Work Text:
The laundry smelled like cotton flower.
Buck folded a tiny pair of pink leggings, careful to smooth the edges and match up the seams just right. He grinned to himself while stacking another equally tiny shirt onto the growing pile on their bed. Most of the clothes were glittery or covered in cartoon animals, and as colorful as a box of paints.
The house was quiet and peaceful like that. He could still hear the faint hum of the washing machine downstairs and the gentle click of the dryer with more laundry. The occasional creak of the old floorboards echoed through the house. It was their home - warm, lived-in, full of faint traces of toys under the furniture and juice stains on the carpet that they still hadn't completely scrubbed out. And Buck loved every imperfect inch of it.
The shower in the master bathroom hissed off, steam curling faintly into the room. A minute later, Tommy padded in, towel slung casually around his neck, damp hair dripping onto bare shoulders, chest still flushed from the hot water. His glasses were perched on his nose - he'd already swapped out his contacts - and he looked comfortably rumpled in a way that made Buck’s heart squeeze.
"Hey, handsome," Tommy greeted, voice still rough from the steam, eyes soft as they landed on Buck.
Buck tossed a pair of socks at him, missing entirely, the socks landing somewhere near the dresser. "You’re the one looking like a Calvin Klein ad."
Tommy chuckled, scrubbing at his hair with the towel. "Pretty sure the Calvin Klein models are younger than mid-forties."
Buck snorted, unable to stop the slow, familiar grin spreading across his face. "You still make it look good. Besides," his eyes swept over Tommy’s frame, still broad, still muscular under the soft edges of domestic life, joggers slung low on his hips, "haven’t you heard? Seasoned men are all the rage now."
Tommy shook his head, smiling that crooked, utterly gorgeous smile that still managed to knock the wind out of Buck. He tugged a shirt from the folded pile and pulled it on, the fabric clinging to his still-damp skin.
"Flatter me more and maybe you’ll get lucky tonight," Tommy teased, voice warm as he stepped closer.
Buck’s grin turned mischievous, leaning in, voice dropping lower. "Not too tired, old man?"
Tommy gave him that look, the one with the crinkle around his eyes, the soft curve of affection mixed with amusement, and opened his mouth to fire back when the crunch of tires on gravel interrupted them.
They both turned toward the window.
A silver minivan rolled into the driveway, catching the sunlight: Mrs. Lopez, their neighbor and the unofficial carpool queen of the neighborhood.
And there she was.
Their little sunshine. Their whole world.
Ren scrambled out of the back seat, ballet bag slung over her shoulder, light curls bouncing as she ran toward the house, one of her shoes coming half-untied.
Her tiny frame wobbled slightly under the weight of the bag that was nearly as big as her.
Buck felt his chest squeeze, the same way it did every time he saw her. That overwhelming, terrifying, beautiful kind of love.
Somehow, Buck and Tommy had found their way back to each other. It hadn’t been easy: hours of long talks, couples therapy, and learning how to bend without breaking. But they did the work. Six months later, when the foundation finally felt solid beneath their feet again, they got married. Because when you know, you know.
Life settled into something good, steady, and whole, and two years after that, they started talking about starting a family. They applied for their fostering licence, spending late nights filling out forms, going through interviews, and painting the spare room while imagining what life might look like.
A year later, their phone rang.
A little girl, two and a half years old, in need of a home.
The first time they'd met Ren, scared, tiny, clutching a worn-out stuffed bunny with a missing ear. Her name was… something: Renesmee , her foster case manager explained, seemingly courtesy of a birth mom who loved Twilight, and who had tragically died in an accident two weeks ago.
They didn't change it. You can't take away the only thing a child has left to connect her to her mother and her identity. But they arranged with Ren , Rennie , or sometimes MeeMee when Buck was feeling particularly sappy.
She was tiny when she came home to them. Her big eyes were filled with cautious curiosity, her curls were wild and untamed, and she was a tiny bundle of fear.
They’d fallen hard.
