CREOLE BANJEE BITCH 𐚁

both of the young men looked to robby— who did nothing to ease the growing nerves— as he nodded in confirmation. 

“she’s right.”

“b-but the patient is a teen. and—” “teens still need physicians. especially ones who specialize in their age group of medical care.” it was said matter of factly to ogilvies excuse. a poor one. because even a med student should know that. everyone knows that. “and seeing the extent of the injury, and the type it is, ortho needs to get in on this. it’s standard procedure.” robby explains lightly. still obvious in his tone of voice. but not demeaning.

ogilvie stays quiet. a crease between his eyebrows. almost as if he's slowly dissecting what was just said. whitaker paled next to him. “oh boy.”

—

"let's just let them assess the patient and uh— unless asked directly, just" whitaker motioned with his hands "try to keep to yourself." it was said carefully. unsure if it was more for himself than ogilvie. even if being aware of med students eagerness.

and off the side, tablet in grasp, robby laughed under breath.

they were still fresh. one more than the other. easy to spot and easier to kill. figuratively speaking. and while he finds humor in it now, the attending knows what it's like to have been bit by the shark and his wife. never has he admitted to it, but its happened once or twice in his career.

both exceptional and outstanding physicians, you guys were also extremely brutal. you more so than your husband.

robby was known to be hard. he was known to be honest. but your honesty couldn’t compare. your voice never raised. it never fell. it was collected. too collected for someone who was about to chew someone else out. he’d experienced it himself. and after that, he was careful on where to dip his toes.

“dr.park.” 

you’d come in first, and not long after, your husband did. your eyes briefly panning over the room before landing on familiar ones.

“doctor.”

ogilvie stilled at the address. remembering just why you referred to him as that.

“I see you’ll be joining us?”

the student glanced over to whitaker. the advice from earlier apparent. he looked back to you, then to brendon— who was staring expectantly above his lashes— as if looking to the man would help the ms in answering his wife. james couldn’t tell what was worse. your stare. or brendons.

“she’s talking to you, genius.” park says it drily. the students brain catching up as he slowly nods. “I uh, yes.” you make a face of faux approval.

“okay then. feel free to interrupt during the assessment.”

your teeth already sinking in and he hasn’t even done anything. yet. robby pursed his lips at the penetration of your words. knowing what you meant, seeing as he was there for the first time.

“why don’t you go ahead and begin the presentation.” your head motioning for him speak. and albeit the initial impression he made with you, you were being genuine, even if your words came off as a bait.

“a tibial eminence fracture?” brendons brows raised as ogilvie finished.

“that’s what I heard.” you murmured from the patients side. “rare.” sending the kid a warm smile, a subtle hand squeeze— all before turning your body around. the switch was startling. if someone saw, they didn’t say anything. and they wouldn’t want to.

“xray?” you glanced up in expectancy.

robby pulls out the screen. brendon nodding when he sees it. “clean break.”

“anesthetics?” you asked, attention still on the patient. robby listing off the meds.

yours and brendons eyes find each others. surgery. a silent agreement. his head nodding as your gloves come off. “I’ll prep the OR.”

your eyes rolling at the announcement that you were waiting to deliver to the patient before brendon did. your eyes catching wet ones as the kid looks to you for assurance. trying to lift the weight of the situation, you make a face, hand waving back to where your husband walked out.

“he never listens.” you prop up the gurney rails to get him ready. “our boys do better.” the corner of his mouth perking up from one side as he wipes his nose. his hand grasping yours. squeezing like earlier if not tighter.

“do you guys know each other?”

the question has you smiling. exposed. out in the open. even if there were others still in trauma. the innocence of it causing your front to break. you glance to where brendon left. but before you could answer—

“they’re married.”

and just like that, you were back. giving one last squeeze to the kids hand as they wheeled him out. your head turning to ogilvie who stared wide eyed.

not friends but also not friendly. according to you. but to those who witnessed the interactions you had with the orthopedic surgeon, thought it to be anything but that. because park the shark didn't just take time like that to entertain just anybody.

he didn't like it. it annoyed him to no end. at first. 

but you had become a familiar face for him to see each time he came to the ed. 

“I was working. something you should be doing.” park uttered drily. 

“I am working, but now you’re here and I can’t help if I’m attracted to that charming personality of yours.” it couldn’t have been said with a more deadpanned face. the look on your face almost equivalent to the one he wore daily. you swayed on foot. 

“I strive to be delightful.” he said flatly, looking away.

the side of your mouth lifts faintly, a ghost of a grin. a tired one.

he takes his gloves off, orders falling from his lips that are repetitive. expected. already knowing his expectations. so you drown him out. it begins to sound muffled in your ears. almost like when you’re under water. only resurfacing and grasping the last of his words.

“—prep for OR.”

you nod, automatically. assuming he’s referring to the amputee. but when your eyes catch his, you see he’s already looking at you. undivided attention. eyes practically pinning you to the floor. awaiting.

oh absolutely not.

your head is already shaking, beginning to understand why.

“it’s past my shift, park.” you grit.

“like I said, prep for OR.” he repeats, something he never does, and leaves. no room for arguments. you turn and watch him sail out. Your head swiveling, trying to find anyone in the same proximity as you that he might’ve been referring to. even if it was said directly to your face. you see robby, whose lips are pursed obnoxiously, shoulders shaking as he rips his own gloves off.

albeit being in the same boat you are with the amount of exhaustion, he finds it all too amusing. your eyes find his; pleading for him to do something.

he laughs harder.

“kid, you’re an attending now.”

“and you’re the chief, michael.” you make a face. trying to grasp any excuse to get him to get you out of this. his head went side to side. “technically I’m just robby right now since day shift ended a few hours ago.”

“and technically, you’re still here.” you argue. desperate. arms crossed as you look to your fellow attending.

he offers you a half shrug. “so is Abbot.”

“Abbot isn’t chief.” you were getting annoyed. more than you already were.

he gives a tired smile.

“this is what happens when you’re friendly with shark.” patting your shoulder in faux sympathy and walks out.

“we’re not friendly— oh for fucks sake.” dismissing yourself and your words as you wave it off and head upstairs.

you were awake now.

—

whatever you were feeling before surgery was nothing like what you’re feeling now.

you. were. tired.

exhausted.

eyelids heavy. eyes stinging. legs stuttering as you walked. barely even a person right now. only wanting to get to the elevator as soon as possible even if it was just a step compared to how much further you have left to get to bed.

your body leaned against the railing in there. head falling to the side as you close your eyes. briefly you told yourself. just for a little while. your body barely even responding to the doors sliding open again. someone stepping in.

“bedtime?”

if you weren’t so damn tired, you would’ve said something. told him off even. give him your famous bite me that you say all too often every time he’s in the ed. ironic given his nickname.

but you didn’t. rather than your usual jabs, you give him a faint snort. an exhausted look and a small smile to offer as you open one eye. you turn to him.

“it is past my bedtime.” you confirm with a breathy laugh.

its probably the first time park has seen you like this. no doctor front. no guard up. no you using humor as a mechanism. just you.

“not too bad up there.” he says it low. not even looking at you. referring to the surgery you just got out of. the one you pleaded at robby about. you open your eyes fully.

“I’m gonna need that in writing.” you joke. letting out another breathless laugh. park gives you a side glance.

“gotta have something to back me up when I tell everyone that park the shark was nice to me.” you shrug after explanation.

“I’m always nice to you.” he argues, poorly. drily. the words uttered as if it was obvious. the look you gave him said otherwise. “is it like a free trial period then?“

his expression changes. the movement almost missed if you hadn’t been watching him. the slight asymmetric pull to the corner of his mouth.

you broke him you think

you’re a little more awake now. too aware as you step out of the elevator.

“you off tomorrow?” he asks as he holds the elevator door. blue eyes stare back you.

“you mean today?” you correct with a lilt. head rolling to the side as you wear a satisfied grin. it was already past midnight. early morning.

the surgery had taken longer than expectated. something you couldn't refuse to jab brendon about in the OR— commenting on the many times he’s performed this type of surgery in only a few hours but can’t seem to do it now. you were sure everyone in the there held a breath. aside from the sound of the machines and your breathing, it was quiet. and instead of being met a look of a man whose skill was just insulted, they saw something else entirely. because while the staff downstairs were well aware of you and brendons interactions, upstairs had yet to see that side of him.

you liked giving the man a hard time. annoying if you must say.

you work in the same place, it’s a hospital for gods sake, you know things can happen out of nowhere, it was obviously you joking. not that anyone could tell. probably not the best time to do so either but you and park have bickered and bantered— if could call it that— in far more worse cases.

he looks unimpressed by your response.

“I am off though.” you answer, sparing him from your ways. his eyes steady, linger, before nodding.

he takes a small inhale. and then exhales through his nose. “get some sleep. I’ll call you.” park orders. tells. backs up into the elevator again and then realizes he’s not on shift so he fixes his words.

“is it okay if I call you?”

it takes a minute for your mind to catch up. lack of sleep getting the best of you in the moment. because where was he going with this?

you slowly nod.

“get some sleep then.” he offers, and leans up against the railing.

“you too, brendon.”

his eyes unwaver from yours at the use of his name falling from your lips. and just before you see him disappear behind the closed doors.

—

her fingers faltered at the tablet, trying to keep her mind on the patient as she waited. ogilvie stood off to the side. eyeing her as he himself waited. dana had told him to assist. insisted on it apparently. from what ogilvie told the resident.

and when robby came by to see where things were at, looking to samira for an answer on why the student was in there—without actually asking—she carefully explains. “dana thought it’d be a good opportunity for him to—”

“I don’t know why- i was looking to get in on the trauma that came in. I wanted to practice my intubation for my medical procedure log but I was told I’d be learning a lot if I were to help dr. mohan.” the med student interrupts. robby and samira share a quick look before robby clasps his hands together and nods. albeit not being okay with the charge nurse assigning his students to cases without letting him know, he sees…why she did it.

the attending bites his lower lip. “I think dana is right. you’ll learn from this so just uh—” he scratches his beard. “wait for peds. dr.park is an exceptional pediatrician—”

“dr. park?” ogilvie asked looking to samira then back to robby.

“yes, she's—” “a child was abandoned?” your gloves snapped on as you walked in.

“dr.park.” robby acknowledged. you spare a side glance and a lifted hand. a wave. “present the case.”

ogilvie speaks as samira opens her mouth, "sats 99 on room air, normal bp, normal pulse…” your eyes brief them over, before shifting your attention to the small patient.

“well hydrated.” robby says from behind.

“how’s she doing?” you asked as you adjusted the blanket.

“she's seems happy enough. we got a quick a point-of-care CBC.” samira said softly. patiently waiting for you to examine baby jane doe.

“we don’t know the birth history and—” he speaks again.

“I’m aware.” you interrupt this time. sparing the kid a look. “you said so in the case presentation and it’s the indication you gave me. unless you—” “I know I just wanted to validate.” samira and robby don’t say a thing.

your head tilts as you stare at him. eyes sharpen. “student?” you question.

“dr. ogilvie. I’m actually a student doctor,” “I didn’t ask. it was a yes or no.”

that seemed to shut him up pretty quick.

“are you aware that you interrupt, doctor ogilvie?” not even looking at him when you speak as you go back to checking the child. it wasn’t even said as a correction to his introduction moments ago. but rather a bite to his need to have that acknowledgment. you look at him. expectantly. waiting for an answer that has seemed to fall on deaf ears.

“I was just telling you.” it’s a poor attempt to explain.

robby shakes his head, hands behind his neck. lips pressed tightly together. this is why dana was insistent.

“and I’m telling you.” you correct him. your tone hard. no room for arguments.

you look back to the baby, offering a smile to her before dropping it when you turn to those standing off to the side. “she looks good, no obvious source of infection, there’s a possibility of it being benign but since we don't know her history," your eyes find ogilvie's. “let’s get labs done.”

you give your orders as the gloves come off.

“I’ll be back in a few to check in.” you walk around and begin to leave. “and doctor?” you direct to ogilvie, your hand on the handle of the door. the young man turns to you.

“I get wanting to learn, but this isn’t a competition. so few words of advice—considering it is a teaching hospital— learn a thing or two about respect. do not to interrupt when someone is talking to you.”you grit and push at the door. “—even my kids know that.”

it quiet for a minute after you leave, the only noise comes from the small patient as she coos.

“that was dr. park. she's one of our attending pediatricians.” robby starts off slowly, picking up from earlier. his head tipping toward where you just walked out.

the student stands there, looking startled. “she works with kids?"

samira gives a tight lipped smile and robby laughs before he himself walks out. “just you wait.”

—

the med student stared at the man, who was assessing the amputation in front of him. shocked. because that was not the doctor he saw earlier.

“—clean wound. no crush injury. rapid transport time. replantation is a go. I'll book an OR. irrigate the hell out of this with 3 liters."

"3 liters?"

"of saline, genius."

"thanks, shark."

the surgeon walks out but not before giving a side eye— glaring— at the two young men.

"I thought dr. park was a pediatrician?" ogilvie questioned. eyes on robby for clarification.

"dr. park is pediatrics." robby slowly nodded "dr. brendon park, her husband, is orthopedics." the students' eyes widened when he finally caught up to his words.

“there’s two of them?”

—

side eyes and lips in the ‘o’ shape as if they just heard the physical slap. perlah and princess were probably clutching onto each other somewhere. “a word.” your head tipped to the side.

and albeit your tone and the hard look on your face, brendons eyes still softened at the sight of you. even if you were mad at him.

he hadn’t seen you this morning. you had left before him. that’s how mad you were. you guys always drove to work together. and if you didn’t, he always made sure to see you off first.

you guys had an argument the night before. not even on speaking terms by the time you went to bed.

and if there’s one thing brendon park hated more than arguing with you, it was you not speaking to him.

he had tried to get you to talk to him after. tried to talk to you; he wanted to apologize. but you weren’t having it at the time. too mad to even look his way.

he went to bed with you angry at him.

and by the look on your face right now, and the fact you referred to him as ‘dr. park,’ you probably still were.

his head nodded before trailing after you.

when you guys were in private, brendon spoke.

“I’m sorry.” his eyes were on you. shaking your head as you bit your lip.

“for what?” you looked at him. “for last night or for this morning?” you pressed. you can see him trying not to ask about the latter part of your question. “someone told me you were taking it out on the residents.” brendons jaw clenched, already having a feeling of who it was that told you.

“it doesn’t matter who said what to me, brendon.” you interrupted. your weight shifting from one foot to the other as you crossed your arms. “it doesn’t give you the right to go off on your residents just because of something that happened outside of work. you’re their superior, act like it. I shouldn’t have to come down here to tell you that.” you shake your head. “we shouldn’t even be having this conversation right now, because you know how much I hate bringing things from home to work!” the last of your words raised, but not out of anger. just exasperation. not even frustrated at him anymore but rather the situation.

you hated arguing just as much as he did.

you exhale through your nose and glared at him. and he stood there, staring at you. nodding and then carefully, and very slowly, he pulled you into his arms.

you were still a lil mad at him but you also missed him. your lips pursing as you begrudgingly let him, resting your head against his chest. the engulf had your body practically melting.

“I’m still angry with you.” you said as your husband pressed a kiss to your head. “I know.” his mouth quirked up into a half smile. he already expected you to say that. “I am sorry.” brendon said as you pulled back enough to look at him.

you knew he was. no matter if you had it at the tip of your tongue ready to say it, brendon always apologized first. you nodded.

“I know. I’m sorry too.” your arms unwrapped from around him, rubbing his back before pulling away completely. “don’t let me hear though that you’re telling your interns off. they’re kids.” your tone hard again as you finger juts his chest. eyes sharp.

brendon presses one more kiss to your lips. you glare through your lashes. “brendon.”

he looks at you with the same soft eyes. nodding his head.

“okay. I gotta get back to work and so do you but I’ll see you at home, kay?”

he almost wants to laugh at how your voice shifts. getting after him one minute and then telling him lovingly that you’ll see him later the next.

“you will. probably before then because I’m not about to let you leave the hospital without me seeing you.”

“you’ll see me at home.” your husband gives you a look. one your too familiar with. it’s a thing for him to always see you prior to you leaving somewhere. always needing to get a look at you before he sees you take off. you think it has to do with where you guys work. having seen a lot come through those doors. some of the cases hitting a little too close to home. so you get why he’s so adamant about it. and it’s then you feel the weight of your action this morning when you left without letting him know. even if you guys work at the same place.

“okay, I’ll wait.” you say, squeezing his hand before giving him a quick kiss.

brendon tips his head towards the noise of the ed.

“let’s get back.”

when you guys walk out, your both back to your work personas. the staff watching as park the shark makes his way to the elevator; you heading in the opposite direction to one of the rooms.

trinity glances up ‘discreetly’. whitaker already beginning to question who you were as he leans against the nurses station.

“his wife.” dana says, as if it was nothing new. the two residents mouths drop.

“what???”

“he’s married—”

it was said simultaneously. the charge nurse looking over the rim of her glasses. she leans forward, hands resting on the desk.

“if you think park there has bite, wait till you work with the missus.”

trinity looks over her shoulder to the direction she saw you go. “what department?”

the blonde laughs and turns.

