Daria

“Uhhh… sure he is.” Buttercup informs awkwardly.

“In fact, he’s present right now.” Hamm adds.

“Really?” Woody obviously gets very excited to know that, dying to see him again, only to suddenly have a laser pointer beaming right at his face once he turns back around again - the space ranger appears stern.

“Halt! Who goes there?”

This action feels all too familiar to the ex-sheriff, clear as crystal, so he playfully goes along with a grin. “Woah, woah, hey there! My name is Woody, I come in peace. I used to live here.”

With confirmation, Buzz Lightyear turns off his lightbulb laser and walks up smiling and chuckling.

The very second when they’re now less of an inch away from each other, they share an embrace; the warming feeling they both experience brings joy back to their figurative hearts. It’s been a while since they felt this, like really long, and it brings back memories to them. Lovely, romantic memories.

After half a minute, Woody and Buzz lift their heads up to gaze at each other’s adoring eyes, like they’re a long lost couple reuniting after decades; the latter even brings a hand up to caress the cowboy’s cheek, all while their friends whisper behind their backs.

“It’s been too long, darling.” Buzz breaths quietly, enough for only Woody to hear.

Those chocolatey irises sparkle after that pet name being delivered so delicately yet passionately. Woody can just melt into the touch of his favourite space toy right now… if not for what’s about to come next.

“I hope you’ve been okay.”

Such an innocent concern instantly snaps Woody out of the state of serenity and back to the reason for why he came back in the first place. His widened eyes nearly concern Buzz further before the cowboy can relax them and prints on another smile instead.

“Um, yeah, o-of course I’ve been.” Woody hesitates.

“You don’t sound so sure.”

He becomes very nervous that a shaky hand instinctively rests upon his own stomach, soothingly rubbing it to comfort himself. Buzz takes notice of this, especially at how big it’s gotten and instantly jumps into surprise and confusion - like the other toys prior. He wants to ask but doesn’t want to be rash.

“Wha- uh… Woody?…” The usually cool-headed space ranger never met this level of awkwardness before, at least not in a while, and doesn’t know how to handle it. He does begin to feel better once Woody takes back his hand and rubs his back with free one; although the half smile he gives him reads something different.

“Hey, guys?…” The cowboy looks back at the others with the same expression. “Can you allow us to have some privacy please?”

While suspicious initially, they allow it as good friends should. They don’t leave the area though as it’s the odd couple who walk their way towards the closet, suggested by Woody in a low voice. Only until the shutters are closed up tightly do they share puzzling stares between each other; most of them all still pondering about Woody’s new physical appearance and it doesn’t seem to be leaving their thoughts anytime soon.

A second later, curiosity gets the better of the spork. “Since when does Buzz call Woody ‘darling’?”

“That’s your question?” Mr. Potato Head side-eyes.

—

It’s a good thing Buzz still maintains his glow-in-the-dark feature, even if it is a little faded now. However, it’s enough to allow Woody to find the old night light stashed away and turn it on for the time being. With the area more lit and they can see each other more clearer, the agitated cowboy attempts to speak first.

“So… mm… Buzz…”

But apparently putting big, unknown news into words is a much more difficult task than he predicted. Lightyear can tell from Woody’s mouthing with no words, fidgeting fingers and distraught eyebrows that something may be very wrong; it’s all worrisome to him. He gently holds those quaky hands into his own and almost immediately does it calm Woody’s nerves.

Their loving eye-contact resumes as Buzz murmurs. “I-It’s okay, Woody. You can tell me.”

Well, no more beating around the bush now. Woody collects his thoughts and takes a soft breath.

“Okay.” He begins. “Buzz, do you remember my last visit about 10 months ago? Everyone was asleep and I snuck you out to the garage?”

“Of course I do.” Buzz responds positively. “That was when we figured things out between us.” His thumb caresses over one of those hands to silently elaborate. “And you provided us a way to stay in touch too.”

Woody makes a quick glance over to the walky-talky at the side before meeting Buzz’s eyes again. “Yeah. True, but…”

“Yeah?”

Here it comes; jumbling words are needing to escape his mouth, but Woody knows it’s best to take it one step at a time.