Buck remembered the first night: how she clung to her bunny; how she refused to speak; how her eyes darted between them as though they were strangers from another planet.
When Buck bathed her for the first time, she was so small in the tub and barely trusted him to pour water over her hair. Then he noticed the port wine stain birthmark on her left shoulder blade.
It was shaped almost like a little heart, so similar to his own on his face.
His throat had tightened, and his eyes had burned as the water ran over her delicate skin. It was just a coincidence, but in that moment it felt like fate. Like she was meant to be theirs.
A few weeks after Ren came into their lives, Tommy approached Buck with a determined and nervous look on his face. Buck remembered it vividly: Tommy was standing in their kitchen, twisting his wedding ring with his thumb, clearly rehearsing whatever he had planned to say.
"I've been thinking," Tommy began, his voice steady, but with the faintest hint of nerves betraying him. "About... everything. Us. Rennie."
Buck’s stomach flipped; he was unsure where this was going. "Yeah?"
Tommy nodded, and his eyes softened. "I mean, I'm still on paternity leave for three months, until Ren is more settled in. But after... I love the job. You know I do. It’s been my whole world for years. But..." He exhaled, his gaze drifting toward the quiet living room where Ren was curled up, watching cartoons with her bunny. "I want to be here. Really here. That schedule, the long shifts, the calls in the middle of the night..." He shook his head. "I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and now I’m ready. I’m going to step back from on-site work."
Buck blinked, completely taken aback. "Tommy... you'd give that up?"
"Not all of it," Tommy grinned softly. "I’ve already spoken to the academy. They’re ready to hire me full-time as a teacher. I’ll also do flight instruction and help the new LAFD pilots. It’s steady work. Safe." His hand found Buck’s, their fingers curling tightly together. "I want to be the dad who’s home for dinner. The one who tucks her in. I want to be there for the sports matches and parent-teacher conferences. I want to be better than my dad."
Buck’s heart nearly burst with love. Here was his husband, planning their future with steadiness and certainty, building something safe for all of them.
They adopted her a year later, the papers signed, the vows made, and the promises sealed in ink and love. Their family was stitched together with second chances and stubborn hope.
And now here they were: ballet bags, messy curls, and laundry piles included.
Tommy beat him to the door, stepping outside to greet her with open arms.
"Hey, Rennie!" Tommy scooped her up, spinning her gently like always. But instead of the usual giggles, Ren just gave a small smile, tucking her face into his shoulder. "How was dance class?"
Ren shrugged, eyes darting away, her curls brushing against his chin. "It was… okay."
Buck frowned slightly, stepping closer, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "Just okay? You love dance class."
Ren only shrugged again, wiggling out of Tommy's arms to stand on her own.
Tommy bent down to grab her ballet bag, exchanging a glance with Buck over her head - the kind of look when you communicate with your husband without words. Something's off.
Buck held out his hand, and Ren grabbed it, but there was no usual bounce to her step, no excited chatter.
"C'mon, superstar," Tommy said gently, keeping his tone light but watching her carefully. "Let’s get you a snack, and maybe you can tell us all about those twirls later, yeah?"
Ren just nodded, small and quiet, fingers tightening around Buck's hand as they headed inside. The front door clicked shut behind them, the house warm and familiar, but the knot in Buck's chest stayed tight.
Usually, she'd be bubbling over with chatter about pirouettes and whatever snack Mrs. Lopez sneaked them in the car. Today? She dropped her ballet bag with a little thud and crossed her arms, her tiny brows scrunching together.
He crouched down to her level, trying for his gentlest, most coaxing voice, "Hey, Ren, you gonna show us your new steps?"
She huffed - an actual huff - and turned away, curls bouncing as she stomped toward the living room.
Buck blinked, exchanging a glance with Tommy. "Uh-oh. Someone's got her grump on."
Tommy chuckled softly but followed after her. "Hey, little lady," his voice was gentle but steady, full ‘dad-mode’ activated. "We can't help if you don't tell us what's wrong."
