on his shoulder. “Yeah,” he murmured. “Ours.”

They ended up on the couch, tangled together, TV humming softly in the background.

Buck traced lazy circles on Eddie’s arm. “You really don't mind me and Jess living together?”

Eddie shook his head. “Not at all. Eventually, I would like to live together but we will talk about that when we both feel it's time."

Buck smiled softly. “You know she adores Chris, right? She told him he can come over whenever he wants.”

Eddie chuckled. “He’ll love that. He is already so excited to meet the little one.”

Buck grinned. “You sure you’re okay with all this? Me, Jess, the baby, this chaos?”

Eddie cupped Buck’s face, eyes warm. “Stop stressing, I knew the situation before I entered into this, I'm perfectly fine with it all.”

Buck swallowed hard. “Okay.”

Eddie smiled. “I love you.”

They kissed, slow and certain.

Buck’s phone buzzed on the coffee table, another message lighting up the group chat.

Cece: BTW, Buck… did you notice the teddy bear is firefighter themed?

Hen: Eddie, did you pick that?

Eddie: Chris did.

Nick: LIES.

Jess: I LOVE IT. FIREBEAR. 

Buck buried his face in Eddie’s shoulder, laughing until his ribs hurt.

Eddie held him close, grinning into his hair.

“Yeah,” Eddie whispered, voice soft and full of everything they’d both been missing for years. “This feels right.”

And Buck smiling, safe, surrounded by love and chaos and pink blankets, couldn’t agree more.

Chapter Text

The day started easy.

The kind of quiet morning that felt almost suspiciously calm for the 118.

Hen sat at the table with her coffee, scrolling through her phone. Chim was at the counter sneaking bites of a donut like he was trying to hide it from Bobby, who, of course, noticed immediately.

“Chim,” Bobby said without even looking up from the coffee maker, “that’s your third.”

Chim blinked, powdered sugar already on his chin. “You can’t prove that.”

Hen smirked. “It’s literally on your face.”

Eddie snorted from the couch. “Rookie move, man.”

“Rookie move,” Buck echoed, tossing a stress ball across the room. “Always wipe before the evidence sets.”

Chim threw a donut at him. Buck caught it easily and grinned. “Thanks. Breakfast.”

The laughter came easy, the room filled with that warm, familiar rhythm of teasing and comfort. The kind that came from years of surviving everything together.

Hen glanced at Buck, her grin sly. “So, Mr. Domestic. How does it feel to be off the market?”

Buck groaned. “Oh my God, not this again.”

Chim leaned on the counter, eyes gleaming. “C’mon, you and Eddie were practically doing heart eyes when you both arrived.”

Eddie choked on his coffee. “We were not!”

Bobby raised a brow. “You were.”

Hen smirked. “Confirmed.”

Buck covered his face with a hand. “Can’t we talk about literally anything else?”

“Fine,” Hen said sweetly. “How’s Jess and the baby?”

Buck immediately softened. “They’re good. Jess is nesting like crazy. The baby’s moving a lot now. Not long to go.”

Chim grinned. “You sure you don’t wanna tell us the name?”

“Nope,” Buck said immediately. “You’ll all find out when she’s born.”

Hen pouted. “That’s mean.”

Bobby chuckled, flipping through the incident reports. “He’s allowed some secrets.”

Buck leaned back. “Even Maddie doesn’t know yet.”

Chim gasped. “Maddie doesn’t know? My own girlfriend, your sister doesn't know?”

Hen smirked. “She wouldn't tell you anyway Chim, you would tell everyone.”

Chim froze. “Okay, that’s slander.”

Eddie grinned. “That’s accurate.”

Chim shot him a look. “Hey, how’s it feel, Eddie? Dating a Buckley?”

Eddie laughed. “Like I’ve got a hyperactive, energetic puppy with a clipboard, but couldn't ask for anything better.”

Buck’s head whipped around, eyes wide. “You can’t just, say stuff like that!”

Hen melted instantly. “Oh my God, he loves you so much.”

Chim fake wiped a tear. “That was beautiful." He grinned.

Bobby smiled faintly, proud and quiet. “I’m happy for you both. You both deserve this.”

Buck smiled, bashful and glowing. “Thanks, Cap.”

The siren went off, and the radio crackled before anyone could add another joke.

“118, respond to a structure fire, victims trapped. Downtown. Cross streets,”

Bobby was already moving. “Let’s roll!”

Sirens wailed through the city as the truck sped toward the smoke on the horizon.

Bobby briefed over the roar of the engine. “Reports say a three story apartment building, partial collapse. Two people rescued so far. One still trapped inside, young girl, second floor, back corner apartment.”

“Got it,” Eddie said, pulling on his gloves.

