The baby was awake again.

You heard it before you fully surfaced—soft at first, a hiccupping whimper, then a full-throated wail that sliced straight through the stillness of the room. The kind of sound that didn’t just echo—it pulled. (©TRS2024CAI)

You groaned into the pillow, your hand already reaching across the mattress, fingertips brushing warm skin and the edge of a dog tag chain.

“Griffin,” you mumbled, voice hoarse with sleep. “The baby’s awake…”

He shifted with a low exhale, the kind that came from somewhere deep. “Mmm… what time is it?”

You cracked one eye open. The shadows in the room hadn't changed much. Still quiet. Still dark. Still too early.

You nudged his arm. “Your son is awake.”

He let out a soft, tired laugh. “Until sunrise,” he muttered, “he’s your son.”

You felt the faintest brush of his lips against your temple. A kiss that said, I’m exhausted, but I still love you more than anything.

You sighed and pressed your forehead into his bare shoulder. “If you change him, I’ll feed him.”

He was quiet for a second. Then—“Deal.”

You smiled into the sheets as he rolled out of bed, bare feet hitting the wood floor with a muted thud. The record player in the corner—the one that had spun softly hours ago while the two of you dozed off to Ella Fitzgerald—sat silent now, the needle long stilled.

Griffin crossed to the bassinet at the foot of the bed, raking a hand through his sleep-mussed hair as your son’s cries grew louder—little feet kicking and pudgy little fists flailing as he screamed.

“There he is,” Griffin said quietly, his voice warm and scratchy. “Alright, alright, buddy—I got you.”

You peeked over the edge of the blanket just in time to see Bucky lean over and lift him up, settling the wriggling, red-faced baby against his chest with a quiet familiarity. His metal arm curled under your son like second nature, while his other hand gently patted his back.

“Drama king,” Griffin murmured, pressing a kiss to the soft crown of his head. “Just like your mom.”

You smiled sleepily into the dark.

“Change him first, Cross.”

“I’m already halfway there, doll.”