“Daddy!” She screamed, rushing the line of bikes before he had even parked, the dragged out cheer vibrating in her chest due to the rush of her steps. It was met with throaty laughter, a rumble louder than his engine as he walked himself backwards into his usual spot. 

“C’mon,” he clapped his gloved hands together, leaning down to grab her. He plopped her down in front of him on the bike and there went it, flutters so overwhelming you felt like you had a serious case of morning sickness all over again. 

Jax made his way behind you and dropped a heavy arm over your shoulder. “What are you guys doing here?” 

“We’re stealing him for lunch,” you leaned into him, chin gesturing to Happy and your girl contently sitting on the bike. 

The two of you watched a memory in the making. Happy explaining the throttle, the clutch, what it is and how it works despite her not having a clue to what even half those words meant. She smacked against the tank, stretched her arms for the handlebars but her chubby arms were too short to get anywhere close.

Happy was in awe of her, smiling so wide he looked like a damn cartoon character. You pulled out the little silver camera that stayed in your purse these days, capturing that sight three times over, and through it all you kept side-eyeing the blonde beside you. 

Jax doesn’t linger. He doesn't lean his head against yours and take one too many deep breaths like he’s just waiting for you to notice. He doesn’t talk to you anymore.

It started around the time of Tara’s return to Charming. He didn’t cut you out, never, but it was different. Distant in ways that were reasonable, separation that would be expected when your brother goes and gets himself an old lady.

Then Opie died, and he cut everyone out.

His wife, you, the club. This version of the man you call brother was rare, and after everything he’s done for you, you couldn’t possibly pretend it was normal. 

“You okay?” You bumped his shoulder, poking at the heaviness he wasn’t holding very well today. Your life with leather was just starting, but his was reaching the bottom of a very hard rock. He needed to let it out, but all you could do was open the door, he had to walk through it on his own.

“Yeah, darling,” he kissed the top of your head, pouring all his love into it with a deep inhale of your hair that smelled like the same damn shampoo you’ve used since you were ten, “all good.” 

You could push, pry, but knew it wouldn’t go far. It never does, but you hate seeing him like this. Tired, and fighting too hard to keep the walls up between the president, husband, and the monster he sees in himself.

You only ever saw the version of him you met when you were five. The kid who bullied people off the swings so you could have it all to yourself.

Then he became the angry teen who beat up any guy who dared to make you cry. The prospect who held you through your grief when your father died. The fresh patch who drove you to college himself so you didn’t have to lift a single box. The brother who held your hand through labor and you didn't even have to ask. The first man aside from your father to show you unconditional love in its purest form.

Even now, this broken version of your truest friend. You can see him doing his best, doing what he was built for, and struggling with every part of it. 

He never let that happen to you, and you couldn’t let it happen to him. 

“Hey Jax,” you called out, stopping him before he got too far, “I’m not Opie, no one is,” you shrugged with a sad attempt at a smile, “but you can always come talk to me.” 

He didn’t give you much, but he did grin. A glimpse of something real but rare these days. 

Little girl's never ending string of words was silenced by her favorite meal at Happy’s favorite diner. The hostess greeted them like old friends, grabbing a kids menu and a bucket of crayons on the way to a big booth in the back corner like it was second nature. Followed by the immediate arrival of a perfectly sized bowl of mac and cheese neither of you had to order before it appeared. She had a crayon in one hand, a grip full of noodles in the other. Smashing the cheddar goo in her mouth like a feral animal. 

“How many times have you guys been here?”

“Just for lunch,” he shrugged, coloring alongside her. Crayon dragging at the corner of the page until her name was spelled out in chunky bubble letters just like always.

You didn’t think it was possible to fall deeper but there you went, head first, diving right into the deep end. Eating, chatting, carrying the conversation because as much as you’ve grown to love him for it, talking to Happy is essentially talking to yourself. 

You talk, he listens. She talks, he listens. He talks, the world is probably ending. 

You ordered the universal safety meal of chicken tenders but when his burger came out your mouth watered. One look at your star struck expression and the worlds best dad was officially in the running for worlds best old man. You ate your fries, she ate his, and he let you take bites of his burger every time you asked for just one more until the whole thing was gone and he was finishing off your plate instead. 

Dates were a luxury, he said he had the time, but you knew the truth when you let him stay that night. It was only going to get worse, but his promise held weight because he didn’t make many.

It was getting worse, but it was going to get better, and in the meantime, he made time.

He would always make time. 

The time to push her for hours on the swing because it was her happy place. The time to help cook, clean, and hold you both during much needed rest. The time to make you feel heard without having to say a word.

He did balance well. It was one of the only things he did well that wasn’t tied specifically to some form of violence. All of it seemed to come so easy, like part of him was just waiting for someone to come by and wake him up.

It was an average night, the kind that was quickly becoming the new normal. 

The breeze was warm coming in through the kitchen window, and leftovers from dinner were already stored neatly in the fridge. She had a bath and smelled sweet like lavender and honey. You got to take a baby free shower while he forced her to watch yet another classic from his childhood that made her eyes droop in a matter of minutes. 

You came shuffling down the hall in the smiley face slippers you bought last week, a pajama set that matched hers, hair tied up and wanting nothing more than to fall into the curve of his side. 

Ding dong

For the briefest moment you were convinced you were cursed, one thing after another. 

“I got it,” Happy muttered, lifting off the couch with your baby girl in tow. 

It was one of the many unspoken rules he has.

You don’t pump your own gas anymore. You don’t go to the grocery store alone once the sun's gone down. It’s practically a law that he reads the nightly bedtime story. Amongst the ones you know, there are ones you’re still learning, but not this.

You, under no circumstances, are to open the door to your own home. 

You didn’t fully understand why, you didn’t care enough to ask, you brushed it off the way you do everything else. That world’s best old man award goes to Happy Lowman, because for all his quirks his priority was just to keep you safe. 

He passed her off on your way towards the kitchen, parting ways with a kiss to your forehead because it just happened to be within reach. Her head fell against your shoulder with a soft thud and a yawn to pair. You juggled her, her cup, the gallon of milk. You had your hands full and your ears turned on, picking up the unmistakable sound of Jackson Teller at your front door. 

You rounded the corner and the two of them were standing awkwardly. Happy looked like a little boy who got caught with his pants down, Jax looked like he’d walked in on his parents getting it on, and you were far too amused by all of it. 

“It’s for you.” 

“Yeah it’s my house,” you giggled, shuffling your way around the couch, “trade me?”

You passed him a sippy cup of cold milk for bedtime and let little girl kiss her uncle goodnight before handing her back off to daddy.

Once Happy disappeared down the hall Jax’s expression did a one-eighty. He went from borderline traumatized to smug as hell like usual. He trailed behind you back to the kitchen, fighting to keep quiet but that could only ever last so long between the two of you. 

“You move fast.”

“Slut shaming coming from you is crazy.”

He chuckled softly and accepted the coffee cup he had no intention of touching while taking a good look around. Your house was cleaner, neat even. No dishes in the sink, dishwasher running. Laundry mountain had been excavated, and all her toys from play time had already been returned to the toy chest. 

If Jax didn’t know you so well he wouldn’t think much of it, but he’s seen your childhood bedroom and the filth you let pile up during postpartum. He knows exactly how you tend to keep things. 

“It looks good in here.” 

“Apparently he likes things neat,” you gestured to the stack of mail organized by size and priority. Yet another thing Happy had taken care of while you and your mini were busy washing off the day. “You want to tell me what’s going on?” 

You didn’t expect it to be that easy, but you didn't actually expect him to show up at all. The softness of your tone, full of love and support, broke him down.

He went off, words wobbly and unsure. It seemed you weren't the only one experiencing the exhaustion of one thing after another. The patch and the weight of the damn president flash. Tara and the mess she was making of the life she chose. 

It was hard not to cut in, because of course you had your thoughts, opinions, judgements too. The club has bled all over her life, their family, but she knew what the club was. They’re not subtle, the good the bad the ugly, it’s all out in the open. He spoke quietly like he was tucked in a confessional rather than your dimly lit kitchen, mumbling about his boys and what the hell to do next. Until he was sniffling, palms pushing into his eyes to keep the tears contained. 

“I know how much you love her,” you sighed, hand petting over his slicked back blonde hair gently, “but if she can’t accept who you are, is it worth it? Our life is messy, but it’s our life Jax. It’s all we’ve ever known.” 

He looked up, stern with the thought she trapped inside his head. “We could have better.” 

“Do you want better?” 

His face quivered, head dropping from his shoulders. The answer was complex, multipart and too much for either of you to process in one night. 

Better? Yes. Away from the patch entirely? Not so much. 

“Yeah, me neither,” you huffed, resting your head against his in support, "you can stay in her room if you want, she sleeps with us anyway.” 

He nodded politely, palms rubbing his eyes hard. “How’s that been going?” 

“Well he’s the one putting her to bed, so you tell me.” Your comment brought his smile back. A small victory in the form of a silent bounce to his shoulders that lightened the weight that the gavel had burdened him with just enough to clean his face up. “I won’t make you stay but I think you should. Take the night, take a breath, it’ll help.” 

“You sound like mom.” 

“I changed my mind, get out,” you pointed to the door dramatically and he rolled his eyes, holding your knee like it might fix the disconnect in his mind. 

After a few hushed whispers and sibling banter while getting him set up, you made your way back to them. Feet dragging underneath you as you finished getting ready for bed. Teeth brushed, hair fixed, dropping the bottom half of your pj set from your hips and fumbling with the sheets. Happy helped, moving them both to give you more room, lifting the covers for easier access to fall right into his side and take your rightful place against his chest. 

“You mean what you said out there?” 

“Nosy,” you whispered, taking a moment to admire her attached to his other side. Fisting the sheets tight, tiny little snores filling the room. You tucked her hair out of her face, leaning over his torso to kiss her cheek goodnight. You finally settled, head on his chest, steady beat thumping in your mind, “which part?”

“You happy here?” 

You hummed, absentmindedly tracing the lines of his inked torso, trailing into quiet laughter when the thought filled your head. “I’m happy with Happy.” 

He fought his grin but it was there, twitchy corners he couldn’t help but give into. “Funny.” 

“So I’ve been told.” You climbed over top of him, maneuvering around your daughter with ease, lips connected to his neck. 

He pushed you off carelessly, grunting out a simple, “no.” 

“Seriously? She’s dead to the world,” you lifted her arm and it landed back down on the bed with a thud, “see.”

“Not happening.” 

“Chivalrous too,” you snickered, coming up for another kiss, hips rolling in a teasing grind, “very sexy.” 

He groaned into your mouth before he could stop it, “quit your shit.”

“Make me.”

He flipped you, too easy, pinning you into the mattress by the neck. Not rough, not violent, just holding you in place while you giggled quietly. 

“It’s bed time,” he murmured, black voids taking in your adorable little huff of defeat. 

“Yes sir,” you teased, hands up in defense. 

He leaned down for one gentle kiss before rolling back over. You on one side, her repositioned on the other, it’s how he slept best under normal circumstances. The night was peaceful. He held your hand against his chest, thumb circling the sacred space between knuckles. He hushed her when she stirred, accepting her in closer until she was draped across him entirely so she was in constant contact with you both.

As peaceful as it was, it was sleepless. Knowing his president was a room away kept his brain awake, those words of wisdom still ringing true. 

Keep doing what you're doing, it’ll happen. 

this chapter is secretly my favorite...thank you for coming to my ted talk. love you, bye.

general taglist: @vaugarkel @coffeedreaminanreadin @bonni-98 @anonymouse1807 @lv7867 @bsttwice @landpiranha-blog @declanoharasmustache @19forty2

if you want to be added/deleted just lmk

my main master - p.s if you copy my work or feed my work to ai i'll track you down and kill you myself

Heaving a heavy sigh, he mentally reviewed the list of things he had checked: the shut-off valve, a possible leaking hot water line, and the aerator for blockages. No such luck. He hoped it wasn’t a water heater issue. That was the last thing you needed to deal with.  

He grunted and reached for the wrench, not understanding what the problem was. He was handy, and had fixed everything around the house. So far he patched holes in drywall, replaced windows, repaired the roof, and remodeled the kitchen, to name a few. Sam could vouch for his skills since he fixed things on the boat. Surely he could repair this.  

Or it might be the thing to finally defeat him.

“Fuck that,” he muttered, gripping the wrench so tight he nearly bent it.

The former brainwashed assassin had faced worse: superpowered enemies, a world war, experimentation, losing a limb, brainwashing, torture, PTSD, and more. For Christ's sake, he was dusted by Thanos. He refused to let a kitchen sink defeat him, especially since he had promised you he'd fix it, and he always kept his promises to you.

Bucky stared down the pipe with a withering death stare. Why the fuck wasn’t the hot water running? “I’m not going to let you break me, you piece of shit.”

“Bucky?”

As he crawled out from under the sink, his gaze softened at the sight of you. Your bare feet gently padded across the floor as you moved toward him, a tender smile on your face and a hand on your belly. He hadn’t grasped what pregnancy glow was until you became pregnant with his child. It was like a soft ray of sunlight that glowed through you and touched everything within its reach. It was beautiful, just like you.

Sunshine to his moonbeam.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he rasped, still in awe of your beauty.

You ducked your head and smiled to yourself, something you had done from the first time he called you that term of endearment. “Sink still giving you trouble?” you asked, keeping your tone light since you knew it was a sore subject. With a clench of his jaw, he nodded. “Maybe we should-”

He cut you off with a point of his finger and saw you struggling not to smile. “Do not suggest a plumber.”

He felt his resolve begin to crack when you batted your eyes. He couldn't resist that look, which always got you what you wanted, but he couldn’t bend on this. “We don't have to call a plumber, but it might not be a bad idea to have someone take a look.” Bucky’s lip curled in a snarl, but you just smiled. “I don't mind.”

“I mind because I said I can fix this and I will. I promised you that,” he argued.

It was irrational for him to feel jealous at the thought of someone else fixing the sink, but he didn’t want you depending on someone else to fix stuff around the home you made together. If he couldn't take care of your home, it meant he couldn't take care of you, which he would always do. Just as you took care of him, being partners meant you relied on each other.

Additionally, the idea of another man checking you out, which he knew would happen because you were stunning, both infuriated him and filled him with pride, as he didn't want anyone else to admire your beauty, but was happy to call you his own.

You shook your head after a moment, as if you read his mind. “Okay, He-Man. We don’t have to call anyone.”

“Thank you.” He smiled, but then sat up abruptly, his heart racing in alarm as he was about to go back under the sink. “Wait, why aren't you lying down?”

Fatigue hit you out of nowhere earlier, and you went to rest, which he felt a pang of guilt for. It was a common symptom in pregnancies, but he couldn’t help but wonder if any of the serum would pass on to his kids or what it would do to your body. But you didn’t complain, didn’t show any signs of worry. He may be a super soldier, but you were the one with the strength.

“I’m fine,” you assured him before a sheepish smile crossed your face. “Except I'm a little hungry.”

He chuckled and sat up to wipe his hands, relieved that there was nothing wrong. He couldn’t help feeling protective. “You or the baby, sweetheart?” 

Rubbing a hand over your stomach, you giggled. The sound wrapped around him like a warm hug and urged him to exhale his frustration. “I think we’re both hungry. Something sweet and salty.”

He crawled on his hands and knees, making you giggle again, until he reached you and sat back on his heels. Pulling you close by your hips, he pressed a gentle kiss to your stomach and smiled. “Hey, sprout,” he whispered. 

A blossoming life was growing within you like a sprout.

“Sprout loves your voice,” you whispered, running a hand through his hair as he closed his eyes.

Bucky hoped so. He read books to your belly and sometimes talked when you had fallen asleep, telling stories of his past and how excited and nervous he was for the future. He also talked about how amazing you were, how he was lucky to have you as a wife and how lucky they’d be to have you as a mother.

Despite everything life had thrown at him, he got a family, a dream come true he had tried not to hope for.

“Well, I’m glad our little sprout hasn’t heard me swearing today,” he joked, kissing your stomach again. “That kitchen sink is trying to get the better of me, but I won’t let it.”

“Your father is a stubborn man,” you smiled, clutching Bucky’s head to you as he rested it on your belly.

“And your mother is a stubborn woman, don’t let her fool you. She also suggested calling a plumber, which I’m against,” he said, keeping a hand beside his head. “Give me a kick if you think I can fix it myself.”

“Bucky, we-”

Both of you gasped when your baby kicked where Bucky’s palm rested. He stared up at you with wide and happy eyes, his heart swelling in his chest. “D… Did you feel that?” he whispered.

“I did,” you smiled, your eyes shining with unshed tears. Your baby kicked, and it was one of the most incredible things he had ever felt. 

He let out a slow breath. For years, he was forced to fight. The war, HYDRA, and everything that followed. No one ever really asked what he wanted. At the end of the day, it all came down to this: building a home with a loving family.

As he knelt there, you smiled down at him, feeling your baby move, and he realized he'd do it all over again for this moment. 

“Help me get a snack, and then you can finish fixing the sink,” you suggested.

“And no plumber?” he smiled, more determined to keep his promise to you, since your baby believed he could do it.

“No plumber,” you promised with a sly smile. “Unless you want to pretend to be a plumber and help me clear out my pipes.”

His nose crinkled when he laughed. “Earmuffs, sprout. You don’t need to hear those things your Mama is saying.”