“Things did start out as normal when I got back… but then a month later…” He gulps nervously. “Strange things started happening to me.”

Buzz doesn’t say anything. His eyes did scan back down at the belly for a second but forces to look back up to not be rude. “Wh-What kind of strange?”

“Like… feeling woozy at inappropriate times, my back hurting and not due to the stitching, and obviously THIS growing and getting more bigger as time went by. I was so confused at first, and then...”

Woody’s voice croaked, causing a thump inside Buzz’s chest as worries rise. “Then what?”

The sniffling cowboy wipes at his eyes despite the inability to cry actual tears. Another inhale and exhale is made to contain himself before finally spilling the beans. “I-I… I felt it move.”

A pause occurs.

“It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I came to the conclusion that… I’m… expecting.”

In that moment, the world feels like it froze.

Buzz Lightyear, who’s usually the rational one, now looks like he’s in a trance; his mind turns into mush trying to process Woody’s words, eyes wide open, all while standing stiff in place. His partner expected this form of reaction - what he doesn’t expect is a forced grin followed by an anxious chuckle.

“Heh, heh, well that’s odd.” Buzz’s eyes shift in disbelief. “You sure it’s not just from the lack of a voice box? It could be just your stuffing moving about from there being more space in there. I mean- heh, we are toys after all so it could really be…”

As he rambles in denial, Woody’s eyebrows lower further, and one hand scrunches up into a fist. Of course he would never hit him - at least not nowadays - so in the state of irritation does he grab onto Buzz’s wrist and force his hand to lie on the rounded belly.

The closet goes dead quiet. Buzz keeps his focus on his hand and the stomach; and as soon as his disbelief seems justifiable, what happens after is enough to make him fall to his knees.

Something small, something gentle, is fluttering under the stitched cloth shirt. Buzz doesn’t dare to look away, nor move his hand even by an inch, not until he concludes that what’s right infront of him is real. Just when he thinks it can’t get any more shocking, a sudden, tiny bump knocks up against his palm - the spaceman can’t take the proof anymore.

“Holy shit.”

“Buzz! Ssshhh.”

It isn’t clear if Woody is hushing him in case the little one hears or if their friends might hear. Either way, it slowly brings Buzz’s mind back down to Earth.

“S-Sorry, sorry… it’s just-”

“I know, I know.”

Another moment of silence occurs just to help calm Buzz down and for his head to wrap around the truth one last time. Their hand holding now resumes.

“I can’t believe it…” the smiling spaceman quietly breaths again. “We’re actually going to be dads.”

“That’s right.” Woody smiles back at him. “Our very own kid.”

While continuing to caress his partner’s belly, a simple question comes flooding to him. “So… how did Bo react? In case you told her.”

Woody nearly freezes in place similarly to Buzz a minute ago, sadness replaces the bliss in his eyes and the warming smile disappears. The way he goes silent sets Buzz to worry again, at least he’s more coolly than before.

“I’m guessing she was also in denial?” Buzz guesses.

Woody shakes his head. “Worse. Once she learned I went back to see you, and that this is the result of it, she…” a nose sigh lets loose. “She dumped me.”

“What?!”

Buzz’s voice raising is almost as bad as him cursing so Woody does what he can to ease the anger.

“It’s okay. I still remained around the carnival, just nowhere near her; a-and I was thinking about returning long before now, but… to be honest, I was scared. Scared of what my family would think, but mostly, on what you’d think. But in the end, I decided on what was best for the baby, which is a home far safer than the dangers of the outside world. I’m so, so sorry it took me this long to come back to you.”

The ashamed cowboy hides his face within his palms after admitting his mistakes, as Buzz looks on with sadness. Don’t worry, for he quickly brings up his arms to gently takes those hands away so he can cup it himself. “Woody, look at me.”

His tone is a mix of strictness and sympathy; it’s enough to have Woody open up his brown eyes to him.

“Don’t ever apologise for what was a hard decision for you. You’re here with me now and that’s all that matters. Sure I was startled by the news, as you clearly saw, but now I’m more dedicated to you than ever; and believe me, I’ll be doing the same for the little miss or mister once they’re here.”