Ren climbed onto the couch dramatically, arms crossed, lower lip sticking out in a pout that was way too familiar. She learned that definitely from him.
Tommy shot him a look, fighting a smile, before kneeling down beside the couch. "Rennie… come on. Talk to us, sweetheart."
Her pout trembled. Her little shoulders shook, and in the next second, the brave front crumbled.
Ren burst into tears, flinging herself off the couch and into Tommy’s arms with all the desperation of a five-year-old whose world had just tipped sideways.
"Hey, hey, hey… shhh, I got you," Tommy whispered, scooping her up like she weighed nothing, his palm smoothing over her curls as she buried her face in his shoulder. "Breathe, okay? What's up, baby?"
Buck's heart clenched at the sound of her sobs, small and hiccupy against Tommy's chest.
"It… it was fun… at first…" Ren sniffled, wiping her eyes on the collar of Tommy's shirt like it was her personal tissue, words coming out in shaky bursts. "We did twirls… and Ms Harper taught us a new dance to 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'… it was… it was so good…"
Tommy sat down and rocked her gently, nodding along. "Okay, that sounds awesome. So why the sad tears?"
Ren's lower lip wobbled again, her little fingers twisting in Tommy’s shirt. "At the end… Ms Harper gave us an… an ‘dation… indentation…"
"Invitation?" Buck offered, stepping closer.
She nodded miserably. "For a Mommy Dance. In two weeks… all the mommies come… and they dance with us… together… on a stage…" Her voice cracked, another little sob bursting free.
Buck's heart twisted. "Aw, Ren, honey… that's a sweet idea…"
But the moment he said it, her eyes filled with fresh tears. She shook her head fiercely, curls sticking to her damp cheeks.
"But… I can't do it…" she wailed softly. "I don't have a mommy…"
The room went still for a beat, the weight of her words settling over them like fog.
Tommy hugged her tighter, pressing a kiss to her temple, eyes meeting Buck's over her shoulder. His gaze was steady, calm, but Buck could see it, the ache behind those soft blue eyes.
Buck exhaled slowly, moving to sit beside them, his hand finding Ren's tiny back.
She didn't have a mommy, but she had them .
And they sure as hell were going to fix this.
Tommy didn’t even hesitate. His voice was calm, steady, that quiet authority that somehow soothed both panicked pilots and overwhelmed five-year-olds.
"Hey, hey," Tommy whispered, rocking Ren gently. "Sweetheart, I promise Ms Harper didn’t mean to make anyone feel left out. I’m sure she wasn’t thinking about families like ours. I’ll talk to her, okay? We can change it to a Parent Dance or so, easy fix."
Ren sniffled against his shoulder, hiccuping a little. "But who…"
Tommy pulled back just enough to look into her teary eyes. "And if you want me to, I will dance with you on that stage. Okay?"
Her little sob cut off instantly, replaced by wide, hopeful eyes. "Really, Papa?"
Tommy smiled, brushing curls back from her damp cheeks. "Really. You and me, dance partners."
Buck grinned, shifting closer. "I think we can manage that, right?" He winked at Ren, giving her back a gentle rub.
She squinted at him suspiciously, the gears turning behind her eyes like a tiny detective.
"But…" She tilted her head, "Can you dance , Papa? Like we do in class?"
Tommy chuckled softly, smoothing a hand over her back. "Well… you can teach me, Rennie. I’m a quick learner."
Buck grinned, resting his chin on his hand dramatically. "And I’ll be right there, filming everything… and cheering for you both. What do you think?"
Ren’s eyes widened, shiny with leftover tears. "You do, Daddy?"
"Of course, MeeMee. Shall we ask your aunts, uncles, and grandparents if they would like to watch too?" Buck leaned in and pressed a kiss onto her temple. His voice was soft but sure.
"Yes!" She giggled, the sound light and bright, wiping at her face with the back of her hand like the storm had never happened.
Buck squeezed her hand gently. "So, what do you say… we calm down a little with some dinner?"
Ren perked up instantly, mischief blooming on her face. "Ice cream?"