“Me?!” He chuckled when your voice went up an octave. “What about all the dirty things you say? Like this morning when I woke up to you doing that thing with your tongue and-”

Bucky suddenly stood up and silenced you with a deep, sensual kiss that would send your hormones into overdrive. As he pulled away from your lips, he was met with your shuddering breath, and he trailed soft kisses along your face. “Now, sweetheart, we both know you seduced me in your sleep, and I couldn’t resist having a taste.”

How could he ever resist you?

“I seduced you in my sleep, huh?” you asked with love shining in your eyes. His eyes reflected the same. “You’re lucky I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he whispered, giving your ass a gentle pat and smirking when you gasped. “Now sit tight while I get us a snack and finish fixing the sink. You said something sweet and salty, right?”

“Right,” you nodded.

“Peanut butter pretzels?” he suggested, hoping he was right. He’d hate to see your face fall if he guessed the craving incorrectly.

When your face lit up, he breathed a sigh of relief, especially since he had just stocked up. “Yes, please.” Guiding you to the island stool, he felt your eyes on him as he moved around the kitchen. “Thank you.”

“Nothing to thank me for,” he said, setting a filled up bowl in front of you. He didn’t care if it was the middle of the night. If you were hungry, he would get you something or go out to find what you wanted.

“No, I mean, thank you for… everything.” He stopped when your eyes welled up, his heart aching at the sight. “God, these hormones,” you teased, wiping away tears as they spilled over.

“Hey,” he whispered, turning you on the stool, and gently framed your face to wipe away the remaining tears. Your hormones made you cry at the drop of a hat, and he was thankful that you allowed him to comfort you whenever that happened. “I should be thanking you.”

Bucky had found love and a family thanks to you, which filled his heart to the point of overflowing. He had purpose, and he was still a hero. He had a life he wanted, one worth fighting for. To him, it meant everything and more.

“You do thank me. Every single day,” you reminded him, bringing your hand up to trace his wedding band. 

“Does that mean I get a reward after I fix the sink?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows before you smacked his arm. “Worth a shot.”

“Tell you what,” you smirked, picking up one of the peanut butter pretzels. “If you get the sink fixed before I finish this bowl, I’ll reward you.”

When you popped the treat into your mouth with a hum and licked your lips, he bit back a groan. “And if I don’t?” he asked, determined not to lose. 

You shrugged and inspected the next piece. “Then you don’t get a taste of me for a whole week.”

He gawked at you. Withholding that delicious nectar between your thighs from him for a whole week? That was cruel and unusual punishment.

“Listen. I know you can fix it and our baby knows you can fix it, too,” you said, nodding to the sink. “So get to work because I’m hungry.”

He kissed you for luck, tasting the sweet and salty snack on your lips. “You’re on, sweetheart,” he said, winking and rushing back to the sink as you watched. 

“Domesticity is really sexy on you.”

He winked again. “Don’t I know it.”

It turned out that your belief in him, along with your baby’s and the promise of a reward, provided the exact motivation he needed to fix the sink. Just as he had kept his promise to you, you kept yours and rewarded him right there in the kitchen. After carrying you back to the couch, ignoring your protests about your weight, he felt lucky once again to have such an incredible wife and mother of his child. 

And if he was really lucky, you two would have more than one.

What other domestic things do we want to see Bucky get up to? Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Chapter III: Goldfish and Gummy Bears

“Okay, let’s try this again, Nova. His name is Jack. J-ack. Say it with me.”

“Dada.”

“Nope, Jack.”

“Dada.”

You and Nova both give each other blank stares as you continue trying to get her to stop calling Jack “Dada.” It’s pretty clear from the stubborn frown on her face that she won’t be changing the name anytime soon. You hold up a picture of Jack from last week when you, Jack, and Nova all went out to dinner together. Nova grabbed your phone from the table, turned the camera to face herself and Jack, and snapped a million pictures. Some blurry, but some not bad at all.

It always amazed you just how smart your little girl is at her small age. 

You point at the picture, “This is Jack, Nova.”

Nova looks at the picture of Jack and then you before settling her gaze back on the picture. She smiles widely at the picture while making eye contact with you, “Dada, mama.”

You sigh before realizing that you won’t be getting anywhere with this conversation. Nova had permanently solidified Jack as “Dada” in the lexicon of her mind. 

You peer at Nova, who gives you a toothy grin. You scoop her up in your arms and stand planting kisses all over her face, “You think you’re slick? My smart, pretty girl.” 

Nova giggles loudly as she wriggles in your arms. You finally stop tickling her as she settles herself in your arms. She stares at you for a few seconds before puckering her lips. 

You laugh as the little “mmm” leaves her lips. You peck Nova’s lips, to which she giggles even more, “Love you, mama.”

“Aww, I love you too, lovebug. How about we go to the park today and have a picnic?”

Nova squeals and claps her hands, “Yay!! Picnic!” 

“Sounds good. Mommy’s gonna go pack the snack bag, you go make sure that Bun Bun is ready to go, okay?”

“Otay, mommy!”

Nova walks off to go collect Bun Bun from her room, while you move throughout the kitchen to start making the sandwiches. 

It doesn’t take Nova long to come back with Bun Bun. She comes into the kitchen to stand by you, “Bun Bun ready, mama.”

“Good job, lovebug. Do you want goldfish and gummy bears today?” You ask.

Nova nods her head excitedly before taking Bun Bun out of the kitchen with her. She looks at your phone sitting on the couch and whispers “Dada” to herself. If she’s going to the park, surely Dada should be going too. 

Nova casually walks over to pick up your phone and taps her fingers for your passcode. She’d been watching you each time that you put that code in, so it was practically ingrained in her mind. 

She slides over to the phone app and presses Jack’s contact. She only knows that it’s him by the contact photo that you had for him. 

Nova presses the phone to her ear as she waits for Jack to pick up. 

Inside his house, Jack sees his phone light up with your name and contact photo. It’s a picture of you and Nova smiling. He can’t control the flutters that radiate through his chest at the sight of the picture, but also the fact that you’re calling. 

Every time you call, Jack gets that feeling in his chest. He’s excited to hear yours and Nova’s voices radiating through the line. He enjoys hearing Nova tell him all about what she colored at daycare or hearing you talk about new pieces that you got at the museum. 

He’s down bad, and he isn’t sure what to make of it all. 

He clicks the answer button as he puts the phone up to his ear, “Hello?”

There’s a quick sound of rustling before Nova’s voice comes through the line, “Hi Dada.”

Jack softens at the sweet sound of her voice. He’s practically mush whenever the little girl calls him now. “Hi, sweet girl. How are you?”

“M’good. Dada good?”

“Yeah, honey, Dada is good, especially since you called. I missed hearing your voice.” He doesn’t even recognize that he’s used the nickname.

Nova giggles, “Miss you too, Dada.”

She pauses for a few seconds, but Jack doesn’t rush her. He waits patiently, just as he always does for his Nova darling to talk. 

“Dada, me and mama go to the park. Dada come?”

Jack feels the warm tears stinging in his eyes, but he has to will them not to fall. Nova wants him to come to the park with you guys. It fully brings the moment in for him that he hasn’t really lived life outside of the Pitt. 

“Nova, who are you talking to, lovebug?”

“Dada,” Nova answers, excitedly.

“Oh, can I talk to him really quickly?” You ask, keeping your tone gentle.

“Otay, mama.”

“Thank you so much, lovebug,” You respond, and Jack hears you kiss Nova, to which she giggles. 

You hold the phone up to your ear, “Hi, Jack.”

The funny fluttery feeling is back in Jack’s chest and stomach. “Hi, sweetheart, how are you?”

“I’m good! I’m sorry about Nova calling. You must be busy, and she’s gotten to that stage where she knows the passcode to my phone.”

You’re rambling, but Jack only chuckles softly. “It’s fine, honey. Nova can call me anytime that she likes. The same goes to you.” He pauses for a second, “So..uh…she mentioned that you guys were going to the park?”

“Yeah, I figured that since it’s a beautiful day. Nova would enjoy some fresh air.” You look down at Nova and then the phone before the pieces fall into place, “That’s why she called. Did Nova ask you to come with us today?”

Jack scratches the back of his neck, “Uhh..yeah, but if you want it to just be you, girls. I definitely get that.”

“No! I’d love to have you there…plus, I think Nova’s kind of expecting it at this point.”

“Great. I’ll meet you both there. Is there anything you need me to bring?” Jack asks. 

“Nope. Just yourself,” You reply, and it’s quite clear that there’s a smile on your face. 

Nova tugs on your jeans and points at the phone. You laugh softly, “Nova wants to talk to you.” You reach down to give her the phone, which she presses to her little face. 

“Dada, come to the park?” She asks, rocking from side to side. 

Jack’s heart clenches in his chest, “Yeah, sweet girl, I’ll be there.”

“Yayyy!” Nova squeals as she begins babbling into the phone, more than likely telling Jack all of her plans for the park. He hums and listens carefully, while asking follow-up questions. 

“Okay, Nova, we’re about to head out. Tell Da–I meant Jack bye-bye for now.” Jack doesn’t miss your slip-up, and he smirks at the mistake. 

“Bye, Dada,” Nova said into the phone. 

“Bye, sweet girl. I’ll see you in a bit,” Jack replies. Nova lets out a quick mhmm as the line goes dead. She hands the phone back to you as she goes to grab Bun Bun. 

You grab the picnic basket, along with a blanket, before opening the door for Nova. She walks out in front of you before you both head to the elevator. Inside, Nova sings to herself while talking to Bun Bun. 

“Mama, Dada, Nova, and Bun Bun go to the park. Dada loves Nova. Dada loves mama,” she said, smiling at Bun Bun.

It makes your heart clench when you hear her words. You start to wonder if she’s getting to that point of wanting a father figure in her life. So far, it’d only been you and her. You often wondered what it would’ve been like if Nova’s father had stuck around, but you refused to let your baby be confused because of his own inconsistency. 

You like Jack…a lot. He’d been nothing but sweet to you and Nova since you first met him. Even outside of Nova, he’d text you throughout the day to see how you were doing. 

After Nova went to sleep, he’d call you, and you would talk for hours while he was on shift. Even when you’d fall asleep, Jack would wait for a while, just listening to the sound of you breathing, before he was on his next case. 

The lines are starting to become murky, and it worries you. You know that Nova’s grown attached to Jack, and selfishly, you have to admit that you’ve grown attached to him too. 

It was clear to you that you and Jack needed to define the terms of your friendship…relationship, or whatever it was. For Nova’s sake. 

Because the last thing you wanted was for her to end up hurt.

At the park, you and Nova wait until you see Jack’s truck pulling up. He parks in the space beside you before rounding the car to greet you and Nova.

Nova is a ball of energy as she sees Jack. “Dada,” she yells, her little legs running towards Jack.

He smiles widely and bends down to wait for Nova to crash into his arms. When she makes it, he scoops her up and holds her tight to his chest. Nova squeezes him equally as tight. 

“Miss you, Dada,” she whispers in his ear.

“I missed you, too, Nova,” Jack whispers back. 

You almost faint at the sheer cuteness radiating from Jack and Nova. Jack walks over to you with Nova still in his arms, and you have to admit that she kind of looks like she could be his daughter. 

Nova looks like she’s completely comfortable and at home in Jack’s arms. 

“Hey,” Jack said as he stood in front of you. Almost naturally, he pulls you into a hug, and you can’t help how much you like having his body pressed against yours. 

Subtly, Jack catches a whiff of your perfume and melts. He likes the way that your body perfectly meshes with his. He doesn’t realize how long he’s hugging you until Nova throws her arms around you both. 

You laugh at the feel of Nova patting your back and pull back from the hug. You look at Jack, “Thanks for coming. I packed a few sandwiches and snacks for us.”

“S’no problem. Thank you for inviting me. Hanging out with you and Nova is typically the highlight of my day,” Jack states. 

You smile, “We like spending time with you too. But we gotta get you some more hobbies, Dr. Abbot. Work cannot be your only fun thing.”

Before he can comment, Nova starts pointing at the playground set at the park. Jack sets her on the ground just as she’s about to run towards the playground. She stops to turn to you and Jack, “Mama, Dada. Come play.” 

“Okay, lovebug,” You said, walking behind her. You choose to leave the sandwiches and snacks in the car in the cooler while you and Nova play. Nova takes Jack’s and your hands to walk closer to the playground. 

“Slide, Dada,” Nova said. 

“Okay, sweet girl, let’s do it,” Jack replies. He helps her with climbing the slide stairs, and when she gets to the top, he’s very adamantly standing at the bottom. Nova lets out a range of giggles as she moves down the slide and into Jack’s arms. She goes back around the back for her and Jack to repeat the process. Her little laugh tugs at the strings of Jack’s heart. It also moves him with how much she wants him involved in her playtime.

You take a few videos of Nova sliding down the slide. 

“Mama, monkey bars,” Nova said. The three of you walk to the monkey bars, and it’s clear that Nova’s a little too short for the monkey bars. You pick her up in your arms and lift her to the bars. “Okay, bug, you gotta make your way to the other side. I’m gonna be right here to hold you up.”

Nova reaches for each of the bars as you continue holding her. You smile at the determined look on her face, and Jack moves to the end where she can see him. When she makes it to the last bar, Jack is there to help her down. She claps happily, “Dada, I climbed all the way!”

Jack holds his hand out for a high-five, to which Nova obliges, “I saw you, sweetheart! You’re so strong!” He tickles her sides, which causes Nova to let out a range of giggles. 

You, Nova, and Jack go to a few of the other playground toys, and Nova insists that you and Jack play with her at all times. There isn’t a moment when the smile leaves her small face. At the end of swinging, she turns to you, “Mama, hungry.” 

“Okay, let’s go get the food.” 

You, Nova, and Jack all venture back to your car to grab the cooler containing the food. You grab the spare bag that has art materials in it. Without asking, Jack grabs both bags from your hand and even scoops Nova up. Heat floods through your lower belly at seeing him in this domestic role and just how strong he is.

Jack catches the heated look that you throw his way and smirks. It’s nice for him to see that he’s not the only one being affected by all of this. Soon, you find a suitable spot in the grass that’s under a shady tree and lay the blanket out. 

You, Nova, and Jack all sit down. Nova makes it clear that she wants to sit between you and Jack. She places Bun Bun next to her. You open the cooler and pass her one of the sandwiches, along with a pack of Goldfish. You pass Jack the other sandwich just as your fingers brush against each other’s. You both hold eye contact until you look down with a slight smile. 

Nova takes a few of the Goldfish in her hand and offers them to Jack, “Here, Dada.”

Jack has found out fairly quickly that he can’t tell Nova ‘no,’ so he gladly takes the Goldfish from her hands, “Thank you so much, sweetheart.” 

Nova takes a Goldfish in her hand and holds it up to your mouth, “Eat, mama.”

“Why, thank you, lovebug. I was so hungry,” You said, accepting the goldfish. You and Jack watch as Nova offers Goldfish to Bun Bun. She moves the stuffed rabbit closer to her ear before nodding, “Mama, Bun Bun no hungry.”

“Okay, baby, we’ll feed him later on if he gets hungry.”

The meal continues peacefully with Nova continuing to supply you and Jack with Goldfish. You open the pack of gummy bears as the three of you eat them together. After you’re finished, you wipe Nova’s hands and take out the canvases that you brought. 

You look in Jack’s direction, “Do you want to paint with us?”

Jack scratches the back of his neck, “Um..I don’t know, sweetheart. I don’t have a creative bone in my body.”

You chuckle, “That’s fine. It’s not about creating a masterpiece. It’s about expressing yourself creatively. I always paint with Nova because I want her to have that outlet. Most of the time, it’s just her getting paint all over herself, but as long as she’s having fun, that’s all that matters to me.”

Jack looks down at the canvas and paint before looking back at you, “Sure, I’ll give it a shot.”

You grace him with another one of those beautiful smiles that makes his heart beat faster. 

You give him and Nova a little palette to put their paints in before taking out the brushes. You take out little cups and pour water into each one. 

“What are you going to paint, lovebug?” You ask Nova.

“Surprise, mommy,” She responds, which makes you and Jack laugh. 

“Okay then, Ms. girl, I guess I’ll just wait and see.”

You dip your brush in the paint and start applying gentle strokes to the canvas. Jack watches the peaceful routine that you and Nova fall into, focusing on your respective canvases. He looks at his own canvas in confusion until you look up and smile at him. “Remember, it’s not about perfection. Just express yourself. Whatever the canvas is telling you, even if it means just drawing a line.”

He nods before dipping his brush in green and running it across the canvas. Truly, he has no clue what he’s doing, but he just allows himself to be. It’s nice to be out in nature with you and Nova without the hustle and bustle of the ED.

Nova hums happily to herself while she keeps her painting from your view. She peers up at you and Jack before looking down at her own painting. She sticks her tongue to the side to show that she’s concentrating on her painting. Jack chuckles lowly at how serious she is. Twenty minutes pass in tranquility before Nova looks at you and Jack with a wide grin.

“Mama! Dada! Look!” She states, turning the picture to face you and Jack. 

In the picture, it’s a house with three stick figures standing outside. Nova points at the stick figures, “Us!” 