If that isn’t enough to convince him, than a light peck on the nose Buzz gives should - it works.

“I’ve always been by your side when you needed me, and I’ll happily do it for this next chapter of our lives, because I love you.”

Woody can honestly cry a waterfall over such a healing speech, but he can’t so the best he can do is resume their embrace once more. Lightyear nuzzles his face into his partner’s shoulder, rubs circles over the back stitches, and receives a satisfied sigh for it.

“What did I do to deserve you?”

However, Buzz can’t help himself with a specific reply to that question.

“A good knocking out the window if I recall.”

If that reminder was an attempt to make him laugh, then it oddly worked. Still, Woody reels in Buzz to press their lips together to keep his snarky mouth shut. The heavenly feeling of a kiss like this after 10 months without it makes his comment totally worth it. Once parted, their foreheads remain touching.

“I wonder how Jessie will feel about this.” Woody cannot help but ponder on one last concern.

“Oh don’t worry, she already figured out the thing between us a long time ago.” Buzz assures. “And she’s cool with it.”

“Heh. Well that certainly saves me a lot of trouble.”

…

-

The closet doors are shut nice, tightly and gently; Lightyear is really determined to remain as quiet as possible. He turns the opposite way and immediately does his plastic body and face relax, a soft smile naturally shows itself.

Glowing lights shaped like stars from the night light Bonnie doesn’t use anymore guides the spaceman’s way, pass some books and to behind some hanged up clothing; his smile grows warmer at the sight of his lovely cowboy with the bundle of joy he’s cradling.

They’re both chilling inside a shoe box stuffed with cushioning and a thick blanket to keep the old ragdoll comfortable, even though he’s currently sitting up with his eyes glued on the new arrival wrapped up in his own poncho. Buzz just knows he’s aware of his presence despite this, but keeps his walking pace steady as to not disturb either of them.

“Hey, Woody.” His tone is more delicate than a whisper.

“Hey, Buzz.” So is his partner, still not looking away.

When was the last time they had a tranquil moment like this together?

The space ranger takes a stop as he kneels down by the side of the box, placing a gentle hand on Woody’s shoulder which finally brings those adoring brown eyes to someone else for a change. “Is he okay? And is your back okay?”

Woody can’t help but hum the tiniest giggle ever heard. “We’re the same as five minutes ago, Buzz - just fine.”

Reassurance leads him to shift his gaze down to the bundle resting in Woody’s arms. The small, plastic, human-like toy is comfortably nested within the red fabric; he goes from silently sucking on his own thumb to making little grunting noises while trying to sleep. It’s the cutest thing the two new parents have ever seen and Buzz can’t help bringing up a finger to ghostly rub against his son’s cheek.

“Evening, little mister.” He delicately greets the newborn, causing the latter to wriggle and open up his eyes.

Two innocent irises, one bright blue like Buzz’s and one chocolatey like Woody’s, stare right up at his dad in curiosity. A tiny hand makes a grabby motion at the same time and so of course the spaceman lowers his finger to be held by it. Woody meanwhile cannot smile any bigger, willing to lean forward and peck the other cheek sweetly which he eventually does; he’s lost count of how many times he’s done that already.

Barely a minute of personal family bonding goes by before the eased cowboy decides to bring up a question. “Do you think it’s time?”

“Hm? For what?”

“For him to meet the rest of his family.”

Buzz blinks back to focus. It’s not a bad idea per say, but it implies a certain action Woody must do to carry it out, and the spaceman feels a bit uncomfortable thinking about it. Plus there’s not much time to get everyone to come inside the closet themselves, as the girls will be back from dinner soon. There’s only one option he can go for right now.

“Then…” His voice rises a little. “How about I take him myself to show everyone.”

Woody unintentionally tightens his hold on the baby after witnessing Buzz reaching out for him. “But… I was the one who brought him into the world, so it’s more natural that I’m there with you.”

Before Lightyear can strengthen his argument, the cowboy has already started to balance himself while trying to stand up. The former watches every movement like a hawk, both Woody and their son, desperately hoping he won’t drop him, especially after witnessing a brief wobble.