Buck huffed a laugh, ruffling her curls. "Nice try, little negotiator. First, some real dinner, I made that veggie pasta you actually like, with the spinach."
Ren let out a dramatic, world-weary sigh, flopping backward in Tommy’s arms like her bones had turned to jelly. "I deserve ice cream after all these emotions…"
Tommy chuckled, shifting her to sit, shaking his head fondly. "Where did you learn to talk like that?"
Ren’s grin spread wide, dimples deepening. "Uncle Albert!"
Buck groaned playfully. "Of course. Figures."
He stood, giving her the classic ‘dad-look’ with one eyebrow raised. "Okay, how about this: you eat your real dinner, and then, yes, you can have a little ice cream."
Ren’s eyes sparkled, victory written all over her face. "The nice one? With the cookie inside?"
Tommy laughed, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Of course, the nice one with the cookie inside."
Buck shook his head, utterly helpless. "We’re raising a con artist."
Tommy grinned. "Yeah, but she’s our con artist."
Buck’s heart squeezed again, full and soft, watching their little girl beam, tears forgotten, dreams intact.
And just like that… everything felt okay again.
Later, the house was quiet, the kind of quiet that only came after Ren finally crashed in her bed, exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster of being five.
Buck padded down the hallway, scratching the back of his neck and enjoying the delicious post-bedtime haze. The faint glow from the living room spilled across the floorboards, soft and warm. Tommy’s voice floated out, low and steady, laced with gratitude.
"Thank you so much, really… we appreciate it. Yeah, we’ll see you at practice next week."
Buck leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a curious smile tugging at his lips. "What was that about?"
Tommy turned, phone lowered from his ear, hair still messy from Ren’s earlier bedtime battle. His eyes softened when he saw Buck. "Ms Harper. I called her, everything’s cleared up."
Buck’s brow lifted as he wandered over. "Yeah?"
Tommy nodded, setting the phone on the coffee table. "She felt awful. Said she didn’t even think twice, calling it a Mommy Dance. She wasn’t trying to exclude anyone. It’s officially changed to Family Dance Day now."
Buck’s chest filled with quiet relief, a warm swell of pride settling low in his stomach. He slipped behind Tommy, looping his arms around his waist, chin resting on Tommy’s shoulder. "Thank you for clearing that up," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss just beneath Tommy’s ear.
Tommy leaned into him, hands covering Buck’s. "Of course. I’d do anything for our family." Then he hesitated for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing his face as he leaned into Buck’s touch.
"Hey," he started quietly. "Did I step on your toes with the dance thing?" He turned slightly, enough for Buck to see the crease of concern between his brows. "I didn't really think. I just... Ren was so upset, and I wanted to fix it. I wanted her to know she wasn’t left out. But if you wanted to do it, we can talk to her and figure something out..."
Buck immediately shook his head, squeezing Tommy’s waist a little tighter. "Tommy, stop. You did the right thing." He pressed another kiss to the curve of Tommy’s shoulder. "I love how much you love her. I love that you’d jump in without hesitation to make her feel safe and seen. That’s exactly what she needs. Honestly? You’ll have way more time to practice with her than I will. You two are going to be perfect out there."
Tommy let out a soft breath, the tension easing from his shoulders. "You sure?"
Buck smiled, his voice low and full of affection. "I would've done it in a heartbeat, but I'm really glad it's you. She needs you up there. I’ll be right in the front row, cheering my heart out." Buck grinned against his skin. "You know Ren’s got you completely wrapped around her little finger, right?"
Tommy chuckled, turning to catch Buck’s eyes, his own shining with that familiar, teasing warmth. "She’s not the only one."
Before Buck could tease him back, Tommy cupped his jaw, pulling him into a sweet, lingering kiss. Familiar. Soft. Like home.
Buck smiled into it… and promptly yawned halfway through.
Tommy pulled back with a quiet laugh and crinkly eyes. "Ok, that’s our cue. Bedtime now."
Buck groaned playfully and nuzzled into his shoulder. "We’re getting old. Who goes to bed at half past nine?"
