Chapter Text
Jemma Simmons hummed as she strode to 1225 Elysian Fields Drive, the front door a tart lemon yellow with a newly hung wreath with the initials J and D.
She and Daisy finally succumbed to the lure of suburbia and placed roots in a brick ranch style home with a towering oak tree in the back. It was only a one car garage, and the rooms were tiny, but the kitchen and master bath was remodeled, and most importantly, it was theirs.
Jemma was home early from Stark Labs, and while she normally loved working, the prospect of a peaceful summer afternoon sounded delightful.
Her keys clinked musically as she threw them in the antique teal bowl Daisy had found, and she hung her jacket on the coat rack Mack made as a wedding present. Who knew Director Mack loved doing woodwork?
The entrance hall was decked with wedding pictures, snapshots of happiness to welcome friends and family.
Jemma eyes misted as she glanced at them; her favorite was she and Daisy gazing lovingly in each other’s eyes, mad grins on their faces, and buttercream frosting on her nose. There was Mack and Elena showing off their dance moves, Elena in a fancy dress even though Daisy’d assured her it wasn’t necessary. A perfect action shot of Fitz shoving Piper aside to catch the bright wedding bouquet because Daisy wanted an equal opportunity bouquet toss. Phil’s face as he walked Daisy down the aisle, a proud smile on his face, while May grinned at them both.
Jemma sighed with contentment as she slipped out her heels, depositing them in a wicker basket and padded to the kitchen.
And screamed.
“Daisy?” Jemma gasped in horror. “What in the world?”
For in their newly remodeled kitchen, perched on the black galaxy granite island was Daisy, still in PJs, and their toddler Juliana in the sink.
Jemma cocked her head. Every single utensil was on the counters, and Julie was naked, splashing merrily.
“Told you the farmhouse sink was worth it,” Daisy grinned as she noisily kissed Juliana on her nose. “I can still bathe Jules in here.”
“Yes, but why are you on the counter?” Jemma’s brow wrinkled as she stepped into the kitchen.
And right into a glutinous puddle. A crunchy , glutinous puddle.
Jemma looked down, her face turning pink then red when she saw she’d stepped into a broken mass of eggs.
“Mama made a mess,” Julie announced, throwing Daisy under the bus.
“Hey, we had a deal!” Daisy booped Julie’s nose. “It’s Uncle Fitz’s fault, remember?”
“Daisy,” Jemma groaned, reaching for a paper towel. “What happened?”
“I’ll clean it up,” Daisy said, apologetically. “Jules and I wanted to surprise you with cookies. Didn’t we baby?” She pulled the now clean toddler out of the sink and after kissing her forehead, she started drying her with a kitchen towel.
Hopefully, it was clean.
Juliana didn’t care though and grinned, her nose scrunching up the way Daisy’s did, and Jemma melted. Julie loved anything with water, and she was the happiest baby for bath time.
“Mommy surprised?” Juliana wrenched away from Daisy and raised her hands for a pickup.
Jemma, worrying she might toddle off the counter, dashed to get her, and pulled another clean kitchen towel to continue drying her.
“I’m very surprised, darling,” Jemma smiled before shooting a glance at her wife. “Why aren’t you in daycare?”
“I stay home with Mama,” Julie immediately reached inside Jemma’s shirt, as she settled in her arms and laid her head on her chest.
“Daisy?” Jemma nuzzled her daughter’s hair. “Did you go to work today?”
“Obviously not, if I’m here.” Daisy flushed as she started putting away the dirty utensils into the sink now that it was free. “They didn’t need me.”
Jemma sighed. “I’ll put Julie down for her nap. Did you put the clothes in the dryer like I asked?”
Daisy’s eyes widened and she shuffled guiltily. “Sorry I forgot.”
What was she doing all day? Jemma thought, even as she kept a fixed smile on her face.
“You have that, uh, stuff on your foot,” Daisy mumbled, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I’ll put the baby down.” She scurried from behind the kitchen island, and gently took Juliana, her face softening into a smile at the now sleeping baby, her dark lashes fanned against her chubby cheeks.
“She can sleep anywhere, just like her Mama.” Jemma placed a kiss on Julie’s cheek as she pried her daughter’s hand from her shirt.
“She can sleep anywhere as long as there’s boobs,” Daisy smirked. “Just like her Mommy.”
Jemma laughed. They were a mess but this was her family. For better and for worse, in chaos and in spills, and possible financial ruin because today was Wednesday, and it was the third time Daisy called out that week.