Buck nodded beside him. “We’ll get her out.”

Hen and Chim exchanged glances from the back. Chim muttered, “Every time it’s a ‘young girl,’ it goes bad.”

Hen frowned. “Don’t jinx it.”

When they arrived, chaos reigned.

Flames curled out the windows, smoke rolling thick across the sky. People shouted, coughing, paramedics working frantically on the lawn.

Bobby’s voice cut through the noise. “Hen, Chim, triage! Buck, Eddie inside, back stairwell. Get the girl. Go!”

Buck grabbed his helmet, adrenaline firing through his veins. “You heard him.”

Eddie nodded. “Let’s move.”

The air was thick and dark. Smoke clawed at their throats, heat licking across their gear.

They moved fast, trained, efficient, and wordless.

“Second floor, left!” he shouted.

They reached the apartment door. Buck slammed into it.

Inside, a girl, maybe ten huddled under a table, crying.

Eddie crouched low. “Hey, sweetheart, it’s okay. We’re firefighters. We’re here to help you.”

The girl sobbed. “My mom, she was outside,"

“She’s safe,” Buck said quickly, scanning the structure. The ceiling groaned. “We gotta move.”

Eddie lifted her easily into his arms. “Got her!”

Buck nodded. “I’ll clear the path.”

“Let’s move!” Eddie shouted.

They ran for the stairs, the girl clinging to Eddie’s neck, Buck clearing debris as they went.

They were steps from the door, and then came the sound.

A low, sickening crack, like thunder inside the walls.

Eddie turned. “Buck,”

Buck looked up, knowing he wouldn't have time to run, he shoved Eddie and the girl hard out of the way. 

Eddie stumbled out the door just as the building collapsed.

The world exploded, a deafening roar, fire and smoke swallowing everything.

Eddie hit the ground hard, cradling the girl protectively, as dust and debris rained over him.

When he looked back, the doorway was gone.

“BUCK!” he screamed.

Hen rushed over, pulling the girl from his arms as Eddie tried to push himself up. “Eddie, what happened?!”

“He was right behind me,” Eddie gasped, wild eyed. “He pushed us out, he’s still in there!”

Hen grabbed his turnout coat, knowing he was about to run back in. “Wait, we can’t,”

“Hen, I just got him, I got him," Eddie shouted, voice cracking. “I can’t lose him now!”

Hen’s own voice trembled. “We’re not. We’ll get him. But we do this safe.”

Bobby was suddenly there, all command and calm authority. “Report.”

“Buck’s still inside,” Hen said quickly. “second floor collapsed.”

Bobby’s jaw tightened, panic spread across his face. “We clear the smoke, then we go in.”

Eddie’s mask was already back on. “I’m going.”

Bobby’s voice softened just a fraction. “We go together, I won't have another person hurt.”

The world was gray and orange, thick with smoke. Every step deeper into the ruins felt like walking through fire itself.

“Buck!” Eddie shouted through the comms. “Talk to me! You hear me, Buck?”

No response. Just the hiss and crackle of flames.

“Buck, respond!” Bobby barked into the radio.

Static.

Eddie’s heart pounded.

“Here!” Chim shouted. “I see him!”

Eddie was there before anyone else could move. Debris piled around him, beams, plaster, shattered concrete.

Buck there half buried, motionless.

“Help me!” Eddie roared.

Hen, Chim and Bobby joined him, shifting debris.

“Careful,” Hen said sharply. “He’s pinned. Check his airway!”

Eddie yanked off Buck’s cracked helmet, trembling hands brushing soot from his face. “Buck? Buck, come on, baby, look at me.”

Nothing. His chest barely moved.

Hen’s voice went clinical but tight. “He’s breathing shallow. Pulse thready. We need to move fast.”

Chim rattled off quickly, scanning injuries. “Possible broken rib. Crushing injuries. Maybe spinal involvement. The left leg, his bad leg, possible break."

“Head wound, concussion” Hen added. “Mask cracked, he inhaled a ton of smoke.”

Eddie swallowed hard, voice cracking. Tears in his eyes. “You’re gonna be okay, Buck. You hear me? You’re okay, baby.”

They heaved the rest of the debris off him. Every sound from Eddie was half sob, half growl.

Finally, they freed him.

Hen pressed fingers to his neck. “He still has a pulse, low but there. Let’s get him out, now!”

Bobby returned with the stretcher. Hen placed the neck brace around him. They lifted him onto the stretcher. 

“Clear a path!” Bobby shouted. Chim and Eddie carried the stretcher, while Bobby and Hen cleared the way. 

They burst into the daylight. Eddie laid the stretcher down on the ambulance gurney, hands shaking as Hen and Chim got to work.

