Just us║E. Buckley x O.C.

Morning light filtered through the bedroom window, casting a warm glow over the sheets. Hope slowly woke up, her head resting on Buck’s chest, their bodies naturally drawn to each other despite the tension that had lingered between them in the past weeks.

For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t waking up alone.

She took a deep breath, savoring his familiar scent, a faint trace of smoke from the firehouse, a hint of his aftershave, and something that was simply Buck. It was reassuring. It made her feel safe.

His arm tightened slightly around her, and Hope lifted her head, meeting his sleepy blue eyes.

"Good morning," Buck murmured, his voice husky from sleep.

"Good morning," she whispered back.

For a moment, they just looked at each other. No words, no heavy emotions, just a quiet understanding.

Then, as if reality had settled in again, Buck sighed and ran a hand over his face. "The kids are probably already awake."

Hope gave him a small smile. "I bet Jayden and Seb are already demanding breakfast."

Buck chuckled softly, sitting up. "And Charlie will want to do everything her brother do."

Hope stretched slightly, watching as he ran a hand through his messy hair. He looked tired, but there was something lighter in his eyes. Things weren’t fully fixed, but it was a start.

She got out of bed, slipping on her robe. "We should go to them before they wake up the whole neighborhood."

Buck nodded and got up as well, following her out of the room.

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The sound of giggles and soft babbling filled the nursery.

Sebastian was jumping excitedly in his crib, while Jayden made impatient noises, reaching for the edge as if ready to escape. And then there was Charlie, sitting with a bright expression, curiously watching her brothers.

"Good morning, my little troublemakers," Buck said, lifting Sebastian, who giggled and clung to his t-shirt.

Hope picked up Jayden, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Someone was very loud on the baby monitor this morning."

Jayden let out a tiny squeal in response, making Hope laugh.

Charlie squirmed in her crib, stretching her arms toward Buck with an insistent little whimper. Buck smiled and gently scooped her up, cradling her against his chest. "You want some cuddles too, huh?"

The little girl nestled into him, resting her head on his shoulder with a small, satisfied sigh.

Hope watched them, warmth spreading in her chest. It was so natural to see them together, to see him with all three of their children.

Buck looked up, meeting her gaze.

"Hey," he said softly.

Hope tilted her head. "Yeah?"

Buck gave her a small smile, rubbing Charlie’s back with one hand. "We’ll get through this."

Her lips parted slightly, as if she hadn’t expected to hear it. Then, slowly, she nodded. "Yeah. We will."

And for the first time in a long time, Hope truly believed it.

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That afternoon, Hope was in the kitchen, gently swaying as she rocked Jayden in her arms. The little boy’s eyes fluttered open and closed, his tiny hand clutching the fabric of her shirt.

Sebastian was already asleep in the crib nearby, and Buck was sitting on the couch, Charlie resting against him as he absentmindedly rubbed her back.

Hope glanced up and found him already watching her.

"I was thinking… maybe tomorrow we could take them to the park," she suggested. "Spend some time together, just the five of us."

Buck raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to go with me?"

Hope’s heart clenched at the insecurity in his tone. She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "I want to be with you, Buck. No matter where we are."

Buck searched her face for a moment before nodding. "Okay. Let’s do it."

Hope let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. "Good."

Buck leaned in, pressing a kiss to her forehead before resting his chin on her head.

For the first time in weeks, things felt lighter.

They weren’t completely healed yet. There were still cracks, still moments of doubt.

But they were moving forward.

And that was enough.