You glance over at Jack, who’s already staring at you. He looks back at Nova, “It’s amazing, Nova. I love it.”

You smile softly, “Yeah, lovebug, you’re so talented! Mommy’s gonna hang it up at home, okay?”

“Otay, mama!” 

Nova takes the opportunity to stand up and walks over to sit closer to Jack. She gives Jack a look before climbing to sit in his lap. She looks down at Jack’s blob of a painting before covering her mouth to giggle. You look over at the painting yourself and stifle a giggle. 

Jack laughs before holding up the canvas, “What? You guys don’t think this belongs in the Louvre?”

“No..it’s abstract. I’d definitely put it by the Mona Lisa,” You said, finally laughing. 

Jack turns to Nova, “How about you help me to make it prettier, babygirl?”

“Otay, Dada,” Nova responds before picking up a paintbrush. She looks to Jack for his permission, and he nods as she begins painting what looks like a flower. Jack and Nova begin their own conversation, with Jack helping Nova to paint and complimenting her. 

“That looks good. I think the only thing we’re missing now is a handprint,” Jack said to Nova. 

They both look to you for permission as you nod. You grab a spare plate from your bag and pour yellow paint into it. You dip Nova’s hand into the paint as she giggles at the cool feeling of the paint. She presses her small palm into the paint before removing it. 

“You, Dada,” Nova said, pointing at the blank spot for Jack’s hand. 

Jack dips his hand and presses it next to the spot where Nova’s handprint is. Nova turns to look at you, “Now, you mama.”

“We have to check with Jack if he wants my handprint on there,” You said before turning your gaze to Jack. 

He smiles at you, “Painting wouldn’t feel complete without your hand there, sweetheart.”

You chuckle before dipping your hand in the paint and pressing it on the other side of Nova’s handprint. Jack looks at you and Nova, “There. Now it’s perfect.”

You reach over to grab the wipes to wipe your hand first. Nova moves to stand, but accidentally presses her hand with the paint on Jack’s shirt. She gasps, and you watch as she begins to poke her lip out. Tears start filling her eyes, “M’sorry, Dada.” 

Jack’s expression softens, “Hey, sweetie, it’s okay. I’m not mad. It’s an accident. Watch this.”

Jack takes his hand and presses it into his shirt, “See, look, I made a mess too. It’s okay, babygirl.” He uses his other hand to wipe at her face before giving her a warm smile. Nova instantly brightens up and throws her arms around Jack’s frame. He squeezes her back while you watch the display. 

You mouth a silent ‘thank you’ to Jack. Nova gives you her hand to wipe off, and without thinking, you take Jack’s hand to wipe too. He stares at the look of concentration on your face and how careful you’re being with him. When you look up again, you catch Jack’s stare. From how close you are, you’re able to see all of the freckles present in his face and catch the hints of green in his hazel eyes.

Jack’s eyes flicker down to your lips, and he thinks to himself how much he wants to kiss you. 

Subtly, you both start leaning into each other before you’re interrupted by Nova yawning. You look down at her, “Hey, Nova, you getting sleepy?”

“Mhmm, mommy,” She replies, rubbing at her eyes. 

“Alright, let’s get this all cleaned up, and we’ll head home.”

You’re about to reach for her when Jack stops you, “I can hold her for you.” 

You give him a grateful smile while gathering up all the supplies. From the corner of your eye, you can see Jack talking with Nova while she curls up to his chest. He takes Bun Bun in his hand and starts doing a voice while waving him around. Nova giggles. 

Once you’re done gathering up all the supplies, you look over to find Nova sleeping in Jack’s arms. Her chubby cheeks are pressed against his shoulder, and she looks at peace with Jack. Jack runs a soothing hand down her back while rocking her gently in his hold. 

“She really likes you,” You state.

“Yeah, I really like her too. I mean, I like spending time with both of you,” Jack responds. He moves to stand, and you stick your hand out to help him up. You can tell that he’s being intentional with making sure that Nova isn’t being moved too much. He settles her in his arms, and he feels comforted by her tiny breaths that go across his neck. 

For a second, Nova stirs, and Jack gently shushes her back to sleep while rocking her. 

You fold the blanket before sticking it in your bag. You and Jack walk back to your cars, but it’s clear that neither of you is ready for this to end. As you open your car door, Jack gently places Nova into her car seat while strapping her in. He places Bun Bun under her arm.

As he stands, you both stand in front of each other. You look nervous for a second before biting your lip softly. Jack thinks to himself how much he’d like to be the one biting your lip. 

“Do you want to come over? To talk or hang out?” You ask before you cringe. “I mean, you’re probably busy. You’ve been with us all day. I don’t want to take you away from any plans that you may have.”

Jack quickly shakes his head, “Sweetheart, I’d love to come over. I told you I was a boring old man, so I’m free.” You both chuckle as you move to your door. Jack opens the car door, “I’ll follow behind you.”

Back at your apartment, Jack follows behind you and Nova, who is still asleep. You open the door and guide Jack inside. He takes in your apartment and admits to himself that he loves how comfy your apartment feels. He had decorated his own house, but it’s still missing that quality of feeling like home. 

You turn to face him, “Make yourself at home. I’m gonna go take Nova a little bath and get her settled.” 

Jack nods and takes a seat on the couch. He looks around the living room and spots multiple pictures of you and Nova that adorn the walls. He stands to take a closer look. There’s one of you pregnant with Nova. Your belly rounded as you cradle the bump with a soft smile on your face. There’s one of you at your baby shower with mountains of gifts beside you. His expression softens when he gets to the picture of you from when you delivered Nova. 

A freshly born Nova is lying on your chest with a head full of hair as you look down at her with tears in your eyes. 

“I was really nervous when my water broke that day. I think it finally hit me that I was actually about to be a mom,” You said from behind Jack. He turns to look at you as you step closer until you’re standing side by side. 

“As soon as they laid her on my chest and she looked at me, it all clicked, you know? Like it all made sense, and I suddenly couldn’t imagine a world without her in it.” 

Jack keeps his gaze on you, “You’re an amazing mom. I see parents day in and day out, and trust me when I say, you’re doing amazing.”

“Thank you, Jack.”

“Would you like a drink? I have a bottle of wine,” You suggest.

“Yeah, I’ll take a glass,” He replies, following behind you into the kitchen. 

He glances at the fridge, which is filled with magnets and pictures drawn by Nova. He sits at the counter while you open the bottle. You pour two glasses for yourself and Jack. He takes a sip from his as he continues watching you. You set your glass on the counter while leaning forward.

“We should talk. About Nova. About this.” You gesture between the two of you.

Jack nods. A look crosses your face before you speak, “I like you, Jack. I like spending time with you, and I know that Nova enjoys it as well. Obviously, it’s kind of complicated, especially with her calling you ‘Dada.’ I just don’t want to mix things up for her or complicate anything. I’m really curious to know what your intentions are or what you think of all of this.”

Jack takes in your words. He understands where you’re coming from. You’re a single mother just trying to protect your baby from getting hurt. 

He leans forward and grabs your hand in his, “Sweetheart, I wasn’t lying when I said that spending time with you and Nova is the highlight of my week. I mean, my day gets better when I get a call from either of you. I have grown attached to Nova….but I also really like you, sweetheart. You’re smart. You’re beautiful. You’re funny. I’m fine with taking this in whatever way that you want me to. If you want to just be friends, then I’m fine with that. But I’d like to explore the option of being more…if you’re open to that? I care about you, and I care about Nova. I wouldn’t do anything if it meant that either of you got hurt.”

There’s a moment of silence for you and Jack as you digest his words. Your heart thuds in your chest at his declaration of feelings for you. You look down at your intertwined hands and then back up at Jack. You take the moment to walk to the other side of the counter so you’re standing in front of him. 

Jack straightens and looks down at you. He lowers his head until you’re both nose-to-nose. He can feel your breath wafting against his. He makes eye contact with you and silently asks for your permission. You nod just as he brings his lips down upon yours. 

Jack takes the opportunity to bring his hand up to cup the side of your face as he deepens the kiss. Your whole body feels like it’s on fire from how Jack kisses you. You’re both practically gasping into the kiss. Jack loses himself in you. He spins your body so your back is pressed into the counter. He moves his lips from yours and trails them across your neck. A soft moan leaves your lips as Jack presses kisses there. He slots his knee between your open legs, and your body shudders. 

 He’s about to kiss you again when you both hear Nova call out, “Mommy, I thirsty.”

“Okay, lovebug, I’ll be right there,” You call back. 

Jack steps back and flashes a boyish smile at you. “I should get going. I wouldn’t want her to get the wrong idea.” As you walk Jack to the door, he turns to press one last kiss against your lips.

“I’m here for as long as you and Nova want me to be. It doesn’t bother me that she calls me her dad. If it makes you uncomfortable, we can find a way of working around it, but I meant it when I said that I’m serious about this. About us. Let me take you out next Friday.”

“Deal,” You said, smiling at him. 

“Mommy, water!” Nova yells from her room. You and Jack chuckle. 

“I’m being summoned,” You state. Jack chuckles, “Yeah, wouldn’t want to keep her waiting. Goodnight, sweetheart. Thank you for letting me come.” 

“Of course. Goodnight, Jack. Text me when you get home.”

He nods and turns to leave. He can’t resist the temptation of pulling you in for another kiss. As he leaves, he smiles to himself at the fluttery feelings radiating through his chest. He could get used to this.

You close the door as you make your way to the kitchen to grab Nova’s water. You gently touch your lips, which are still tingling from kissing Jack. 

You haven’t felt like this in a while.

You hold onto that feeling as you walk to Nova’s room. 

To be continued…

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Chapter II: Maybe Child Leashes Aren’t So Bad

You’re not too prideful to admit this.

You used to judge people who put their children on child leashes. In your honest defense, the thing all seemed so mundane. Do you really need a leash for your own child? You’ll gladly admit that you’re eating your words and you owe every parent you silently judged an apology. Because at this very moment, you wish that you had a child leash to put on your daughter, who had miraculously decided that this moment in the grocery store is the perfect time to escape.

It was one of those Saturdays when you and Nova went grocery shopping together. You enjoyed going grocery shopping with your little girl. You liked watching her little eyes light up as she took in the new scenery. You’d always buy her a little sweet treat at the end if she was good.

However, it appears that today just isn’t one of those days for you guys.

You were standing in the fresh fruit and vegetable aisle as you tried to pick out the best tomatoes. You didn’t have Nova in the basket today because you wanted to try to give her some semblance of independence at this age. Turns out, you should’ve strapped her in the basket. One minute, Nova was beside you, babbling about Bluey, while you hummed in agreement to show her that you were listening.

Little did you know your daughter had stopped speaking and had her eye on a very interesting man. That interesting man, being Dr. Jack Abbot or “Dada” as Nova had christened him. 

Since the Emergency Room visit, Nova had been constantly talking about Jack. She’d spent every second of the day at home asking you about “Dada.” To avoid upsetting her, you just had to play it off as “Dada’s at work right now.” 

Nova clocks Jack almost immediately. However, he doesn’t see you or Nova yet. He throws a couple of packs of meat into his basket before going down the cereal aisle.

Nova’s eyes light up, “Dada.”

She panics as she sees Jack walking down the cereal aisle without her. In her mind, he’s supposed to be taking her there with him. With a frown, she toddles away from you and towards the cereal aisle where Jack is standing. 

She makes it to the cereal aisle and smiles even more when she sees that Jack is still standing at the cereal boxes. Jack is still clueless about the little girl who is walking in his direction until he feels small arms wrap around his leg.

He jumps before quickly looking down to see Nova clutching his leg and looking up at him with her wide eyes and a huge smile on her face. She squeals at the notion of Jack finally noticing her, “Dada! Up!” 

Nova throws her little arms up and waits for Jack to oblige her request. The moment stuns Jack as he can’t believe that the little girl is still remembering him, along with the fact that she’s still referring to him as “Dada.”

He bends down to scoop Nova up in his arms, “Hey there, sweetie. What are you doing here, huh? Where’s your mommy at?”

He looks around the aisle to see if he can spot you and figures that Nova must’ve walked off without you noticing. He figures that by now, you’re most likely panicking, so he sets out with Nova to find you.

“Come on, sweet girl, let’s go find mommy,” Jack says to Nova. 

Nova claps her hands together excitedly before yelling, “Mama!” Jack chuckles at her obvious enthusiasm. 

“Nova!” You call out, searching the aisles relentlessly for your daughter. One of the employees at the grocery store had offered to help you find her. Tears prickle in your eyes as the panic seems to increase. How had you managed to lose your own daughter? 

“Mama!” 

You whip around as you spot Nova in Jack’s arms. A deep breath leaves your chest as you rush over to Nova. You run your eyes over her to check and see if she’s been harmed, but you calm down once you notice that she’s okay. It’s only when you take another deep breath that you finally notice that Jack Abbot is the one holding Nova.

You give him a rather embarrassed smile, “Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry. I had my eye on her, and then I didn’t. Thank you.”

Jack shrugs, “Hey, it’s no problem at all. She must’ve spotted me in the cereal aisle and decided to come by to say hi.” 

You look at Nova, “Nova, you scared mommy really bad. You have to stay beside me, okay?”

Nova appears to take in your distressed state and pouts a little, “Sowwy, mama.”

You smile, “It’s okay, baby. I’m not mad at you. Mommy was just a little worried. That’s all.” 

You rub a soothing hand down her back as the employee who was helping you pops up. “Oh, I see you found her. I’m assuming that this is your husband!” 

You and Jack both go to correct the girl before Nova yells out, “Dada.” She lays her head down on Jack’s chest as he looks down at her. The girl smiles at the three of you, “Awww, how cute! You guys make a beautiful family. I’m glad that you were able to find her.”

You give her a polite smile before thanking her for her help. 

You turn back to Nova and Jack, and peek at the big lollipop in her hand, “Where’d you get the lollipop from, Nova?”

It’s now Jack’s turn to give you a sheepish look, “I gave it to her. Sorry if I overstepped.”

You shake your head, “No, it’s fine. I definitely trust you, Jack.”

He swallows at your sweet voice, saying his name. He admits to himself that he really likes the way that it sounds coming from you. He runs his eyes down your frame and swallows at the way that the sundress conforms to your body. 

He plays the moment off by trying to hand Nova back to you. In response, Nova whines a little bit before Jack settles her back into his arms. You chuckle, “Nova, Jack has to do his grocery shopping. Don’t you want to help me grocery shop? We can go look at the cookies.”

Nova lights up at the mention of the cookies, but it still doesn’t seem to be enough to persuade her to leave Jack’s arms. She looks up at Jack, “Dada. Ookies.” 

Jack smiles, “That’s right, pretty girl. You and mommy are going to get cookies.” He nods along with her as she laughs. Jack glances over at you, “How about I just walk with you guys? Keep you company if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind. Plus, it’d be nice having you around.”

You both smile softly at each other as you retrieve your buggy. You follow behind Jack, who is still holding Nova as he walks back to the cereal aisle to retrieve his buggy. He passes Nova over to you as you place her inside the buggy and strap her down with the seatbelt. She gives you a blank look, but checks to make sure that Jack is still following behind you. 

Jack gives her a quick smile, “Still here, Nova.”

She seems content with the sentence. She looks at both you and Jack before clapping excitedly and yelling out, “Mama! Dada.”

At this point, you and Jack figure it’s a good idea to just let her have this moment. You pull out your phone as you look over to Jack, “I still have a few things on my list that I need to get. I hope that we’re not pulling you away from your list.”

He shakes his head, “Definitely not. I have a few things, but I’m not in a rush either. Take your time.”

As you and Jack walk down the aisles together, it’s not lost on either of you how much of a family that you look like. In the cart, Nova hums happily and babbles to Jack, who is listening very intently and even asking her follow-up questions. 

Soon, you both go to the register to check out. You move to the register to swipe your card as the checkout girl gives you your receipt, and Jack helps to place the bags inside your cart. Without thinking, he scoops Nova up in his arms as she wraps her arms around him. He moves beside you to check out at the counter. He hands Nova’s lollipop to the checkout girl before giving it back to her. 

“Tank you, Dada,” Nova said, pressing a kiss to Jack’s cheek. 

Jack is practically goo on the inside. He smiles warmly at Nova, “You’re welcome, sweetheart.” 

Cue your ovaries exploding. Jack shifts Nova in his arms slightly as he grabs his wallet to pay. He seems like a natural at all of this as he types his PIN in all while talking to Nova. The three of you walk out to your car, where Jack hands Nova over to you, while he puts your groceries in the back.

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that, Jack.”

He raises his eyebrows at you, “Actually, I did. What kind of man would I be if I wasn’t helping you with your groceries?”

You smile before thanking him. You’re about to turn to strap Nova in when Jack calls out your name, “I know this may be a little forward, but would you and Nova want to grab a bite with me right now?”

You look down at Nova, who’s already looking at you. “Yeah, we’d love that. Did you have anything in mind?”

“There’s this little restaurant right around the corner. They have chicken nuggets if Nova prefers those.” 

Nova perks up at the mention of her favorite food, “Chikky nuggies!”

You laugh, “Yeah, that sounds good. We’ll follow you there.”

You, Jack, and Nova all sit across from each other at the table. Nova’s sitting in a high chair between you and Jack after she demanded to be sat next to “Dada.”