“BP dropping,” Hen snapped. “We’re losing pressure!”

“Get a line in,” Chim barked. “He’s not breathing deep enough, intubate.”

The world was chaos, sirens, shouting. Eddie sat frozen, helmet still on, soot streaked across his face.

“Come on, baby,” he whispered, broken. “You don’t get to leave me, or your little girl, or Chris, or Jess. Not after everything.”

Hen's hand landed on his shoulder. “We’ve got him, Eddie.”

Eddie didn’t even blink. Sat frozen in the ambulance. “I’m riding with him.”

Bobby’s voice was grim but steady. “Of course.”

Eddie sat gripping his hand as the monitor beeped unevenly.

Hen worked quickly, checking vitals, adjusting the oxygen mask. “He’s tachycardic, pressure’s still dropping. Chest trauma. Could be a collapsed lung.”

“Come on, baby,” Eddie murmured, voice breaking. “Don’t do this.”

Chim called from the driver’s seat, “Two minutes out!”

Buck’s body jerked suddenly, the monitor spiked. Then flatlined.

The sound hit Eddie like a punch.

“No! No, no, no!”

Hen’s voice went sharp. “He’s coding! Starting compressions!”

Eddie’s vision blurred as Hen began CPR, counting under her breath.

“Come on, Buck, stay with us!” she shouted.

Eddie’s hand trembled against Buck’s arm “Please,” he whispered. “I just got you. Please don’t leave us.”

The monitor kept screaming its flat, endless tone.

Hen pressed harder, voice rising. “One, two, three, four come on, Buck, breathe!”

The sirens wailed louder. 

All that Eddie heard was the sound of the monitor. 

The Flatline.

Chapter Text

Hen’s voice cracked through the ambulance.

“I’ve got a pulse!”

Eddie’s head snapped up, eyes wide, breath catching in his chest. The flatline on the monitor jumped, stuttered, then fell into a steady rhythm.

“BP’s climbing,” Hen said breathlessly. “He’s back. Buck’s back.”

Eddie’s lungs finally worked again. A choked sound escaped him, half sob, half laugh as tears blurred his vision. “Oh God. Oh, thank God.”

Hen exhaled shakily, pressing the oxygen mask tighter against Buck’s face. “Stay with us. You can't leave before you meet your little girl.”

The sirens screamed as they pulled into the emergency bay. Doors slammed open, nurses and doctors waiting.

“Twenty eight year old male,” Hen rattled off. “Injuries from a building collapse, possible punctured lung, multiple rib fractures, possible spinal and brain trauma, coded once ROSC achieved, stable rhythm.”

The ER team moved fast, transferring Buck. Eddie leaned in close, pressed a trembling kiss to Buck’s soot streaked forehead.

“I love you. You hear me? I love you, baby.”

Hen caught his sleeve as the team rolled Buck away. “We got him here alive, Eddie. That’s what matters. He is going to be okay.”

But Eddie just stood frozen in the flashing lights until the doors swallowed Buck whole.

The waiting room was too bright. Too still. Every clock tick felt like thunder.

Bobby sat straight backed, fingers laced tight with his beads between. Hen leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Chim paced the tiles until his boots squeaked.

Eddie sat hunched forward, elbows on his knees, staring at his blackened hands. His voice was raw when he finally spoke.

“I can’t lose him, Hen. I just got him.”

Hen moved beside him, calm and certain. “You won’t. He was breathing, Eddie. He’ll pull through. That man has survived a ladder truck, a tsunami, a pulmonary embolism, a lot of emotional trauma, and your cooking.”

That got the smallest, broken laugh out of him.

Chim stopped pacing. “We should call everyone. Maddie, Jess…”

Bobby nodded. “I’ll get Athena. She can break it to Jess gently. Chim, call Maddie.”

Eddie’s head jerked up. “I’ll call Jess.”

Hen crouched in front of him. “Eddie, she’s almost due. Let Athena do it carefully. You know Jess, she feels everything tenfold. We need to minimise the stress.”

He swallowed hard, nodding. “Yeah. Okay. Your right.”

Bobby was already dialing. “Athena? It’s Bobby. It’s Buck... A building collapsed during a rescue. He’s stable but critical. Please go to Jess, she needs to hear it from you.”

Jess was folding baby clothes when the knock came. Lavender diffusers, spreading a calming scent through the loft.

When she opened the door, Athena stood there, uniform neat but eyes filled with worry.

“Athena?” Jess’s smile faded. “What happened?”

Athena sighed, voice gentle. “There was a call. A building came down while Buck and Eddie were inside. Eddie got out with the victim, Buck didn't. He’s alive, honey. They got him out. He’s at the hospital now. In surgery."