Tommy squeezed his hand, guiding them toward the hallway. "People who get up at six to wrangle a five-year-old, get her to school, go to work, and - in your case - survive shift rotations."
Buck chuckled under his breath, following him, steps slow and easy. "Yeah… fair. But…" He bumped their shoulders together, eyes soft, voice quiet but sure, "I wouldn’t change a damn thing about our life."
Tommy's hand slipped into his, fingers lacing tight. "Me neither."
And together, they disappeared down the hall, into the quiet content mess of their perfectly imperfect little life.
***
The community center gym was buzzing with chatter and the shuffle of little ballet shoes on polished floors. Rows of fold-out chairs lined the space, packed with parents, siblings, and proud families. Buck sat near the front, his heart thumping with a familiar cocktail of nerves and ridiculous pride.
Maddie, beside him, was already emotional. Jee bounced in her seat, her new blue hair strands clips shining in the light. Little Daniel gnawed on a straw from a juice box, his eyes glued to the stage. Chim was trying to entertain Daniel while Bobby sat on Buck's other side like a proud grandpa.
On stage, a little boy wrapped up his performance, his tiny hands waving to the audience.
"Thank you, Linus and his mom, Debbie!" Ms. Harper's voice rang out brightly and cheerfully over the microphone. Linus returned to his seat among the other little dancers on the side of the stage, while his mom left the stage to go backstage.
Buck sat up straighter, his heart doing a ridiculous little flip. He knew the program by heart.
"And next up," Ms Harper grinned, scanning her clipboard, "we have our little Ren… dancing with her Papa Tommy! They’ll be performing to…" she paused dramatically, "the Banana Phone song!"
The crowd chuckled softly, some parents groaning playfully.
Bobby snorted under his breath. "Of course they picked that one! Rennie is obsessed with this song!"
The opening notes of the bouncy, ridiculous Banana Phone jingle filled the room.
First, their little star appeared from the crowd of little kids: Ren, in a black unitard with a pink tutu puffed out at her waist, her curls tied up in tiny space buns, ballet slippers on her feet.
Jee clapped wildly for her cousin. "Go Ren!"
Buck’s heart melted instantly.
And then Tommy stepped out, towering over the sea of tiny dancers… in black leggings that definitely left nothing to the imagination, a fitted black tank top… and a pink tutu identical to Ren’s stretched awkwardly over his hips.
The crowd lost it - laughter rippled through the room, applause building.
Buck nearly choked on his own laugh, eyes wide with delight. "Oh my god, I love him so much."
Chim doubled over beside him, wiping tears away. "He did not !"
"He did," Maddie whispered laughing, already filming every second.
On stage, Ren beamed, reaching for Tommy’s hand. They stood side by side, striking their first pose. Then a little footwork sequence, tapping toes gently, both surprisingly in sync. Tommy’s long limbs and sturdy body type made it look faintly ridiculous, but his face stayed determined, totally focused on his tiny partner.
The chorus of "Banana phone… ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring…" bounced around the gym.
Ren twirled, a perfect little spin, and Tommy followed suit, spinning with exaggerated flair. The audience howled with laughter, the kids on stage giggling uncontrollably.
Then came the jumps, tiny, graceful hops from Ren, and bigger, careful jumps from Tommy to match her energy but stay gentle.
The grand finale arrived, and Tommy scooped Ren up effortlessly, holding her high above his head as she stretched her arms wide like a flying ballerina.
The crowd roared with cheers and clapping.
"Go Ren! Go Uncle Tommy!" Daniel hollered, bouncing.
Jee clapped along, her cheeks pink with excitement.
Bobby let out a warm chuckle and leaned over to Buck, his eyes shining. "That’s my granddaughter," he said proudly, his voice thick with emotion. "She’s got the whole room in the palm of her hand."
Maddie wiped her eyes, laughing softly. "Oh, she’s going to remember this forever!"
Chim snorted beside her. "And so will I, mainly the image of Tommy in a tutu burned into my brain forever."