It’s funny that in her one-year-old mind, she’s already feeling like she runs things. 

The waitress hands you all menus before sliding a coloring sheet over to Nova, along with the crayons. 

“What can I get you all to drink?” The waitress asks. 

Jack nods for you to go first, “Can we both get lemonades?”

The girl nods before looking to Jack, “I’ll have a lemonade as well.” 

The waitress nods before asking you all what you want to eat. Naturally, Nova chooses the chicken nuggets, while you and Jack both get sandwiches. 

As the waitress leaves the table, Nova is already preoccupied with her coloring sheet. She spares a glance in Jack’s direction, “Dada color.” 

She leaves no room for discussion as she passes the crayon over to Jack, who happily obliges. You watch as Jack and Nova color the teddy bear together with Nova directing Jack on which spots she wants him at. 

From his point of view, Jack’s just happy to be included. This is the first time in years that he’s actually felt included and wanted. Selfishly, he’s enjoying the time with you and Nova, and he thinks about what this would look like in a more permanent situation. 

But the doubt creeps in, what if you’re just being polite? What if you can sense that he’s a desperate and lonely old man with no sense of work-life balance? 

Frankly, he likes the attachment that Nova had seemingly grown towards him, along with the fact that he’s crushing on you so hard right now. 

He can’t stop the way that his eyes keep naturally gravitating in your direction, and how much he keeps looking at your lips. Every single aspect of you, Jack can’t help but think how perfect you are. 

He catches your eyes again and smiles. 

“So what do you do for work?” Jack asks, multitasking between looking at you and giving Nova attention. 

“I’m an art curator for the museum,” you reply before looking down at Nova’s coloring. 

“That sounds like a really cool job. Do you like it?”

A wide small crosses your face, “Yeah I do. I love it actually. I grew up around a lot of art and my parents really liked for me to be exposed to different cultural perspectives, so we took a lot of trips to museums.”

Jack listens attentively. “What’s your favorite part of it all?”

“I love the process of telling the story and working with artists to craft their story to the space. I know people probably think we just hang the paintings up, but there’s so much that goes into exhibitions. Just meeting all these new people is always an amazing experience,” You said. 

As if you couldn’t get cooler. Nova chooses the moment to hold her picture up to you and Jack, “Mama! Dada! Look!”

The picture is a combination of scribbles and neat coloring on Jack’s end. You smile, “That looks really good, bug! You even colored in the lines.”

Nova smiles at the praise before turning to Jack. He smiles brightly, “It looks amazing, Nova! A real piece of art, sweetheart.”

She blushes as she kicks her legs in the chair. It’s then that Jack decides to bring up the question that’s been nagging him, “I’m sorry if this is intrusive to ask, but is her father in the picture?”

You shake your head, “Nope. When he found out that I was expecting, he decided that fatherhood wasn’t something that he wanted. I respected his choice. I rather he not be here at the beginning as opposed to jumping in and out of Nova’s life. She deserves consistency, not instability.” 

Jack nods at your words, but internally, he wonders how someone could ever not want you and Nova? He’s only just met you both and is craving to be around you both 24/7.

“I’m sorry to hear that. But he’s missing out. You and Nova are both amazing.” 

“Thank you, Jack. Now, tell me a little bit about yourself. I assumed you’d be still working days right now. I know ER Doctors tend to work pretty crazy hours.” 

“I’m actually on the night shift. I just help out on day shift when it gets pretty hectic. I don’t have much really. I’m kind of a boring guy,” Jack states with a laugh.

You chuckle before shaking your head, “That’s not true. You’ve made a big impression on me and Nova so I wouldn’t call that boring.”

A faint blush starts to creep upon Jack’s skin, “I guess you can say I work entirely too much, so I really don’t have time for hobbies.” 

“Well what do you like to do?”

“Fishing. My best friend, Robby, and I go all the time,” Jack responds.

“I always wanted to take Nova fishing. She loves being outdoors. I think she’d really like it.” 

The little girl perks up at the sound of her name, “Fishy, mama?” 

“Yeah, baby. Jack goes fishing.”

Nova looks up at Jack with a curious expression, “Fish, Dada?”

He laughs softly, “Mhm, I can take you and your mommy fishing if you’d like that?” 

He looks up at you with a questioning gaze. “We’d really like that, Jack. Wouldn’t we, Nova? You wanna go catch some fishes?”

Nova nods while clapping her hands together and saying, “fishey.” You and Jack know that she’s probably assuming that you’re meaning a pet fish, but you’ll let her have it for now. 

The waitress brings your dishes to the table. You pour ketchup into Nova’s plate as she starts to eat her chicken nuggets. She holds one of the nuggets up to you which is covered in ketchup, “Nugget, mama.”

“Why thank you baby,” you answer back, taking a bite out of the nugget that she was offering you. Nova shoves the rest of the nugget into her mouth before dipping another one into her ketchup. 

This time, she holds it out to Jack, “Nugget, Dada.”

Jack looks at the sweet expression on her face and turns to absolute mush inside. He takes the nugget that Nova’s offering and munches on it. He graces the sweet girl with a big smile, “Thank you so much, Nova. It was so yummy.”

Seemingly satisfied with herself, Nova goes back to munching away on her nuggets. 

“You’re really good with kids. Do you have kids?” You ask. 

“None. My ex-wife and I had talked about it in passing before, but we never actually settled to have any.”

You raise your eyebrows, “Oh, do you think you’ll ever want any now?” 

Jack clocks that you don’t inquire about his ex-wife. “I wouldn’t mind, but I think that timeline had kind of passed for me, sweetheart.” He looks over to Nova with a soft smile before glancing back at you. 

“It’s never too late for that, Jack.”

A second passes between the two of you before Nova pulls both of your attentions back to her. You all finish your meals together while making idle chat. 

The waitress comes to the table with the bill and immediately slides it to Jack. Without even a second thought, he hands his card to the waitress as she leaves.

“Jack, you didn’t have to do that. I would’ve covered Nova and I.” 

He shakes his head, “Sweetheart, whenever we’re out together, you don’t have to worry about things like that. You or Nova.” 

Cue your ovaries exploding for the millionth time. You raise a teasing eyebrow at him, “Ah..so you’re planning for more of these to happen?” You gesture to the three of you.

“Yes. To be honest, spending time with you and Nova has been the highlight of my week. I like your company and I like hers. If you’re willing, I’d like for us to have more outings together,” Jack responds.

He recognizes how the end of the sentence must come off and quickly corrects himself, “As friends, I mean. I didn’t mean to imply anything else.” 

Your heart clenches before you steel your expression, “I’d like that, Jack. I think Nova would like it too.”

As attracted as you are to Jack, you don’t want to risk blurring any unnecessary lines and confusing Nova. 

You and Jack are friends. 

That’s all you can be. No matter how much you imagine feeling his lips against yours or spending all your time with him.

Little do you know, Jack’s going through a similar dilemma.

After the outing with Jack, you both exchange numbers, which consists of daily communication. 

Jack will ask about Nova, who in turns demands that you call “Dada.” 

When Jack has a moment to spare, you’ll hand the phone over to Nova, who rambles to Jack about her day, and he listens closely because he doesn’t want to miss a thing. 

You find yourself highly amused when you hand the phone over to Nova and she goes over to the other side of the room to have her conversation with Jack. 

She’ll come back twenty minutes later saying, “Mama, Dada talk.” Which typically means that Jack wants to talk to you. 

The whole thing is very domestic, yet you and Jack don’t label it as that. You’re just two friends who happen to enjoy talking to each other, and maybe your daughter keeps calling him “Dada,” but hey semantics, right?

You go to the daycare to pick up Nova and find Ms. Berta standing there holding her hand. The older woman gives you a mischievous smile, “Well..well..Ms.Girl, you didn’t tell me that you were seeing a new man.”

You frown in confusion. You’d grown close to Ms. Berta so she was very privy to a lot of the things that went on in your personal life. 

“Ms. Berta, I’m not seeing anyone.”

Ms. Berta scoffs, “Little girl, you ain’t slick. Ms. Nova here ain’t been able to stop talking about her Dada. She even made this today.” 

Ms. Berta hands you a piece of paper, which is clearly from their arts and crafts period of class. In the picture, you recognize the little stick figures that represent you and Nova. 

You look into the corner of the picture and see a blue stick figure that resembles a man standing next to yours and Nova’s stick figures with hearts all around.

You kneel in front of Nova, “Hey, bug, who’s this?” 

Nova looks you dead in your eye with a bright smile, “Dada!” She looks utterly proud at the way that she’s drawn Jack in the picture. 

You glance at Ms. Berta, who gives you a look in return. You smile sheepishly, “It’s definitely not what you think. You remember a few weeks ago when Nova was sick and I took her to the emergency room? Well there was this doctor there. His name is Jack Abbot, and he was in charge of taking care of her. I guess Nova really liked how well that he took care of her and she’s started calling him her father.”

“She also said that you ate food together.” 

You spare a glance at Nova, who’s playing with Bun Bun. “Yes, we ran into him at the grocery store. He invited us to lunch and paid for it. We talk on the phone a few times, but mostly he talks to Nova.”

The older woman gives you another teasing smile, “Chile, sounds like that’s your man now. You may be denying it, but baby girl over here knows it. You and Mr. Abbot seem to be the only ones oblivious.”

She gives you one last smile before turning to leave. You pick up Nova while holding her drawing in your hand. 

You strap Nova into her seat before placing her drawing in the passenger’s seat. Arriving at your apartment, you and Nova walk into the space while setting your things down. 

Nova goes to the carpet to start playing with Bun Bun and her other toys. 

“Come here Nova. I want to get a picture of you with your drawing,” You said, as your little girl walks over.

She holds the paper in front of her with a wide toothy grin, “Say cheese, bug.” 

“Cheeseee.” 

It makes your heart swoon at seeing your baby grow up. You press a quick kiss to her forehead as she goes back to her previous activity. 

You open up your text thread with Jack. You send the picture to the Jack.

You

Looks like you’re haunting every part of her life now 

Jack

Wow! The resemblance is uncanny. She even managed to get my hair right

I’d love to have it to hang up at home

…and it’d also be nice to see you both tonight or tomorrow. I have an hour lunch

You

We could stop by tonight and bring you lunch 

Jack

I’d like that. But I’ll send the money to you. I just want to see you and Nova

A ping appears on your phone. 

Jack Abbot has sent you $60.

You

Jack what exactly do you think costs $60.

Jack

I’d rather be safe than sorry. 

You look over at Nova, “Hey Nova, do you want to go visit Jack?”

Nova’s eyes light up at the mention of Jack’s name. She claps excitedly, “Yay! Dada!”

You dress her in warmer clothes before you both load up in the car again. You pick up sandwiches for you and Jack with chicken nuggets for Nova. You text Jack as you pull up into the parking lot. 

You and Nova walk hand-in-hand to the front desk where three people are sitting. The woman in the glasses smiles at you, “Hi, how can I help you?”

“We’re here to drop off lunch for Dr. Abbot,” you reply. 

Just as Lena’s about to respond, Nova spots Jack walking down the hallway. She gasps and yells out in excitement, “Dada.” 

She lets go of your hand to run to Jack. Jack sports a similar grin upon seeing Nova and scoops her up into his arms, “Hey there,  Princess.”

Nova immediately jumps into telling Jack about her day as he walks to the desk with her in his arms. 

When Jack makes it to the desk, he gives you a quick hug. At the desk, Ellis, Shen, and Lena all look between you, Jack, and Nova to decipher what’s going on. 

Jack eyes them before introducing you, “This is Nova. Sweetest little girl on the planet. This is Lena, our charge nurse. Dr. Shen, another one of the night shift attendings, and Dr. Ellis, our senior resident.”

“It’s nice to meet you all,” you said, waving at each of them. 

Nova wiggles out of Jack’s arms before walking to you. She tugs at your hoodie before you give her the drawing. 

She walks over to Jack, who picks her up again. Jack analyzes the picture as she points to you and her in the picture. She points to Jack’s stick figure, “You. Dada.”

If it was possible to implode into confetti and goo from cuteness, consider Jack Abbot a deceased man. He looks down at Nova, “This is amazing, lovebug. I’m gonna hang it on my fridge so I can always see it. Thank you so much.”

He hugs Nova as she throws her arms around his shoulders. You smile at the sight of Jack and Nova bonding. You all bid the night crew a goodbye as you go to your car to have lunch. 

Lena, Ellis, and Shen all watch the three of you leave. Shen looks down at his Dunkin’ coffee, “Maybe my coffee is rewiring my brain, but did Jack just debut a secret family?”

Ellis squints, “I’m not quite sure what any of that was. Jack Abbot with a secret wife and kid? It tracks.”

Later in the week when Jack’s alone in his apartment, his eyes naturally drift to Nova’s drawing on the fridge. 

His heart thuds rapidly in his chest as he sees the stick figured labelled “Dada.” In the recent years, he’d grown used to the fact that maybe fatherhood was something that he’d never have the chance of experiencing. 

Sure, he always wanted a family of his own. He always wanted to come home and be greeted with his children running to tell him about their day. But how could he ever be a father when he was too busy prioritizing work over his own wellbeing?

However, seeing Nova’s picture and remembering your words, Jack allows himself to think that maybe it isn’t too late to finally be a father. 

For a moment, he allows himself to be selfish. He allows himself to imagine what it’d be like to be with you and Nova forever. By the end of the daydream, he finds that he really wants it be a reality. 

To be continued.

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Chapter I: A Case of the Mistaken Daddy

You walk into the daycare and greet the receptionist, Connie, at the front desk. 

“How’s she doing?” You ask, concern lacing your voice. 

“She’s a little down. She’s been throwing up and mostly lying around,” Connie explains, sympathy coloring her tone. This was one of the things that you enjoyed most about this daycare. They actually cared about the kids and valued them like they were their own. It wasn’t easy for you when you had to go back to work and put Nova into daycare. It’d been just the two of you for the first year of her life. 

Your parents and friends were great at helping you take care of her, especially since she was your first child. But you didn’t want to burden them with the responsibility of taking care of Nova when she was your daughter. Plus, it’d be pretty demanding trying to drive Nova out to your parents’ house early in the morning and then picking her up after work. 

No, you were an adult now, which meant you had to make adult decisions. You were thorough with your search for a daycare for your little girl. You’d seen enough horror stories to know that you needed to be careful about where you sent your baby.

You landed on Miss Sunshine’s. 

A daycare run by a woman named Ms. Berta Jones. The woman is the literal embodiment of sunshine and safety. You’d brought Nova along with you to meet the woman and her staff. Within five minutes of meeting Ms. Jones, Nova was sitting in the woman’s lap like she’d known her for ages.

It also helped that Miss Sunshine’s would be teaching Nova things like her ABCs, numbers, and other things all before she reached Pre-K. It was a done deal for you, and the price wasn’t bad either.

You had left work early to pick up Nova after you got a call that she was throwing up. You follow behind Connie as you spot Nova lying on her little cot. It breaks your heart to see your baby so down. 

You walk over and kneel in front of her, “Hi, Nova baby. I heard you aren’t feeling so good.”

Nova pouts at you, big tears filling her small eyes, “Mama.”

She reaches up for you, and you immediately take her into your arms. In return, she wraps her limbs around you and stuffs her face into your neck. You run a soothing hand up and down her back while whispering gentle words to her. Connie walks up and hands you Nova’s bag before smiling softly at the little girl, “I hope you feel better, Nova. We’ll be right here when you get back, okay?”

Nova gives her a weak smile in return, along with a small ‘mhm.”

Outside, you strap Nova inside her booster seat before starting the drive to her pediatrician. You spare fleeting glances back to her in the mirror to continue to monitor her condition. The anxiety inside you spikes up more at the helpless look on her face. Pulling into the parking lot, you carry Nova inside the doctor’s office before walking up to the front desk.

Amanda, the receptionist, whom you’d grown fond of, smiles softly at you and Nova. “Oh dear, I was so worried when you called to make an appointment for Nova. Dr. Ashmore is just wrapping up with a client. She’ll be ready for you two soon.”

“Thanks, Amanda,” you reply before going to take a seat. 

You look down at Nova as she plays with the necklace around your neck. “Hey lovebug, you wanna play games on my phone while we wait?”

Nova shakes her head. You know that she has to be feeling awful if she declines to see your phone. The fact only makes the nerves in your stomach worse. It’s only a few moments later that you’re called back by one of the nurses. You clutch Nova tighter to yourself as you walk to the back. The nurse gets all of Nova’s vitals. 

She places the thermostat in Nova’s mouth before waiting to hear the beep. You watch intensely as she holds the numbers up to her face and frowns. 

“What? Is there something wrong?” You ask. 

The nurse gives you a tense smile, “It appears that Nova’s temperature is at 108. That’s a very concerning temperature. I know that this is going to sound scary, but I need you to take Nova to the Emergency Room right now, okay? I know someone there, and I’ll call to let them know that you’re on your way and you need to be seen immediately.”

You feel lightheaded for a second. The words ‘108’ and ‘Emergency Room’ all send your blood pressure skyrocketing, but you know that you can’t panic in front of Nova. She’s probably scared enough as it is. 

You nod at the nurse, and you know that she can blatantly tell how scared you are. 