Jess froze. Then tears started before she could stop them. “Alive… but is he okay? He has to be okay. I need him. We need him."

“He’s stable. They’re working on him now. Bobby thought I should tell you in person. He was alive when they got to the hospital”

Nick appeared behind Jess, face pale. “What’s going on?”

Athena explained quickly. Nick wrapped his arms around Jess, and kissed her cheek. “Go. I’ll tell the others. Just go.”

Jess wiped her cheeks, grabbing her bag with trembling hands. “Okay. Okay. Let’s go.”

Athena guided her carefully out. “Deep breaths, sweetheart. He’s tough. You know that. But you have to stay calm, for the baby, okay?"

Jess nodded, tears slipping down anyway. “Yeah. He’s the toughest person I know.”

When Jess arrived, everyone was already there Eddie, Hen, Chim, Bobby, Maddie, Karen.

The second she stepped into the waiting room, Eddie was on his feet.

“Jess,” he said softly, and she was in his arms before he finished. She clung to him like she might fall apart otherwise.

“He’s in surgery?” she whispered.

Eddie nodded against her hair. “Yeah. But he’s fighting. He’s breathing.”

Jess sniffed, hand instinctively resting on her belly. “He promised he’d always come home.”

“He will,” Eddie said. “He always does.”

A few minutes later, the rest of the chaos arrived Cece, Schmidt (newly out of his penis cast), Winston, Coach, and Nick, who must have driven like a maniac to get to the hospital so fast. Winston was clutching Ferguson in a cat carrier.

The nurse eyed him. “Sir, no animals allowed.”

Winston whispered seriously, “He’s Evan Buckley's support system,” and somehow that worked.

The room buzzed with quiet conversation, half prayer, half jokes to keep them all from unraveling.

Finally, the surgical doors opened and a doctor stepped out, peeling off gloves. He looked tired, but not grim.

“Family of Evan Buckley?”

Every single person stood.

The doctor blinked, startled. “That’s… a lot of family.” He scanned the chart. “I have Edmundo Diaz and Jessica Day listed as emergency contacts?”

Jess and Eddie stepped forward together.

Eddie said, “That’s us. But you can speak freely. We’re all family.”

The doctor nodded, smiling faintly. “Alright. Evan’s stable. He sustained several broken ribs, a fractured left leg, and a grade 3 concussion. One of the ribs punctured his lung, which caused the breathing problems, but it’s been repaired. There’s no brain damage, no spinal trauma, and no internal bleeding.”

Maddie gasped, covering her mouth. Hen let out a shuddering breath.

The doctor continued, “He’s heavily sedated for now, but he should start waking up within the next few hours. He’s strong, and his vitals are excellent. We accept a full recovery, long recovery, but a full recovery."

For a moment, no one breathed. Then the room exploded in relief sobs, laughter, hugs all around.

Bobby looked to the ceiling. “Thank you, God.”

Hen wiped her eyes. “Told you. Too stubborn to quit.”

Eddie exhaled a long, shaking breath and laughed through it. “Yeah, he always comes home.”

Jess sagged into her chair, tears streaming freely now. “Thank you,” she whispered to the doctor.

He smiled. “He’ll need rest, but he’s going to be fine. You can see him soon.”

Chim grinned. “Good thing he was gonna be off work for the baby anyway, huh?”

Hen smacked his arm, but everyone laughed, the first real laugh of the night.

And then Jess went still. Blinked. Shifted. Blinked again.

Cece frowned. “Jess?”

Jess’s eyes widened. “Uh… I think my water just broke.”

The entire waiting room froze.

Winston froze. Coach yelped and made sure he wasn't near the water. Karen gasped. Schdmit clapped once like a field commander. “Alright! Baby on deck, people!”

Nick looked around, panicked. “Wait, we’re doing this now?!”

Jess gave a nervous laugh. “Apparently, yes!”

Athena, shook her head with a grin. “Of course she goes into labor.”

Eddie ran a hand down his face. “He’s not even awake yet, he’s gonna miss the whole thing!”

Hen smirked. “Then he better wake up fast.”

As nurses rushed over with a wheelchair, the group kicked into gear half panicking, half cheering. Jess was laughing through her tears as she got into the wheelchair and then stopped the nurse for a second.

She looked at everyone and turned to the nurse, "How many people do I get?" She asked, sadness in her voice given the circumstances.

The nurse smiled sympathetic, "We can allow four, giving the circumstances." 

Jess smiled and nodded, "Thank you," she looked over to everyone "Nick, Eddie, Cece and Maddie will you come with me?" 

Maddie's eyes filled and she nodded, Nick and Cece moved without hesitation.

"You want me in there?" Eddie asked shocked. 