“W-Wait.” Buzz stutters worriedly. “C-Can you walk?”

“It’s fine, I’m fine.” Woody reassures his nervous partner. “I’ve been through this kind of ache before.”

After steadily climbing out of the box with the newborn held closely to his chest - whom’s been cooing the whole time - he proceeds his way towards the doors at a moderate pace. Even if things are fine, Buzz spends a second shaking his head in frustration; Woody may have changed a lot over the years but his day one stubbornness still lingers in there.

No matter, he keeps up until he’s back by his side while making another gaze at their baby; the itty-bitty grin forming is enough to set Buzz at ease again.

-

Everyone left in the room has been minding their own business with small talk until the creaking of the closet catches their attention - Jessie especially.

The first thing they see is Buzz guiding Woody carefully, nothing new here, but the cowboy is soon noticed carrying something in his poncho - now all the toys are heavily intrigued.

Jessie was there when it happened, however, but she’s still super willing to see him again more clearly. “Hmm, is that who I think it is?” She asks teasingly.

“Wha- Who is it?” Rex questions, twiddling his claws.

“Whatcha got there, Woody?” Slinky further asks.

Those questions bring the couple to a halt. They’re both surprised that their friends haven’t picked up on it yet - or Jessie telling them - but at the same time, they did kinda rush to get Woody straight inside the closet once they got back. Two pleasant smiles are shared between them before they can say anything.

There’s no need to anyway, as the little bundle begins fidgeting due to the baby rubbing his own eyes and letting out a minor yawn. The toys hear it, stepping more closer to see what made that sound; and wouldn’t you know it, they mildly gasp.

“Wait…” Buttercup pauses in confusion. “Is that a…”

Woody hums in delight, taking a step forward too. “Yup, that’s right. He’s our new edition.”

Mixed reactions spread between the different toys; of course Jessie and Bullseye are the most overjoyed, some give out little ‘awww’s to themselves, while others have several questions which might not be able to be answered.

“So… that wasn’t just stuffing weighing down?” Dolly tries to ask this as politely as she can.

It seems to have worked because Woody gives out a light chuckle as a response.

Out of the whole group, Bullseye is the first to greet the newborn by sniffing and nuzzling him with his muzzle; Buzz leads himself to hold onto the peppy horse in case he goes too far. To his surprise though, the baby giggles to the ticklish action. It doesn’t take long for Bullseye to relax a little for the next second excited toy to meet him fully.

The eager cowgirl brings out her hands while having a hint of nervousness in her eyes. “Mind if I?”

Of course Woody kindly allows her to have a turn holding his son, with a slightly skeptical spaceman thinking otherwise; he does trust Jessie a lot, he’s more worried on what the baby would feel about this. Jessie’s already beaming expression shines brighter as soon as she had the little one to herself; her lime-green eyes fixate on his mix-matched ones.

“Hey there, lil’ fella!” The blissful cowgirl coos a little too loudly, in contrast to the gentle rocking back and forth near her chest. “It’s yer Aunt Jessie, yes it iiis.”

Similar mumbles from before come out of that tiny mouth, sounding quite satisfied despite her louder, more enthusiastic tone.

“Yer so handsome, aren’t ya?” Jessie continues. “Just like… well, one of yer dads.”

“Heeey.” A slightly offended cowboy crosses his arms with a half-smile, while Buzz only raises an eyebrow. “What’s that suppose to mean?”

They receive no answer, as Jessie has quickly turned around to show off her new nephew to the others.

“Daww, golly bob howdy.” The springy dog wags his metallic tail in awe of seeing him up close.

All seems to be going well according to the baby’s calm babbling, except for his parents feeling a bit left out, until Buzz picks up on a building sob once Rex approaches with his big, toothy grin. Jessie can barely keep ahold of the squirming bundle now so Woody rushes in and takes him back into his arms, gently bouncing him and whispering comforts.

“Sorry! Sorry. I didn’t mean…” The guilty dinosaur toy apologises while stepping back.

“It’s not your fault, Rex.” Woody assures him. “He just needs time to get use to you, that’s all.”

