The classroom is quieter now, crayons tucked back into their bins, the hum of the fish tank the only real sound filling the space. Y/N Y/LN sits cross-legged on the rug with Navy Maybank curled up against her side, the little girl sleepily clutching a half-colored picture of a mermaid.

“Your daddy’s just running a little late, bug,” Y/N murmurs, brushing Navy’s blonde hair back from her face. “But that’s okay, right? Gives us more time to finish her tail.”

Navy nods, eyes drooping as Y/N hands her a green crayon. She really is a sweet kid. Bright and funny, with the kind of heart that makes Y/N want to protect her from everything.

The door opens with a soft squeak, and JJ Maybank appears, a little out of breath, a sheen of sweat across his forehead from whatever shift he’d been working. He leans against the doorframe for a second, like he needs to catch himself before stepping fully inside.

“Sorry,” he mutters quickly, running a hand through his messy hair. “Work kept me longer than it should’ve. You know how it is.”

Y/N looks up, her smile easy, warm. “It’s alright, JJ. We had fun. Didn’t we, Navy?”

The little girl perks up, dropping her crayon to barrel into her dad’s arms. JJ crouches low, scooping her up into his arm, pressing a kiss into her hair. For a second, his whole posture softens, those rough edges smoothed by the little girl clinging to his neck.

Y/N stands herself, dusting off her linen pants. “She really is something special, JJ. You’re doing a good job with her.”

JJ glances at her, almost startled. Compliments aren’t something he’s used to, not like that. His first instinct is to brush it off, make a joke, but the sincerity in Y/N’a voice roots him in place.

“Yeah, well…” He shifts Navy against his hip, clearing his throat. “That’s mostly her. Kid’s got her own light. Don’t know where she gets it.”

Y/N tilts her head, her smile soft. “I think I’ve got an idea.”

Something in his chest tugs at that, but he shoves it down, covering it with a lopsided grin. “Thanks for staying late with her. I know it’s… extra.”

“It’s not extra,” Y/N says simply, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “She’s worth it.”

And for a moment, JJ just stands there, caught between gratitude and something deeper, staring at the girl who once lived a world apart from him but somehow she seems to fit right into the one he’s trying to build now. The one for his baby girl.