"Buck would want you in there, I do too." Jess said grabbing his hand. Eddie nodded. 

Eddie turned to the group "You don't leave him alone and keep me, Maddie and Jess updated?" Eddie questioned.

"Of course." Bobby says firmly. Giving him a nod to say, go on. 

Jess was then wheeled down the hall, the four of them trailing after her.

Bobby looked wrecked. “Just another quiet day for the 118.”

Athena chuckled beside him. “Your version of quiet needs work.”

And somewhere, down the hall in recovery, machines beeped softly beside a sleeping Buck, his heartbeat steady, strong, and waiting for the next chapter of his life to start.

Chapter Text

Jess had never been so simultaneously calm and terrified in her life.

Well, except maybe that time Winston accidentally set their kitchen on fire trying to make churros.

But this? This was worse.

She was in labor. Real, honest to God contractions, the kind that made her think she might rip Nick’s hand off if he tried to tell another stupid joke.

Nick was at her side, trying to be helpful, which mostly meant narrating.

“Okay, okay you’re doing amazing, babe. Like, superhero level amazing. Just… remember to breathe, ow, ow, OW! Hand, Jess, hand!”

Jess released him with a glare that could melt steel. “You told me to squeeze!”

“Not to crush!”

Cece leaned over the bed, smirking. “Honestly, I warned you. She iron grip. She once disarmed a kindergartener holding a glue gun.”

Maddie chuckled softly, rubbing Jess’s shoulder. “You’re doing great, Jess. Just keep breathing.”

“I am breathing!” Jess snapped, then immediately groaned. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. I love you. I’m in pain. This sucks.”

Eddie, sitting nearby, gave her a calm nod. “You’re allowed to yell. Shannon did, she swore at the entire staff.”

Cece snorted. “She sounds great.”

Jess managed a breathy laugh, then squeezed Nick’s hand again. “You guys, this hurts like aHHHHH!"

“We know,” Maddie said gently. “You can do it Jess.”

Cece smiled. “You have got this okay."

Nick groaned. “I think my hand is broken.”

Eddie smiled faintly, reaching out to adjust Jess’s pillow. “You’re okay, Jess. Just keep breathing. We are here. You’re doing great.”

Jess nodded, tears spilling over. “I just wish Buck was here.”

Maddie’s face softened. “He will be. Soon. He’d never miss this.”

Meanwhile, one floor down, Buck was just waking up.

Hen noticed his eyes flutter first. “Oh, thank God,” she whispered. “Welcome back, Sleeping Beauty.”

Buck’s eyes opened slowly, confusion bleeding into focus. “Hen?”

“You coded, dumbass,” Chim said, perched at the foot of his bed. “Scared the hell out of us.”

Karen smiled softly. “You’re lucky.”

Bobby stepped closer. “How are you feeling?”

Buck blinked, tried to sit up, then hissed. “Like a building fell on me.”

Athena smirked. “That’s because it did.”

Winston, Schmidt, and Coach appeared at the door like three unsupervised teenagers. Winston had a bag of chips, Schmidt was talking about loft duties, and Coach looked way too comfortable in a wheelchair.

“Hey, Buck!” Winston greeted cheerfully. “Good news! You’re not dead!”

“Thanks for the update,” Buck rasped. “Where’s Jess and Eddie?"

The room went quiet for a beat.

Athena sighed softly. “She’s in labor.”

Buck’s heart stopped. “What?”

“Started a few hours ago,” Hen said gently. “She’s doing great. Cece, Maddie, Nick, and Eddie are with her.”

Buck’s breathing hitched. “I need to be there.”

“Absolutely not,” Bobby said automatically. “You’ve got broken ribs, a fractured leg and a punctured lung. You can barely move.”

Buck tried anyway, gritting his teeth. “Bobby, I can’t miss the birth of my kid. I can’t.”

Hen placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not missing it, Buck. They’ll call,”

“No.” Buck’s voice was firm, desperate. “Please. Take me to her.”

Athena met his eyes. The man looked wrecked, tired, pale, still bruised but the determination there was all she could see.

She exhaled. “Okay. You didn’t hear this from me… but Coach clearly has a wheelchair that noone has tried to find, but I saw nothing.”

Bobby’s mouth twitched. “Same here. As far as I’m concerned, I’m in the cafeteria getting everyone food.”

Hen’s eyes widened. “Are you two seriously letting him do this?”

Chim grinned. “You kidding? We got to break him out of here.”

Karen sighed fondly. “You’re all insane.”

Schmidt clapped his hands. “Alright! Operation Baby Buck begins now!”

The plan was terrible. Naturally, it worked perfectly.

Athena and Bobby made a big show of announcing, “We’re going to get food for everyone!” before slipping out, pretending not to notice anything.