As soon as the baby calms back down thanks to both dads soothing words and head pats, the others go briefly silent and taking in how much more adorable the spaceman and cowboy have become. The toys whom have known them the longest never thought that a day like this would ever happen, but you know - the world is full of surprises. Meanwhile, only one seems to have picked up on Woody’s recent wording.

“Sooo… does this mean you’re actually staying this time?” The curious spork queries.

Everyone else stare down at Forky and then back to Woody. The latter being left in sudden surprise for how he didn’t bother to tell them the obvious news yet; the things being a new parent does to you.

“Well, of course.” He answers. “Excluding Bonnie for a moment, the baby would feel much safer in here than being out there. Plus he needs his dad around.”

Buzz grins after receiving a nudge from his partner. “Thanks for that.”

“Um, Woody dear?” Mrs Potato Head interrupts. “Aren’t you going to name the little one or are we going to spend his whole life calling him ‘the baby’?”

There it is again. Another important aspect not crossing his mind, how silly. Woody takes a quick moment to look directly down at his son’s face, whom stares right back up at him too. The cowboy examines the mix-colored irises, the one tuft of plastic brown hair, the tiny nose and those big rosy cheeks; all together brings his thoughts to a single conclusion.

“Hmm, I’m thinking… Junior.”

The look Lightyear beside him gives displays both confusion and interest. “Huh. That basic?”

“Why not? He kinda looks like a junior version of both of us; mainly your chubbiness but my hair too.”

“Wha- I’m not chubby.”

“In the face, you kinda are.”

Woody’s friendly smug as well as Jessie trying to keep in a giggle is enough to make Buzz pout in annoyance - he ends up feeling his own face though.

“Well I certainly agree with that.” Mr Potato Head mirrors the cowboy’s smugness.

“Let’s be thankful he didn’t name him Andy.” Hamm remarks under his breath to his unicorn friend.

A few more minutes go by with more questions being asked; things like how did little Junior came to be in the first place were left out of course, as to not be rude. Despite being happy to have so many people surrounding him and adoring him, Junior can sense his eyelids drooping, his vision going blurry and another yawn escapes his mouth but more louder this time. Woody and Buzz catch onto it immediately, both in which know what it’s implying.

Great yet unintentional timing too; distant footsteps can be felt and chatter can be heard. All the toys gasp simultaneously and like always, they hurry back to their positions they were left in. Buzz helps to guide Woody back to the closet and before he can shut the doors himself, the urgent space ranger has to be pause him for a second.

“Woody, wait!”

With his partner still faced forward, he looks down again at the drowsy newborn and gives a swift but sweet kiss on the forehead, bringing a smile to both parents involved. What a wholesome last sight before the closet finally shuts again.

-

Clanky footsteps were the last thing he heard before the room becoming full of girl laughter again. Woody missed hearing it, he missed seeing the happiness upon his human kid’s face, even though he’s back in the same position he was left in 3 years prior. Perhaps one day he’ll be brave enough to present himself to Bonnie again, hopefully sooner than later.

Luckily, his new priority will keep himself happy for the time being; his gaze returns to the sleepy Junior in his arms and melts into the feeling of that tiny face burying itself into his chest. Woody sighs calmly, taking a seat beside his makeshift bed, and thinking about where life is going to take him and Buzz from this moment forward.

That does sound too early to think about, but considering that Junior’s also a toy, he’s gonna remain young and cutesy forever; there’s not much to worry about compared to a human child.

Except maybe teaching him how to walk, saying ‘Daddy’ and possibly the rules of play things if he grows smart enough to understand. Everything else like his laughter and personal playtimes with his own family is undoubtedly what he’s looking forward to the most. What makes this better is Bonnie going back to school soon, so he’ll be getting a pleasant start.

All this thinking of a hopeful future is somehow causing Woody to feel pretty tired himself; it could be just postpartum, or maybe is just the dimmed lighting of the closet. Either way, the eased cowboy brings his son back towards his face to once again whisper meaningful murmurs to him.

“Welcome to the family, Junior Pride Lightyear. I promise we’ll all take good care of you, and your daddy and I will love you for infinity and beyond.”