just rumbling

Buck lies on his back on the couch, chest to chest with Daisy, trying to distract her from her teething discomfort, her flushed cheeks damp with fresh tears, fists opening and closing with frustration. Her little whimpers tug at Buck’s heartstrings, and he wiggles a colourful, crinkly toy in front of her, exaggerating a cheerful tone as he coos at her. “C’mon, Daisy Daze, you loved this yesterday!”

Daisy responds with a grizzly whimper, her little face scrunching up, tears threatening to spill. Buck runs his finger over her back, smoothing the little green onesie covered with tiny white daisies - a gift from Athena who apparently just couldn’t resist. “Oh, sweetheart, I know," he murmurs, abandoning the toy without hesitation. He cradles her close, shifting to sit up and swing his legs off the couch, nestling her against his chest. "Teething’s the worst. I’d trade places with you if I could, I swear. I mean, I’ve got bigger teeth - I could handle it," he continues with a soft, comforting tone, pressing a soft kiss to her temple, his heart aching at her discomfort.

Daisy whimpers again, her face buried in the crook of his neck, her tiny hand clinging to the collar of his shirt. Buck rocks gently, instinctively swaying, in the rhythm that usually soothes her. His hand cradles the back of her head, fingers spread wide over the soft fuzz of her hair.

Girl Buck wearing only her pink cardigan

Here’s Daisy and Eddie