Winston saluted. “Mission a go!”

Hen muttered, “You’re all going to get us banned from the hospital.”

“Not if we’re fast,” Schmidt said confidently.

Hen sighed. “I can’t watch this train wreck.”

Chim gave her a look. “We can distract the nurses.”

“Fine. Only because I would want to see my own daughter being born.” Chim then immediately faked a coughing fit in the hallway. “Help! Is this contagious?!” Hen yelled out.

Buck groaned as Winston and Coach helped him into the wheelchair, wincing from his ribs. “Oh my God, this is stupid.”

Coach smirked. “It’s great. Shut up and hold the blanket.”

Winston threw a blanket over his lap like they were smuggling contraband. “If anyone asks, you’re my grandpa.”

“We look nothing alike?” Buck laughed, then winced with the pain.

“Genetics,” Winston waved it off like it was nothing.

They zipped down the hallway, Schdmit peeking around corners like a spy. “Okay, clear on the left.”

“Right’s clear too,” Coach confirmed. “Well, except for a candy machine. But it’s fine.”

“Wait!” Schmidt hissed, panicked. “Nurse incoming!”

They ducked into an empty room. Winston accidentally knocked over a tray. The sound clattered through the hallway.

Buck winced. “Smooth.”

Winston whispered, “Stealth is not my forte, okay?!”

Once the coast was clear, they hurried into the maternity wing.

“Room 210,” Schdmit whispered, holding the door open. “Go! Go!”

Buck was wincing, groaning, but still grinning like an idiot as they rolled him down the corridor.

Jess was in another contraction, gripping Nick’s hand with terrifying force.

“Okay, okay!” Nick squeaked. “I think I will need a new hand after this!”

Cece wiped Jess’s forehead. “You’re killing it. You’ve got this.”

Maddie squeezed her other hand. “Almost there.”

“I swear to God,” Jess gasped, “if Buck misses this,”

The door burst open.

“Did somebody order a dramatic entrance?” Winston announced.

Buck was wheeled in, pale, wincing but grinning, still in his hospital gown.

Jess blinked in disbelief, then burst into tears of relief. “Oh my God, you’re here.”

“Where else would I be?” Buck whispered, voice breaking.

Eddie moved instantly, helping to roll him up, so he is next to the bed. “Looks like it took a team effort.”

Maddie laughed through her tears. “Of course it did.”

The nurse turned, startled. “Uh, who authorized this?”

Coach's voice drifted faintly from the hallway. “Don’t worry about it!”

The nurse frowned but sighed. “Fine. Since dad’s here, everyone but three needs to leave.”

Cece looked around to Maddie. “Guess that’s our cue.”

Jess grabbed her hand. “You sure?”

Cece smiled warmly. “You’ve got dad and both your boys here. Go have your little girl.”

Jess squeezed her hand, whispering, “Thank you.”

“Always,” Cece said, then leaned toward Buck. “Don’t you dare pass out.”

“No promises,” Buck joked weakly.

As Cece and Maddie slipped out, the room quieted. The nurse nodded. “Okay, mom, let’s get ready to push. Dad, wheelchair or not you stay right here.”

Eddie positioned Buck closer to Jess’s bedside, then stood on his other side, hand braced over Buck’s shoulder for support. Jess reached for Buck’s hand; he took it immediately, fingers twining.

Nick grabbed her other hand, squeezing tight, while Eddie took Buck’s free one, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.

The nurse smiled. “Alright, looks like we’ve got the dream team. You ready, Jess?”

Jess gave a shaky laugh, tears in her eyes. “As I’ll ever be.”

“Okay,” the nurse said softly, “on my count… push.”

The air filled with the sounds of machines and the sound of their family holding each other together.

Buck squeezed Jess’s hand, voice trembling. “You’ve got this, Jess. We’ve got this.”

Jess looked at him through the tears, smiling. “Yeah. We do.”

“Okay,” the nurse called again, her tone strong and calm.

“Deep breath, mama. One… two… three, push!”

Chapter Text

“Push, Jess! You’re almost there!”

The nurse’s voice cut through the steady rhythm of beeping monitors and the soft chaos of encouragement from all sides.

Buck was holding Jess’s hand, his own shaking from effort and awe, whispering, “You’ve got this, Jess. Just a little more.”

Jess cried out, gripping him tight. Nick was on her other side, white knuckled but smiling through his own tears. Eddie stood just behind Buck, one hand steady on his shoulder, whispering, “Come on, you’ve got this. She’s almost here.”

And then,

A cry.

A single, sharp, beautiful sound that filled the entire room.

Jess broke into sobs instantly. Buck’s hand flew to his mouth as tears spilled down his cheeks. The nurse smiled and lifted a tiny, squirming baby into view.