She grabs your hand, “It’s going to be okay. They have some of the best doctors on staff there. When you make it to the front desk, ask for Dana Evans. She’s going to get you seen quickly, okay?”

“Okay, thank you.” 

You carry Nova to the car and strap her in again. You drive a bit quicker than when you initially came to the doctor’s office, but still at an appropriate speed to not get pulled over. You try to keep things as calm as possible for Nova by talking with her. 

You watch as her face crumples and tears fill her eyes, “Mama..” 

“It’s okay, baby. We’re almost there. Just one second.” 

You recognize the distinct sound of Nova throwing up before she fully starts to cry. Luckily for you, you pull into the PTMC parking lot before moving to the back to grab Nova. Fortunately, she managed to throw up mostly on the floor and less on her clothes. You take a wipe and run it across her chubby face before wrapping her in your arms. 

When you walk through the doors, it’s clear that you’re a very concerned mother in need of help. You spot a blonde lady standing at the desk, “Excuse me, I’m looking for Dana Evans. My daughter is sick, and her nurse said she had a temp of 108 and she just threw up.”

You ramble through the words, light tears pricking at your eyes, before the woman places her hand over yours. 

“Hey, breathe with me, honey. You’re okay. I’m Dana. Nancy called and said you’d be on your way. I have the room open for you already. Let’s get you and little Miss all settled.” You walk behind Dana while continuing to soothe Nova, who’s looking around the hospital in curiosity. 

Dana is thorough in making sure that you and Nova are comfortable. She’s checking Nova’s vitals all while talking sweetly to her. “What’s your name, Princess?”

Nova smiles shyly, “Nova.”

“Nova. That’s a really pretty name. How old are you?”

Nova holds up one finger, to which Dana smiles, “One year old. Wow, you’re a big girl!” 

The door opens, and possibly the most attractive man that you’ve ever seen in your life walks into the room. A girl in similar scrubs walks in behind him.

Dana looks at you, “This is Dr. Abbot. He’s one of our best. This is Dr. Samira Mohan. They’re both going to make sure that you’re taken care of today.” She gives Jack and Samira your name before handing them the chart. She gives you and Nova one last smile before exiting the room.

Jack looks at the chart before looking back at you, “Can you walk me through what’s going on?”

You take a deep breath, “Her daycare called me today and said that she’d been throwing up. I picked her up and took her to her pediatrician, and they said she was running a fever of 108, and we needed to get Nova here immediately. She also threw up on the way here.”

Jack nods before looking over at Nova, “Hi there, sweetie. I’m Dr. Abbot, can I take a look to see what’s wrong?”

Nova looks at the man in awe, but doesn’t appear to be put off by him at all. Jack takes this as a sign and starts to listen to her heartbeat. Nova watches him the whole time in pure curiosity. Jack catches her inquisitive stare before smiling at her. In response, Nova turns her head shyly. 

He checks her temperature again before frowning, “We need to get her temperature down. Dr. Mohan, can you get me an IV-pack set up? She’s a bit dehydrated, and I want to get fluids in her. Also, bring me some Tylenol.”

Dr. Mohan nods before leaving the room. 

Jack spares a glance over in your direction and can sense the worry oozing from you. 

“First one?” He questions. 

You lift your eyebrows in surprise, “Is it that obvious?”

He nods before chuckling softly, “I’ve been a doctor for a long time, and I can spot the difference at this point, but I can assure you, I’ll do my best to take care of her.”

“Thank you, Dr. Abbot.” You respond, sparing a soft smile at the man. There’s a quick moment of fluttering in Jack’s chest as you smile at him. He admits to himself that you’re really pretty. 

He shakes his head before looking back in Nova’s direction, “What’s your favorite color, sweetie?” 

“Ink,” Nova responds. Jack knows that she means ‘pink.’ He’d always found that the beginning stage, when kids were still learning to pronounce words very enduring. He asks her a few more simple questions as she answers shyly. He can tell that she still doesn’t feel well, and it makes his heart clench in ways that he’s not comfortable acknowledging right now.

Soon, Samira arrives back in the room with the IV pack. You pale at the sight of the needle before looking back down at Nova. You grab her stuffed bunny, Bun Bun, from her bag before handing it to her. “Hey, Nova, look, here’s Bun Bun. He’s going to sit right here with you and be so strong for you, okay?”

Nova looks at you with wide eyes before hugging Bun Bun to her chest. Jack grabs the needle from Samira before scooting closer to Nova. He and Nova both make eye contact as his gaze softens, “Okay, sweet girl, just a slight pinch and you’ll feel better.”

Nova looks at Jack like she understands what he’s saying. It makes his heart clench even more to know that the needle will be pricking her skin. Much to yours and Samira’s amusement, Jack starts to make a funny face at Nova before sliding the IV in her arm. 

She flinches at the quick stab before the fat tears start welling in her eyes. Her bottom lip starts to jut out before she lets out a sob. Jack rationalizes that he’d do anything in his power to never see the little girl cry again. 

You rub your hand along Nova’s curls while pressing gentle kisses to her forehead and whispering in her ear. Jack looks down at the little girl, “I’m really sorry about that, Nova. How about I bring you a special treat later for being such a big girl?” 

The tears in Nova’s eyes slow down, and she nods her head at Jack. Soon, her little eyes get droopy as the medicine begins to take effect. Her long lashes droop over her chubby cheeks as she lets out small breaths. In that moment, Jack believes that she looks like the cutest kid in the world. 

He looks back at you, “We’ll be back to check on her later. I’d be comfortable with keeping her here for a few hours, just till we’re sure that her fever has broken.” 

“Okay, thank you so much, Dr. Abbot,” you respond, before looking over in Samira’s direction, “Thank you as well, Dr. Mohan.”

Jack and Samira both nod and give you a smile before exiting the room to take on other cases and check on their patients. Samira turns to Jack, “You were really good in there with her. She was totally comfortable with you.”

Jack shrugs, “Years of experience, kid. You pick up a few things along the way.”

Samira smiles before walking off in the other direction. Jack saddles up to the front desk next to Dana, who shoots him a glance, “How’s our little lady doing in there?”

“She’s good. She went to sleep. I’m gonna keep her and her mom here for a few hours to monitor her fever.”

Dana nods while typing on the computer, “Sounds good. I’ll have Emma check in on them.”

Jack turns his head sharply, “No, that’s fine. I got it.”

Dana eyes him suspiciously, “Okay then. I didn’t realize you had such a strong attachment to children.” Jack clocks the teasing tone in her voice and rolls his eyes before leaving the desk. 

Dana chuckles under her breath as she watches Jack leave.

As suspected, Jack gets caught up in numerous cases, but he gets Emma to give him updates on you and Nova when he has a free second. When he finally has a second, he immediately darts in the direction of the room where you and Nova are. 

You have Bun Bun in your hands, and you’re doing a deep voice while moving the stuffed animal around. Nova is laughing and squealing in delight as you make the stuffed rabbit give her kisses. 

“I see someone’s feeling a lot better,” Jack comments, stepping into the room.

Nova lights up at seeing Jack walk into the room, a wide grin overtaking her chubby face. 

“Dada!”

You and Jack both pause in surprise. You’re holding Bun Bun in the air with your eyes widened. Jack closes and opens his mouth a few times before looking at you.

You give him a sheepish look before turning to Nova, “Hey..Dr. Abbot isn’t Dada. He’s just the nice doctor who’s helping you.”

You try to get your little girl to nod along with you in agreement, but she frowns at you before looking back at Jack. Nova smiles once again, “Dada.” 

You sigh before looking at Jack, “I’m so sorry. She doesn’t typically even say that.” 

Jack recollects himself before smiling at you, “It’s fine. Happens all the time.”

Which is definitely a big fat lie. There are definitely no kids in the ER who are calling him Dada. In fact, Jack has to admit that in all of his twenty-something years of being a doctor, this is a new experience for him. He walks closer to the bed and sits down to check over Nova. 

She looks a lot better than when she was first admitted. Jack notes the color that’s come back into her brown skin, along with how much more lively that she is now. He also clocks the look of admiration that she’s shooting him. 

He smiles down at her, “You feeling all better, Nova? Let’s check your temperature. Say aahh..”

Nova lets out a loud ‘aahh’ before clasping her lips around the thermometer. Jack waits for the sound of the beep before turning it in his direction. He smiles at the results before looking at you, “Her temp’s dropped down significantly. It seems like she’s taking the meds really well. I’m going ot get you two discharged, and I recommend switching between giving her Tylenol and Tamiflu. I’ll put in a prescription for you to pick up. What pharmacy do you use?”

“CVS,” you reply. 

Jack nods, “Okay, I’d also recommend keeping her at home for a few days and keeping her hydrated. Start her off with small meals like soups and crackers before upgrading to bigger meals. If any other symptoms persist, bring her back here immediately, okay? You can even ask for me.”

Your surprised eyes meet Jack’s again, “That’s a really generous offer. Thank you so much for everything, Dr. Abbot.” 

You hold his gaze for a couple of seconds before Nova starts making small sounds as she plays with Bun Bun. Jack smiles at Nova, who holds the stuffed rabbit up to Jack, “Bun Bun.” 

Jack nods, “Yeah, I can see that. He’s really cute.” 

Nova smiles at the praise before holding Bun Bun out to Jack, “Dada.”

It’s only when she looks between Jack and Bun Bun that you both recognize that she’s introducing Jack as “Dada” to Bun Bun. Good lord. 

Jack plays it cool. He gently removes the needle from Nova’s arm as he places a pink Band-Aid over the sore. She doesn’t even seem to mind it all. She takes it all like a big girl and smiles at Jack or “Dada” as she has so intensely insisted upon. 

You’re about to pick Nova up from the bed when she turns away from you. She turns to Jack as she looks up at him with wide, expectant eyes and pouty lips. You try again to pick the little girl up, but she begins to whine and reaches for Jack again. 

The tears are back again, “Dada..”

Jack looks over at you, to which you give him a rather helpless look. He scratches the back of his neck, “I’m fine with holding her until we get to the front desk. Plus, it’ll make it easier while you fill out the discharge papers.”

Truthfully, he doesn’t fully come out and say that Nova’s pulling at his heartstrings. 

You nod, biting your lip softly, “Okay, I’m really sorry again, Dr. Abbot. I don’t know what’s gotten into her, but she seems to like you a lot.” 

Jack waves you off, even though he’s dying to hold Nova and he’s literally bursting at the seams at her cuteness. Nova lifts her arms, and Jack gladly scoops her up. He takes Bun Bun in his hand and lowers his voice, “Hi, Nova, you were such a brave girl today.”

Nova laughs and curls her small body into Jack’s once more. He can’t deny that he likes how natural it all feels, especially with how you’re smiling at him and Nova. He gently bounces the little girl in his arms as she wraps her own arms around his neck. He can even hear her softly whispering “Dada” into his shoulder, and she holds Bun Bun.

Jack hopes not to draw too much attention to the three of you, but as usual, luck’s not on his side. It appears that everybody and they mama decided that this exact moment was the moment that they all needed to be at the desk.

Simultaneously, everyone turns their heads to look at the three of you. Jack has to admit, you all do look like a cohesive family unit. He doesn’t even want to begin to acknowledge what he feels when he thinks about it.

Robby eyes the little girl in Jack’s arms before shooting him a questioning look. Jack shakes his head in response. 

Dana’s obviously amused by the situation as she smirks at Jack, “Well, it seems like our little lady has taken a liking to you. You feeling better, sweetie?”

Nova lifts her head and catches all of the adults staring up at her. She curls herself into Jack’s arms and looks up at him, “Dada.” 

A wave of silence overtakes the group as they all hear Nova calling Jack “Dada.” Jack doesn’t move to correct Nova, but in his honest defense, how would he?

Was he just supposed to chastise the little girl and break her heart?

Nope, he’ll be Dada for the time being. He’s sure that she’ll forget all about Jack once she leaves the ER. A bitter nagging settles in his stomach at the thought of her forgetting him. 

Mel, never one to read the room, looks between you, Jack, and Nova. “I didn’t know you had a kid, Dr. Abbot.”

“He doesn’t,” You chime in, signing the discharge papers and glancing at Jack and Nova. 

You smile softly at him, “Nova’s just taken a liking to him, hence the nickname.” 

Jack takes the opportunity to sit Nova on the counter and holds her steady. She kicks her chubby legs back and forth as she babbles and waves Bun Bun around. Jack listens intently, even though he doesn’t have a clue what she’s talking bout. 

“Hey sweetie, you want a sticker?” Dana asks, pulling out the sticker sheet.

Nova smiles and claps in excitement as Dana places a big pink smiley face on her t-shirt. She looks at you and Jack in excitement, “Mama! Dada! Look!”

You gasp in surprise and smile, “Oh my Nova girl, look at that. You were such a big girl today. That means we can go and watch all the Bluey that you want!” 

Nova gasps and looks at Jack, “Dada! Bluey!”

Jack smiles, even though he has no clue who Bluey is. “That’s great, kiddo! You be good for mommy, okay?” Nova nods with a wide smile. Jack’s heart melts even more at the little girl.

You hand the discharge papers to Dana before scooping Nova up in your arms. You press a kiss against her chubby cheek, which causes her to giggle. You glance at Jack, “Thank you again for everything, Dr. Abbot. We really appreciate it.” You glance down at Nova, “Nova, tell Dr. Abbot bye-bye.”

Nova looks at you like you’re speaking Spanish before turning her gaze back to Jack. It seems like it only takes her brain about two seconds to comprehend that she’s leaving “Dada” behind. 

Almost instantly, the tears start welling up in her eyes as her pout increases. Everyone at the desk watches with bated breath until the little girl begins sobbing hysterically and reaching out for Jack. 

“Dadaa..” Nova cries, big tears rolling down her cheeks. 

You try your best to soothe Nova by presenting Bun Bun to her. It only seems to make her cry harder for Jack. You give everyone a sheepish smile before turning to leave the ED. You always knew that your baby would be dramatic, and if there’s an award for Best Child Actress in Motion Picture Drama, your daughter was hands down sweeping that award. 

It breaks Jack’s heart to see Nova crying out so helplessly for him, so he takes a step in your direction.

“Hey, what if I carry her out to the car for you? I mean, you’ve had a long day, and maybe this’ll make the transition easier for her,” He suggests. 

You give him a tired nod before passing Nova off to him. Almost immediately, Nova’s tears dry up, and she smiles at Jack while draping her arms around his shoulder, “Hi, Dada.”

“Hi, Nova,” He says with a chuckle. 

He rocks her in his arms as you both walk out of the ED towards your car.

At the front desk, everyone turns to look at each other. 

“That was weird, right? We can all agree that the whole scenario was weird,” Trinity comments, to which everyone hums in agreement. But it’s the Pitt, everything’s always weird there.

Outside, Nova has managed to fall asleep once again on Jack’s shoulder. Her tiny breaths tickle Jack’s neck, but he doesn’t mind. He’s holding Bun Bun in his hand after he started to droop from Nova’s. You open your car door before reaching for Nova. Jack passes her and watches carefully as you strap her in.

To any outsider, it would truly just look like you and Jack were a married couple with your daughter. They’d never be able to guess that Jack had just met you and Nova only hours before.

You close the door gently and turn back to face Jack, “Thank you. I know that I’ve said it like a million times, but I really do appreciate all of your help tonight. I was really nervous about Nova.”

“It’s no problem at all. Nova seems like a really great kid, and I can tell that you’re an amazing mom,” Jack comments.

You smile and rock on your heels nervously. It’s not every day that a super sexy silver fox doctor is complimenting your parenting skills. You realize that you’re staring and snap out of the daze, “It was really nice meeting you, Dr. Abbot. The world needs more compassionate doctors like you.”

“Jack..” He corrects softly.

You give him a look of confusion, to which he clarifies, “You can call me Jack.”

“Okay, see you around, Jack.”

He smiles at you one last time before watching you and Nova drive off.

Yep, he needs the day off after this. Secretly, his heart yearns to see you and Nova again.

to be continued…

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I get wet at the thought of you

It was a given that Bucky turned you on. The man was a gift from the heavens wrapped in a package of muscles, scars, and beauty. A sultry stare that left you weak in the knees, a strut most models would kill for, and a body that screamed he was a fighter and survivor, you were just a woman. What were you supposed to do? Act normal?

“Keep looking at me like that, sweetheart, and I’ll have to ruin you,” he once said. 

So, no, you couldn’t act normal since your husband ruined more panties than you thought possible. That was before he touched you. His fingers on both sets of hands made you see stars. His tongue brought you to a whole new galaxy. And his cock? You didn’t know there was a way to reach nirvana. You almost asked Thor if there was a sexy version of Valhalla since you swore your soul left your body the first time Bucky had his cock inside you.

“Yep,” you breathed against his lips. “You ruined me.”

And he did it again and again.

Being a responsible guy (so responsible)

But something you hadn’t expected was for Bucky being responsible to turn you on. He was reliable, making time for you and never once making you doubt if you were his top priority. He was dependable, his actions always backing up his words and making sure to fulfill his promises. And he was trustworthy, displaying transparency that past partners didn’t and being honest even when it was difficult.

“I’m not perfect,” he whispered. 

No one was perfect, but he was perfect to and for you.