Buck couldn’t stop grinning, his chest ready to burst with pride. His husband. His fearless, tutu-wearing, totally committed husband. His daughter, sparkling with joy, head held high.
The music faded, and Ren bowed dramatically, Tommy following suit, pink tutu and all.
The applause shook the room.
Buck shouted loudest of all, standing up to cheer. "That’s my family!"
Tommy’s eyes met his across the crowd, a goofy, proud grin spreading across his face as he waved, still holding Ren in his arms.
Ren beamed, giggling with pure happiness - safe, loved, seen.
The lobby of the community center buzzed with happy chatter as families reunited after the show. Buck weaved through the crowd, holding Daniel’s hand, Jee skipping ahead like she was on sugar fumes. Maddie, Chim, and Bobby trailed behind, already scrolling through the videos and photos they had taken.
Then he spotted them.
Tommy, back in jeans and a soft gray hoodie, carrying Ren on his hip - her sparkly pink tutu swapped for leggings and her favorite hoodie with the glittery unicorn on the front. Her cheeks were still flushed from the performance, curls a little wild, eyes shining with pride.
"Daddy!" Ren spotted him first, practically launching herself at Buck.
Buck caught her easily, spinning her once before hugging her tightly. "There’s my superstar! You were amazing , MeeMee."
Ren giggled, bouncing in his arms. "I loved it! The stage! The music! Papa looked so silly in the tutu!" She wiggled with delight, eyes wide. "But he did so good! We twirled, and everyone clapped!"
Buck grinned, smoothing her curls back. "Yeah, you both crushed it."
The others caught up, Jee chattering excitedly about the dance with Ren.
"You two were legends out there," Chim teased, clapping Tommy on the back. "Never thought I’d see you in a tutu, man, but you pulled it off."
Tommy chuckled, cheeks pink, slipping an arm around Buck’s waist. "All for my girl."
Maddie beamed and squeezed his shoulder. "I laughed so hard I almost cried through the whole thing."
Ren puffed up proudly, her tiny chest rising dramatically. "We're the bestest dancers!" Then, as if remembering something important, she quickly added in a more prim voice, "I mean, everyone did a really good job!"
Buck bit back a laugh as Tommy grinned down at her.
Then Ren reached out and took Bobby’s hand, tugging him closer. Leaning in, she whispered - though her voice carried enough for the whole group to hear - "But me and Papa were still the bestest of all, right?"
Bobby chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "No doubt about it, sweetheart."
" Absolutely ," Buck agreed, scooping up his giggling daughter and kissing her on the temple. Then he handed her back to Tommy, who easily settled her on his hip.
The group slowly trickled out to the parking lot, everyone still laughing, teasing, and recounting their favorite moments from the show.
As they lingered by their car, Buck’s hand found Tommy’s, fingers lacing together, grounding him in the soft glow of the afternoon sun and the sound of Ren giggling with Jee and Daniel.
Buck turned, voice quiet but sure. "I love you."
Tommy’s eyes softened immediately, squeezing his hand gently. "Love you too."
"No, I mean…" Buck’s voice caught a little, heart full in his chest. "I love you, and I’m so damn grateful for you. For everything you do - for Ren, for us."
Tommy’s expression softened further, that quiet warmth behind his eyes that always made Buck weak. "We’re a team, babe. Always."
Buck leaned in, pressing a slow, steady kiss to his lips. It wasn’t rushed or showy - just full of every bit of love, gratitude, and quiet happiness he carried for this life they built.
Tommy smiled into the kiss, his forehead resting against Buck’s. "Wouldn’t trade it for anything."
Buck grinned, bumping their noses together. "Me neither."
Behind them, Ren squealed from the car. "Papa! Daddy! Can we get ice cream now? I danced soooo good!"
Tommy laughed, tugging Buck toward the car. "C’mon, Daddy, looks like our superstar wants her victory snack."
Buck smiled, following him, his heart impossibly full.
Yeah… he wouldn’t trade this for anything.