“Congratulations,” she said softly, tears in her own eyes. “A beautiful baby girl.”

Jess laughed through her tears, collapsing back against the pillows. “She’s here,” she breathed. “Oh my God.”

Buck was already crying openly now, shoulders shaking as he leaned down and kissed Jess’s forehead. “You did it,” he whispered. “You did so well.”

Jess laughed and sobbed at once. “We did it.”

The nurse placed the baby on Jess’s chest, and the whole world seemed to stop.

Jess gasped a soft laugh. “Hi, baby.”

Buck reached out with trembling fingers, brushing one tiny hand. “Hey, sweetheart. I’m your dad.” His voice cracked. “I... wow, you’re perfect.”

Nick wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, muttering, “Okay, I didn’t think I’d cry this much. It’s the lighting. That’s all.”

Eddie’s voice was low, reverent. “She’s so beautiful.”

The nurse smiled, quietly snapping a photo for them, four faces, all teary and overwhelmed, bent over the tiniest little miracle.

Buck still in his hospital gown, Jess glowing and exhausted, Eddie and Nick both looking proud and dazed.

Jess looked at Buck through tears. “She has your nose.”

“And your attitude,” Buck teased softly, already in love with the little miracle they’d brought into the world.

Eddie chuckled, leaning over to get a closer look. The baby’s tiny fist curled, and he whispered, "Mi Bella Princesa.”

Jess smiled through her tears. “That means my beautiful princess, right?”

Eddie nodded, eyes still soft on the baby. “Yeah. That’s what she is.”

Nick, peering over, looked both enchanted and terrified. “She’s so small. Like… terrifyingly small. What if I drop her?”

Buck snorted through his tears. “You won’t. Just don’t sneeze.”

Nick froze. “That’s not funny.”

Jess laughed, tired but happy, the sound breaking through the exhaustion.

The nurse chuckled. “Alright, Dad, your turn.”

Buck blinked. “Me?”

“Yeah,” Jess said, handing him their daughter with shaky hands. “You deserve this moment.”

Buck cradled her like she was made of glass, eyes wide, awestruck. He was still sore and bandaged, but he didn’t care. The baby’s eyes fluttered open for just a second, tiny, curious, blue.

“Hey there,” Buck whispered, tears falling again. “I’m your dad. And I love you more than anything.”

Eddie pressed a hand to his shoulder, whispering, “She’s so lucky to have you.”

Buck looked up, voice trembling. “No, I’m the lucky one.”

They stayed like that for a while, just the four of them loving the little girl in a quiet cocoon of disbelief and joy, until the nurse gently cleared her throat.

“Alright, let’s get Mom and baby moved to recovery. I hear Dad already has a room with an audience waiting. We’ll put you together so you can all be close.”

Bobby’s voice filled the room, calm but exasperated. “I swear, if he somehow hijacks another wheelchair,”

The door opened.

Buck rolled in, exhausted but grinning, a bandaged leg propped on a pillow. Jess was right beside him, her own wheelchair rolling slowly, a bundled pink blanket in her arms.

Every person in the room froze.

And then chaos.

“Oh my God!” Hen gasped, hands flying to her mouth.

Maddie cried instantly.

Cece squealed.

Chim began babbling incoherently.

Athena pressed a hand to her heart.

And Bobby just stood there, smiling like a proud father.

“Everyone,” Buck said, grinning through tears, “meet our little girl.”

Hen practically melted. “She’s so tiny!”

Karen’s voice was soft, warm. “And perfect.”

Athena stepped forward, cooing immediately as Jess passed her the baby. “Oh, look at you,” Athena whispered. “Hello, little one. I’m Grandma.”

Bobby leaned over her shoulder, his usually stoic face completely undone. “Hey there, sweetheart. Grandpa’s going to spoil you.”

Athena shot him a teasing smirk. “We officially have a granddaughter now, you know.”

Bobby chuckled. “That we do.”

Maddie and Cece guided Jess gently to the hospital bed beside Buck, fussing over pillows and blankets. “You both need to rest,” Maddie scolded lovingly, smiling through tears.

Jess laughed softly. “Not happening anytime soon.”

Nick and Eddie helped Buck back into bed, Eddie making sure he was comfortable. “You good?” he asked, pressing a kiss to Buck’s forehead. Buck smiled back and nodded.

Schmidt was next to take the baby, holding her like she was made of spun glass. “Oh my God, I love her already. Look at that little face. She’s going to get whatever she wants from me.”

“She definitely will,” Cece said warmly, smiling down at the little girl. “From both of us.”

Winston peeked over Schmidt’s shoulder, clutching Ferguson’s carrier. “She’s too small. I’m scared I’ll break her.”