Treating me like how you’re supposed to do

Bucky wasn’t just a good man, he was a good husband. He teased that he could be old-fashioned at times, holding doors open for you and pulling out your chair. You thought it was gentlemanly of him, and you appreciated that.

What you also appreciated was how he respected you. He took your opinions into consideration, along with your feelings. You were equals in your relationship, and that meant more than he’d ever know.

“You’re not just my wife, you’re my partner.”

He was your partner, too. 

Tears run down my thighs

You had orgasms before, but they were truly nothing compared to the ones he gave you. You came so hard around his cock once that you felt your release gush out of you like a geyser. Your hands went to your face in embarrassment once you came back to yourself, your thighs and the sheet beneath you soaked. He pulled your hands away to smother you in kisses and hold you, praising you for being so good for him and trusting him enough to take care of you.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered. 

He always would.

A little initiative can go a very long long way

Bucky wasn’t the type to sit around and wait for you to ask or tell him to do something. If the lawn needed mowing, he did it. If something was missing from the cupboard, he’d make sure to run to the store and replace it. He fixed things that were broken, or at least tried to the best of his ability.

“I’m the man of the house,” he once joked.

Yes, he certainly was.

Baby, just do the dishes. I’ll give you what you (what you), what you want

Bucky wasn’t of the belief that you should run the household by yourself. If that was what you really wanted, he’d respect your choice. But if you cooked, he’d do the dishes. If it was cold out, he’d take out the garbage so you could stay warm. Little things like that.

“Give and take, sweetheart.”

Oh, did it make you give. The last time he did the dishes, you got on your knees to reward him. His hair fell in his face when he looked down at you, but you could still see his blue eyes through the strands, reflecting how much he loved you.

You loved him, too.

A little communication, yes, that’s my ideal foreplay

Bucky’s past wasn’t easy. Far from it. You saw how haunted he looked on his bad days, and how his body looked too heavy to carry the weight of his past. He was honest when he needed a few minutes alone, which you respected and gave him without pushing for more. He spoke to you when he was ready, not hiding the gritty details, even the ones that could scare you. He admitted once that he didn’t feel like he deserved a happy life with you, which you argued he did.

“You help me believe I deserve good things,” he whispered.

He also let you in when he had nightmares, his eyes sometimes unseeing when he woke up, his body shaking and sweaty. Letting you in didn’t always mean telling you what happened. Sometimes it just meant holding his hand once he was ready, or asking him to point out things in the room so he’d remember where he was.

“You, sweetheart. You’re here.”

You’d always be there.

Assemble a chair from IKEA, I’m like (uhhh)

You almost took a seat right on the floor when he put together the new dining room table, his eyes narrowed in concentration, the veins in his hand popping out as he twisted the screwdriver. Why was it sexy? Why was watching him building something with his hands such a turn on? Hands that he said destroyed, when you only knew them to make you feel good, safe, and cherished?

“Maybe I’ll put together a crib one day,” he smirked.

He got you pregnant not long after that.

“Thank you,” he whispered to you and your stomach.

I get wet at the thought of youBeing a responsible guy (so responsible)Treating me like you’re supposed to doTears run down my thighs

If you thought Bucky was a good husband before, it was nothing compared to him finding out you were pregnant. The celebratory sex was amazing, of course, but it was the kisses to your stomach after that brought tears to your eyes. The whispered promises of how he’d take care of you both, read every book, go to every appointment, give you both the life you deserved.

You were thankful, too.

A little respect for women can get you very very far

Bucky wasn’t the type of man who’d let women be disrespected. He stepped in once at a bar when a guy got handsy with a girl who was clearly uncomfortable. He didn’t have to say much, but the threat was enough to scare the guy off. While the girl was thankful and maybe even a bit in love, he went right back to you and pulled you close. 

“Why are guys such assholes?” he teased, kissing your temple.

While he liked showing people you were his, he didn’t treat you like a possession. An arm around your waist and gentle kisses, but no red flags of raging jealousy or ownership. He was also the kind of man who believed women should have the right to choose what to do with their bodies, and you loved choosing to share your body with him.

“You’re beautiful,” he exhaled, nuzzling your neck.

So was he.

Remembering how to use your phone gets me oh so, oh so, oh so hot

Past boyfriends needed reminders to text you or let you know what was going on, but not Bucky. He messaged you unprompted, so you’d never have to worry about what he was doing or who he was with, even more once you were pregnant in case you wanted or needed anything. You had the password to his phone, which he offered without you asking, and he never left it facedown around you. If you wanted to look, you could.

“I trust you, and I want you to trust me.”

While Bucky preferred phone conversations versus texts, he still messaged you to say he was thinking of you, he loved you, and he was lucky to have you. You messaged him back with similar sentiments, but you also called since he loved hearing your voice.

“Love you, sweetheart,” he told you.

You’d always love Bucky Barnes.

Considering I have feelings I’m like, why are my clothes still on?

Not to brag, but you deserved some kind of award for not being naked around Bucky all the time. The last time you had an issue with your car, you practically stripped down in the garage while he was underneath taking a look. Once again, you were only a woman. 

“You’re too good to me,” he said once he finished, knowing you were ready for him.

The feeling was mutual. Some days he couldn’t keep his hands off you or his cock out of you. No one ever wanted or needed you the way he did. No one else ever would.

“Why do we get dressed some days?” he asked once.

You wondered the same thing.

Offering to do anything, I’m like (oh, my God)

You were cuddling in bed when Bucky, out of nowhere, asked if you ever wanted to roleplay. Your mouth fell open when he offered to fuck you in his motorcycle helmet or pretend to be a mechanic there to fix your pipes. The look in his eyes said he was dead serious. And your panties were once again ruined.

“I just want to please you,” he told you.

He did every single time.

I get wet at the thought of youBeing a responsible guy (so responsible)Treating me like you’re supposed to doTears run down my thighs

Yeah, you got wet at the thought of him, and he was a responsible guy who treated you like a queen. He ruined your underwear like it was a personal challenge. He helped out around the house like it was second nature, and danced with you in the kitchen to old music just because he wanted to. If you asked him to jump, he wouldn’t just ask how high. He’d offer you his hand so you could jump with him.

You were his everything, and you never had to doubt that.

And the thing about Bucky Barnes was that he didn’t just please you because he took care of you in bed or because he handled things around the house. He pleased you because he was a genuinely good guy who chose every day to love you and show you how much he loved you. He was the best husband and he was going to be the best father. You felt it in your heart. 

So, with his hand on your belly and your hand on top of his, you whispered into the darkness, “I love you, Bucky.”

“I love you, too. Both of you.”

He was forever yours, and you were forever his.

So, what should Bucky roleplay for us? Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Your temporary sanctuary was interrupted by a familiar presence at your back. No, not interrupted. If anything, your sanctuary was more alive. “Sorry if I scared you,” Bucky whispered, slipping his arms around your waist.

“You didn’t,” you whispered back, sinking into him. “Never have, never will.”

“That’s good to know.”

Every chapter of your life since you met Bucky had him written in it. He had been a beautiful stranger who exuded danger and comfort, a heady and contrasting combination. He became a wonderful friend, opening up and trusting you with his secrets and vice versa. It wasn’t long before he became your boyfriend and allowed you to love each other the way you both deserved. He would be your husband one day, and the father of your children if you went down that path.

“Sorry though,” he said, his fingers barely skimming you, but making you shiver just the same. “I should’ve asked before joining you.” 

You smiled, noticing that he didn’t sound apologetic in the least. “You made a mess on your shirt again, didn’t you?”

“Sure did,” he replied. Your man had stained more white shirts than you thought possible. He joked that it was one of the reasons he usually stuck with black. At least he was decent with laundry. “Want me to go?”

You put a hand over his to stop him from letting you go. “Don’t you dare,” you warned, which earned you a warm chuckle in response. You hadn’t initially asked him to join you because you were impatient and wanted to feel the cascading water on your skin.

Now you wanted to feel him all over you.

“Fine, I’ll stay,” he teased.

“Smart man,” you teased back.

Bucky was a man who appreciated showers just like you. When he still accepted missions, he would take the opportunity to self-reflect in a peaceful environment, especially if the mission was a long or tough one. The water helped his muscles relax and reduced his stress. It gave him a sense of well-being. The mood he was in when he joined you often determined whether he would be loving and tender or rough and intense.

You welcomed him either way.

“Feels nice,” he sighed, his breath dancing over your skin before he softly kissed your neck.

“Me or the water?” you sighed.

“Both,” he said, kissing directly over your racing pulse.

As your mouth parted and your head fell back further, a shallow breath escaped. His hands and lips enticed you, igniting a slow spreading fire in your veins. You were the match for each other’s flames and the heat was going to consume you both. 

“Can I tell you a secret?” he asked, his hands tracing along your skin like an unspoken promise. “You take my breath away.”

Your heart pounded and you turned your head with a soft smile. The angle was just enough to catch the blue of his eyes and the drops of water dripping from his long hair. He was so beautiful. “You take my breath away, too.”

“Yeah?” His smile didn't just rob you of your breath, it snuffed out all the noise in your mind until all you focused on was him. 

“Yeah,” you smiled back. 

When his lips touched yours, the slow spreading fire erupted into an inferno. His hand slowly slid down your stomach, the other moving up to tease your breasts. “You're so responsive,” he whispered, his thumb grazing a nipple. 

Your breath hitched when the hand moving south dipped between your thighs, a tremor running through your body when he gently moved a finger along your slit. The hand cupping your breast pulled you closer, drawing another gasp when he slowly rolled his hips to tease you when his hard cock brushed against your ass. You wanted him to tear you apart.

“And so wet,” he rumbled, suddenly turning you so that your back was against the wall. His hungry gaze had you choking on your next breath when he brought his hand back to your pussy, slowly rubbing it like he had nowhere else to be. Your essence coated his thick fingers, and he hadn’t pushed them inside you yet.

“Please,” you gasped, lost in his touch and wanting more. 

But Bucky didn't rush. He merely moaned when he leaned in and kissed your lips, tenderly lavishing you and forcing you to be patient. While your hands dug into his arms to hold on for dear life, he touched you as if it were an honor, cherishing every part of you. He was an artist who molded your body like it was his own creation, a masterpiece for him and him alone. The pleasure building within you was overwhelming, the kind that left you trembling and on the verge of breaking to pieces. The cracks filled with parts of him, piecing you back together in a way that was still you and yet forever changed.

“Can we just stay like this?” he murmured, as if he wasn’t setting you ablaze when his thumb circled your clit.

“Yes,” you whispered, wrapping a leg around him. If that was what Bucky wanted, you’d give it to him.

Just like when he asked for your heart.

His tongue traced a water droplet down the columb of your neck before he gently bit down. “Say my name,” he whispered, moving his hand away to replace it with his cock. 

“Bucky,” you breathed, your back arching when he began to push into you. You’d chant it, scream it, let the whole world hear it. Everyone would know who you belonged to and who you chose to be by your side. 

His warm body pressed against yours and your heart squeezed in your chest when he whispered, “I love you.”

You breathed him in, your eyes shining with unexpected tears. “I love you, too.”

He didn’t thrust yet, even when you tightened around him. “Forever mine?” He phrased it as a question, but you were his from the start. 

This man had burrowed so deep into your heart and soul that you would never be able to carve him out. You didn't want to. If you ever dared to put a wall up, he’d either crash through it or bring it down brick by brick, whatever you needed to get back to him. And you would do the same for him, burning the world if you had to if it meant you’d be together.

Moving a hand to his chest to feel his racing heart, you whispered, “Forever yours.”

You loved being his, loved that he was yours, and you would cry his name to the heavens above before the shower was over. 

And under the water and steam, you’d stay wrapped up in each other and enjoy your sanctuary together.

I want this! Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Snatching the last bit of the beloved pastry right from the middle of the table.

“Damn it,” you muttered, crossing your arms when he chuckled. “You cheated.”

“Oh, yeah?” he smirked, making a show of taking a slow bite. Your eyes followed his tongue licking his lips and you pressed your thighs together without thinking. The bastard made eating look sexy and he didn’t even take a full bite. He was taunting you. “How did I do that?”

“You cheated by existing.” You gestured to him, your smoking hot husband in his black t-shirt and tactical pants. To the person who made those clothes, you saluted them. “And you have serum in your veins, so I’m pretty sure you don’t have to blink as much as I do and that’s an unfair advantage.”

He chuckled again, graciously passing over the last small bite of the pastry. Your eyes lit up in thanks, popping it in your mouth with a moan. It was true love to share food like that. “I don’t think that’s how the serum works,” he teased. “And you’re a goddess, so isn’t that cheating, too?”

“Okay, but I’m not actually a goddess,” you countered, though he did make you feel like one.

His eyes softened, leaning across the table and crooking his finger. “Yeah, you are,” he whispered, kissing your lips once you met him halfway.

Before you could deepen the kiss, a shrill voice rang out in the breakroom. “Sergeant Barnes! There you are!”

Bucky’s cheek twitched as he settled back in his seat. The voice echoing in the room would’ve been enough to make anyone wince, but his enhanced hearing made it worse. He worked hard to block out noises so he’d be comfortable, and your eyes instantly narrowed at the person who brought him discomfort.

You recognized her after a moment, a pretty woman who would likely fall out of her top if she sneezed too hard. She hadn't worked there long, but she had her eye on Bucky from the start. She always flirted with him, tried to stand close to him and push her chest close, and he always dropped in the conversation that he was a married man. Apparently she didn’t get the hint that he wasn't interested. Either that or she was into taken men.

“Hi, agent,” Bucky politely said.

“Agent. Always so formal,” she giggled, dragging a chair over from another table and taking a seat without asking. “I’ve been looking all over for you, Barnes. You're a hard man to track down.”

Bubbly agents didn’t bother you in the slightest. You appreciated anyone who could stay upbeat in the line of work you dealt with. It wasn’t the enamored look in her eyes either that bothered you because you understood people wanting Bucky and you were secure in your relationship. No, what bothered you was that he had clearly been kissing his wife and she pointedly avoided looking at you after interrupting. That was just rude.

It also bothered you how uncomfortable Bucky looked when she moved her chair closer to him, his shoulders stiff and smile not reaching his eyes.

“Been spending some time with my wife,” he said proudly, reaching across the table to take your hand. You dipped your head down with a small smile, your heart still doing that funny flip like it had since the moment you met. He even managed to clear out the room so you two could be alone. “We were just finishing up.”

She didn’t spare you a glance as she set a hand on his metal arm. His cheek twitched again, squeezing your hand. It took a lot of effort for you to not knock her back from the table for touching him without his permission. “Excuse me,” you began, your tone even. “I don’t-”

“Do you think you could spar with me later?” she cut you off and either didn’t see or ignored your glare, leaning forward in her seat to make her chest stick out more. Bucky didn’t look. “I’ve been having trouble with a couple of moves and you’re so good at them,” she added, her eyes on him like she wanted to eat him up.

Which wasn’t going to happen.

“I don't think…” he stopped when her fingers trailed higher.

“Please, Sergeant?” she pouted.

Your eyes went back to your husband to get a read on him and make sure he was okay. He wasn't. His smile still didn't look right and his back was ramrod straight. Squeezing his hand seemed to ground him since he breathed a little easier, though your anger was simmering.

“I, um, don’t mind sparring if you really need the help,” Bucky began, gently pulling his arm away. “But you interrupted my time with my wife.”

Her smile faltered while yours widened. Bucky didn't like anyone cutting you off, whether that was your time together or interrupting you speaking. “What?” she asked.

“Hi there. Been sitting here the whole time.” You wiggled your fingers when she finally looked your way. “Excuse us for a second,” you said, avoiding her stare the way she avoided yours. “Bucky, do you think you can wait outside? This agent and I need to have a little chat.”

Your husband looked like he was trying not to laugh and you would take laughter over discomfort any day of the week. “Be nice if you can,” he teased, pressing a featherlight kiss to your hand. “I love you, baby,” he whispered.

“I love you, too,” you whispered, something unspoken passing between the two of you.

Defending each other was second nature, always would be.

Bucky didn’t immediately leave the room when he stood up. Instead he rounded the table so he could bend down and kiss your mouth, too. You smiled as it lingered, your heart skipping a beat. “Don’t keep me waiting out there long, Mrs. Barnes,” he whispered.

“I won't, Mr. Barnes,” you teased, tucking some of his hair behind his ear.

Straightening up, he gave a small nod to the agent for her sake. “Come find me later if you still want to talk about sparring. Maybe I can find someone for you.”

“Okay, Sergeant,” she smiled, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. That look wouldn’t last.

You waited until Bucky was gone to face the agent, who stopped smiling the second your husband was out of sight. Leaning back in your seat, you crossed your arms and asked point-blank, “You trying to fuck my husband?”

The wide-eyed expression was priceless when she realized you weren't asking as a joke. “What are you... I just asked him to spar,” she tried to brush it off.

“Please, don't insult my intelligence,” you said. It was beneath both of you to do so. “I get why you want him. Besides being one of the sexiest creatures to ever exist, he’s a good man. Polite, probably treats you with respect. More than most of the men around here.”

She shifted away from you and nodded. “He's a nice guy.”

“He is,” you agreed. They didn't make men like Bucky anymore. “And I’m not going to tell you to stop hitting on my husband, but I highly suggest that you back off. At the very least, don’t throw yourself at him right in front of me. It’s sad.”