Coach crossed his arms. “Yeah, I’m with him. I don’t do tiny humans until they can high five.”

Hen laughed, shaking her head. “You’re both hopeless.”

Karen leaned down beside the baby, smiling. “She’s perfect. You two did good.”

Maddie reached out a hand, brushing the baby’s cheek gently. “Hi, sweetheart. I’m your Aunt Maddie.” She said taking her into her arms. 

Chim stepped closer, his usual grin softening. “And I’m Uncle Chim. Can’t wait for you to meet your cousin soon.”

The room filled with laughter, sniffles, and the soft cooing of a baby who had no idea she’d just joined the most chaotic, loving family in the world.

Bobby finally leaned back against the wall, smiling warmly. “Alright, so...what’s her name?”

The room went quiet. Everyone turned toward Buck and Jess.

Jess glanced at Buck, eyes shining. He smiled back, squeezing her hand.

Together, they said it:

“Dahlia Day Buckley.”

The name hung in the air, soft and perfect.

Hen whispered, “Beautiful.”

Athena smiled, eyes misty. “Welcome to the family, Dahlia.”

Jess looked down at her daughter, tears glinting again. “Welcome to the world, baby girl.”

Buck leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to her tiny forehead. “We love you so much.”

Eddie stood nearby, watching them. His boyfriend, his partner in every sense who he loves with everything he has. Jess, the new girl in his life he would die for. Dahlia, the little miracle he already adores, and the rest of their found family, and he felt his heart swell.

Staring at Buck and Dahlia, he knew this was it for him. Buck, Dahlia and of course Chris, it's everything he needs. His family.

He leaned closer and whispered to Buck, “Dahlia is perfect.”

Buck smiled back. “Yeah. She really is.”

Buck looked around, seeing just how much love surrounded them. Dahlia wasn’t just theirs, she already belonged to everyone in that room.

“Eddie,” Buck said softly, “we need to call Carla. Chris needs to meet his little sister.”

Everyone smiled at that.

After a few hours of visitors, laughter, and hundreds of photos, people began to trickle out.

Hen hugged them both. “Rest. You’ve earned it.”

Schdmit waved. “Text the group chat the second she poops. We’re family, we get the updates, the first of everything!”

Athena rolled her eyes. “No, we don’t need to know that, first things, yes. That one no.”

Winston whispered to Ferguson’s carrier, “Say goodbye to the baby Dahlia.”

One by one, the chaos thinned until only Nick, Eddie, Jess, and Buck remained.

Eddie rested on Buck's bed, Dahlia nestled in his arms. Buck resting on Eddie, mindful of Dahlia, gently stroking the baby’s soft hair. Body still aching, but not minding. Nick had climbed up beside Jess, holding her with love, rubbing her arm gently. It was quiet, peaceful, content.

The lights were dim, the room peaceful, with only the steady rhythm of Dahlia’s soft breathing, and random noises.

Then the door creaked open.

Chris appeared in the doorway, eyes wide and bright. In his arms, he carried a soft panda bear with a pink bow.

“Hey, Dad!” he whispered excitedly. “Is she here? Can I see her?”

Eddie smiled, voice thick. “Yeah, bud. Come on in.”

Chris moved carefully to the bed, his smile stretching ear to ear when he saw her. “She’s so tiny.”

Jess smiled through tears. “Chris, meet your baby sister, Dahlia.”

Chris stared at her like she was made of starlight. “Hi, Dahlia,” he said softly, setting the panda beside her. “I brought you this. It’s from your big brother.”

Buck’s voice cracked. “She’s going to love it, superman.”

Chris grinned proudly. “I’m a big brother now. That means I get to protect her, right?”

Eddie smiled fondly, his placed a hand on Chris’s shoulder. “Yeah. You are going to be a great big brother.”

Jess leaned over, kissing the top of his head. “She’s really lucky to have you, Chris.”

Chris smiled down at his new sister. “I love her already.”

Buck’s eyes filled again, “And we love the both of you."

Chris beamed, looking up at the four adults around him. “I think…we are going to be very happy.”

Eddie glanced over at Buck, his heart full. “Yeah, buddy,” he said softly. “Me too.”

Buck chuckled from his bed. “We are going to be very happy.”

Jess wiped her cheeks, laughing through the tears. “It might be different, but it's the perfect family.”

Nick kisses her cheek, "definitely different, but different is better."

Buck smiled, his heart was full completely, impossibly full.

The world outside could wait. His recovery can wait.

Because right here, surrounded by the people he loved most, with Dahlia safe in his and Eddie's arms and Chris happily beside him, and Jess and Nick within reach.

Evan Buckley finally had everything he’d ever wanted.

A family.