“Why?” She had the nerve to smirk. “Worried I’ll steal him away?”

You smirked, too. She had balls and you respected that, but this wasn’t a battle she’d win. “Steal him away? You make it sound like he’s a toy and he isn’t. He’s a man, my man,” you said, holding up your hand so she could get a good look at your wedding ring. “And you are not a threat in the slightest. Our bond is much stronger than that.”

Her smirk went away fast, replaced by something sad. You almost felt sorry for her until she said, “Jealousy isn't a good look on you. It’s kind of… ugly.”

You scoffed. If she wanted to play, you’d play. “Jealous of what? You hitting on a married man who doesn't want you?” you asked, not feeling guilty in the slightest when her face fell. “I’m not telling you to back off because I'm jealous. I told you that because you’re only going to embarrass yourself if you keep trying and you’re going to make my husband more uncomfortable than he already is. I don’t like people making my husband uncomfortable.”

An unspoken threat hung in the air long enough that she swallowed. “And how exactly did I make him uncomfortable?”

“Besides you hitting on him, you touched him without making sure it was okay to do so,” you answered, letting a bit of venom seep into your tone. Bucky went years without autonomy and consent was important to you. He suffered enough and didn’t need to deal with things like this. “I’d hope as an agent you’d be able to pick up on subtle body language cues enough to know that he didn’t want you touching him.”

“And how do you know he doesn’t want me touching him? Are you a mind reader or something?” she sneered, flicking a nonexistent piece of flint from her shirt. “If he really didn't want me touching him, he would've said so. And guess what? He didn't say a word.”

You saw red, your hands curling into fists. For her to ignore the nonverbal cues… “I know my husband. I know Bucky. He doesn’t want you touching him nor does he want to start anything with you because he’s extremely faithful. He won’t throw away a loving, trusting marriage for a quick fuck or doomed affair,” you stated. She bristled, but tried to recover. “If you make a pass at him, he’ll reject you. He’ll do it as respectfully as he can because he’s a good guy, but he will reject you. That’s a promise.”

“Because he loves you so much. Jesus, what makes you so special?” she spat, surprising you both. But the longer you looked at her, the more she deflated under your stare. “I mean… He doesn’t say much to me, but when he does it’s always about you. ‘My wife this’ and ‘my wife that’ and he’s always so… proud.” She shook her head. “Do you know how lucky you are?”

You did feel a little sorry for her now. Crushes hurt, but better that she hurt now and heal than to keep pushing and hurt more later. “I’m not special. We just love each other, that’s all. And, trust me, I’m aware that I’m very lucky to have him. Someone who gets me and will fight for and beside me,” you said, a loving smile touching your lips. You hoped Bucky was listening outside the door. “There’s a guy out there waiting for you, but that guy isn’t Bucky. So don’t lower yourself by trying to go after someone who’s taken.”

She side-eyed you, crossing her arms over her ample chest. “And what if I don’t stop?” she asked.

You giggled humorously, all sympathy gone. The agent actually looked nervous at that sound and you were glad because you weren't going to play nice. “Well, if you don't back off, Bucky could make a complaint about you harassing him or at least request that you’re transferred. Maybe fired since you’re still in your probationary period,” you began, looking at your wedding band when she began to protest. “At the very least, I could have your schedule rearranged so you can spar with me. You see, Bucky taught me a few moves and if a bone or two breaks, well…”

It wasn't an empty threat either. Bucky loved fighting for you, but you could hold your own. It turned him on.

Her eyes darted to the door when you stood up and stretched. “Listen, you don't need to-”

“But do you know what I'm going to do for now?” you asked, cutting her off the way she cut you off. “I'm going to take my husband to one of the interrogation rooms and suck the soul out of his body through his incredible cock,” you smiled sweetly, taking pleasure in the sputtering sound she made. “And after he recovers, he’ll have the choice of bending me over the table and either eating or fucking my pussy. He’ll probably choose both. He’s pretty insatiable.”

She got to her feet, too, and you half expected to see smoke come out of her ears. “I don't need to hear–”

“What? Does hearing that Bucky is going to fuck me and not you make you uncomfortable?” you asked innocently before you got close to her. “Shove your tits in my husband's face again or touch him without his explicit consent, and I won't just make you uncomfortable. I’ll make your life a living hell.”

While you lost the staring contest to Bucky earlier, you very much won against this agent. She stood perfectly still and averted her gaze as you pushed your chair in. “Is that a threat?” she mumbled.

A cliche question, so why not give a cliche answer? “It’s a promise,” you smiled, heading to the door. “Oh, if he does decide to spar with you, I expect you to apologize and behave yourself. I’ll hear about it if you don't.”

Bucky leaned against the wall, waiting for you as you exited the room. He looked over the moon. “We’re going to one of the interrogation rooms, huh?”

You giggled, taking his hand as your cheeks warmed. “Of course, that's what you took from that.”

“How could I not?” he asked, pressing a soft kiss to your temple. “Thanks, baby. I thought I dropped enough hints that she’d back off.”

“Nothing to thank me for,” you assured him. He deserved to be comfortable at work. If some guy kept hitting on you, he would've stepped in, too.

“You think she’ll back off now?”

“I think so, but you tell me if she doesn't,” you said. You’d keep an eye on her, too, just in case. And if she pushed again, you’d put her back in her place. Maybe you’d make her listen while Bucky fucked you. With his permission, of course. “So, which room should we go to?”

He chuckled, the sound a happy one in the hall. “Room B. We can be as loud as we want,” he replied, tugging you closer. “I’ll show you just how special you are to me.”

Heat filled your body, anticipating how good it would feel to have him fuck your throat and more. “My body is ready, Sergeant,” you teased, shrieking when he picked you up and ignoring the whistles from other agents that walked by.

They were used to the shenanigans of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes by now.

And you couldn't wait for more.

Just like we deserve a loving Bucky, he deserves love, too. ❤️ Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

You mattered to him more than anything else. So, if someone bothers him, yeah, he could let it go. Someone upsetting you? He wouldn't stand for it.

Bucky's eyes narrowed as he spotted the little weasel sitting at the table in the break room alone. A few hours ago, you called him to vent about how this guy repeatedly tried to make you look bad in front of your superior during a meeting. It wasn’t the first time either. Your tears of frustration were obvious by your tone on the other end, though you tried to hide them. You worked hard, harder than anyone else he knew, and you took your job seriously.

He saw red when he heard you sniffle and it was the only color he had seen since then.

“Give me his name.”

“Bucky, no,” you had argued. “The guy’s a prick and I just needed to vent, so you don’t-”

“Please, baby,” he whispered, knowing full well you could handle yourself, but you were his wife and someone took joy out of your day. Not just that, they made you cry. He took this personally and he wanted to defend you. “Just give me his name so I can take care of it.”

You softly gave him the name, and he made it a priority to find the asshole. It didn’t take him long. No one even questioned why he was asking. It must’ve been his “murder strut” and glare. You once said it could break even the strongest of people.

He headed toward the empty chair beside the agent, careful not to make a sound. His stealth assisted with that. Once he reached the chair though, he made it a point to scrap the chair across the floor to get the prick's attention. The annoyance in his eyes quickly shifted to fear when he realized who he was looking at.

Good. He hoped he pissed his pants.

He made a show of slipping off his leather jacket before taking a seat, making sure the agent got a good look at his metal arm. He also made a show of getting one of his knives out, one you gifted him. “I think we can skip the introductions since you know who I am and I really don't give a shit who you are,” he began, his voice low as he twirled the knife between his fingers. “But I understand you know my wife and, well, she’s the reason I’m here.”

The guy blinked when Bucky made eye contact, the blade still expertly weaving in his hand. “S-Sure. Everyone knows your wife.”

Bucky smiled softly, taking a second to glance at his wedding band. “I’m usually not one to brag, but I can’t help it when it comes to her. She works hard and deserves all the praise she gets, but she’s still humble. Appreciative. Loyal,” he boasted, still smiling before he glared again. “She’d never throw anyone under the bus, especially in front of a superior.”

The little weasel cleared his throat, sitting up a bit straighter in his chair. He seemed to notice for the first time that they were the only two people there. “Look, I don’t know what your wife said, but-”

Bucky pointed the blade at him. “I would think very carefully about what comes out of your mouth next,” he snarled, his eyes as cold as ice.

There was a beat of silence as the guy squirmed in his seat and averted his gaze. Bucky wished you were there to see it. And Steve and Sam. “I may have run my mouth a bit. I just wanted to knock her down a peg or two, you know? She keeps getting promoted and…” he swallowed when Bucky’s eyes narrowed to slits. If this fucker even thought about implying that you slept your way to get where you were today, he may actually cut his throat. “Please, don't kill me.”

The silence after that statement may have been uncomfortable for some, but Bucky didn’t break a sweat. No, he was just thinking of all the different ways he could put him in the hospital for even thinking he had a right to put you down. Putting the knife away, he slowly got to his feet. “Get up,” he said quietly, flexing his hands in intimidation.

“Fuck.” The man nearly knocked his chair over as he stood. “Listen, I’m sorry,” he blurted out, putting his hands out in front of him. “I’ll apologize to her first thing tomorrow, I swear.”

“You think that makes up for it? And are you sorry for trying to make her look bad or are you sorry that you’re under my radar now?” Bucky’s stare remained steady as he knocked his chair out of the way, the piece of furniture nearly splintering when it hit the wall. “Everyone knows what I'm capable of, but do you know what happens to people who upset. My. Wife?”

Bucky refused to say that you cried. The asshole might take that as a sign of victory and he wouldn’t give him any sort of win. He didn’t deserve it. He didn't deserve to be in the same space as you.

The guy’s mouth parted as he took a few steps back on shaky legs. “I-It won’t happen again! I swear!”

“No, it won't, but how about I cut your tongue out so you can’t run your mouth again? Maybe pull out your teeth, too?” Bucky knocked the table away next as he advanced. “Or how about your eyes so you won’t look at her either. Hell, I’ll settle for taking your arm. We’ll match.”

The man let out what sounded like a whimper, his teeth nearly chattering from his fear. Scaring people had given him nightmares, haunted him, but it fueled his fire when he terrified anyone in your honor. “I won’t bother her ever again! I’ll tell my boss she deserves another promotion! I'll transfer! You have my word! I’m sorry!”

Bucky laughed after a moment, a bitter, chilling sound before he held up a hand. “I’m just fucking with you.”

His eyes were still wide with fear. “W… What?”

“I was just trying to scare you a little. You should see the look on your face,” Bucky chuckled again, lightly smacking the guy’s cheek. “Listen, you don’t have to transfer and I’m not going to torture you. Just apologize to my girl and we’re good, okay?”

“Okay.” He let out a breath and chuckled, too. “You really won’t torture me?”

“No, I won’t,” he grinned, grabbing his shoulders. “But I will knock you down a peg or two.”

The prick didn’t see the headbutt coming, but he felt it before he hit the ground. Bucky knew he’d feel it in the morning, too. He got off lucky.

“You know, after you apologize to my wife, I hope you do stay so you can see her continue to thrive,” Bucky toed the guy’s body with his boot. “And speaking of, I need to go buy her some flowers, chocolate, and wine. She deserves it.”

Grabbing his jacket from the broken chair across the room and brushing it off, he whistled as he left the room. He waited until he was a good distance away to call. You picked up on the second ring.

“Hey.” You sounded much better than you did earlier. “So, what’s the damage?”

“Hey, baby,” he smiled. “I headbutted the prick. And before you ask, my head feels great.”

The former assassin may get suspended for that and damaging the table and chair, but he doubted the asshole would have the balls to speak up about what happened.

“Bucky…” you sighed. You were probably pinching the bridge of your nose. “What am I gonna do with you?”

“You’re gonna let me eat you for dessert when I get home,” he smirked. Not that he needed an excuse to dive between your legs, but he'd take any chance he had. “Figure I'll give you at least two orgasms before dinner.”

“Is that right, Mr. Barnes?”

“That is right, Mrs. Barnes.”

The sound of your giggle spread warmth through his chest. Your happiness was his happiness. “Better not keep me waiting,” you teased, pausing for a beat. “Thank you.”

“Nothing to thank me for,” he said. You always stuck up for him without question.

“Love you.”

His heart swelled more. “Love you, too.”

He’d have some more explaining to do once he got home and would probably have to pay for the damage he caused. He was also sure that you were plotting the demise of the man’s career and would tell him that he didn’t need to do anything, but he wanted to. He was no longer the Winter Soldier.

But he was your husband and he’d defend you with his life, no matter what.

Violence isn't the answer, but this is fanfiction and we all deserve a loving Bucky. ❤️ Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Until you came along.

“Hey there, handsome,” you smiled from the bathroom doorway. “Looking good.”

A touch of heat went through his cheeks from your compliment. “Why aren't you dressed yet, beautiful?”

“I need your help putting on my dress,” you said all too innocently as you strolled into the room in just your bra and underwear, the color matching the shade of his suit jacket.

Bucky cursed under his breath when he took in the sight of you. “That's what you need my help with?” He questioned. He knew exactly what you needed help with. You'd tell him you have a few minutes before you had to leave and urge him to take off his suit jacket, roll up his sleeves, move your underwear aside, and take what he wanted from you. He wouldn't just take from you. He'd give and give. "My naughty wife.”

“I'll always need your help, my equally naughty husband,” you smiled, kissing him on the cheek and moving a few strands of his hair. Now he looked perfect. All he needed was your touch. “And don't think I didn't notice you deflecting my compliment.”

“I didn't deflect,” he argued. He sure as hell did. Maybe he could consider himself handsome by some standards, but you were a goddess. Some higher being smiled upon you the day you were born and knew you'd be a gift to the world. His world.

“You did and I demand a photo as payment,” you said, crossing your arms when he scoffed. He wasn't one for taking selfies or whatever the hell people called them. “Please, Mr. Barnes? For me?” You added in a softer tone, looking into his blue eyes in the mirror.

He couldn't resist you if he tried.

“Fine, Mrs. Barnes. For you,” he said, sighing as he took out his phone. Putting a hand on his hip, he held up the phone to take the picture you so demanded. “And you were right. This looks better without the tie.”

“I know best,” you teased, cringing slightly when he snapped the picture. “Oh, Bucky…”

"What's wrong?" He asked immediately when he showed you the image. Did you not find him attractive? “You said this was a good color on me.”

“It is. You really do look handsome,” you assured him, making him breathe easier. “But, my god, when are you going to get a case for your phone?”

He laughed, his eyes crinkling. Oh, maybe that was why he had wrinkles around his eyes now. Because of how much you made him laugh and smile. “When I find one I like,” he replied, knowing how much it drove you crazy that he didn’t have a protective case on his phone.

“We have already had to replace your phone twice,” you reminded him as he snaked an arm around you and pulled you against him. “No, don’t you dare distract me. If we have to get you another phone, I-”

“But you said you needed help getting your dress on,” he pointed out, pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of your mouth. Your fingers gripped the lapel of his jacket as his lips lingered, making him smile. “Don’t you want my help?”

“I do,” you whispered, whimpering when he kissed the other corner and gripped your hip. It was sounds like the ones you made that made him appreciate his super soldier senses. “But-”

“Or maybe we can focus on me fucking you in front of the mirror instead,” he smirked, wondering how wet your panties were now. “C'mon. We have a few before dinner. Let's have dessert first,” he said, finally bringing his lips to yours and snapping a photo when you melted into the kiss.

Maybe he wasn’t a fan of selfies overall, but he’d take as many as you asked him to and would continue to create many happy memories with you.

We still need a breeding fic with these two. Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

You knew. 

Deep down, you always knew that you were destined to be Bucky’s wife, and he was destined to be your husband. Your paths would merge and become one, giving you love that you only dreamt about because Bucky was the one. Knowing someone was the one couldn’t be enough. It had to be a choice. You had to choose to open up to each other, and build a relationship based on respect and trust. Most of all, you had to choose to show up for the other person.

Deep down that was all you wanted- for Bucky to show up for you. 

The first time you had a bad day, you didn’t want to burden him with it. He knew you so well though and felt that something was up when you talked to him. When you admitted it wasn’t a good day, he reminded you that you were his girlfriend. If something was bothering you, it bothered him. If something was wrong, he wanted to either fix it or do what he could to make you feel better. 

“Baby, please, let me be there for you,” he begged. 

You felt like you’d cry at his words, that he wanted to drop everything to be by your side. “Can you just come over and hold me?” you asked. He didn’t need to move mountains, or set the world on fire. All you wanted was him. “I know that’s silly, but-”

“It isn’t silly. I’m on my way.”

When he showed up with your favorite comfort snack in hand, which showed how much he paid attention to you, and pulled you into his arms, you knew all over again that he was the one for you. He wasn’t just there with you physically, he was mentally and emotionally there and offered support. He chose to show up, and you felt in your core that Bucky would never stop showing up for you. He proved you right. 

Bucky didn’t just shower you with pretty words. He backed them up. He helped you through the tough times, big and small. If someone hurt you, he felt the pain and did what he could to take it away. If he was on a mission, he did his best to let you know he was thinking of you and loved you. You were his home, and he never took you for granted. 

He would always show up for you.

And no matter what life threw at you, and no matter what happened, he continued to be by your side as a united front.