Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

‘Mommy? You promise to wake me up when we get to Disneyland, right?’ 7 year old Evan Buckley asks his mommy seriously.

She’d promised him this trip the entire time his family were in L.A to help his big brother get better, and now the day was finally here. He was so excited, he couldn’t sleep the night before, and he wanted a nap before he got there so he wouldn’t be too tired to try everything like he wanted.

‘I promise Evan.’ His mommy says shortly.

When he was smaller, the coldness in his mommy’s voice used to scare him. But not anymore. He was 7 now, nothing scared him! So he simply grins up at her and closes his eyes.

When he reopens them, it’s to his mommy shaking him awake harshly. Evan has always preferred his daddy waking him up. He’s always been nicer than mommy.

‘Evan? We’re here. Wake up.’ His mommy demands.

Evans eyes snap open and he leaps out of the car enthusiastically, looking around for the gates-

‘Wait. This isn’t Disneyland.’ Evan says, confused.

His mommy has stopped off in a gas station. Before Evan can climb into the back seat again, his mommy is slamming the door closed.

‘I’m sorry Evan, this is for the best.’ She tells him in the softest tone Evan’s ever heard.

‘What is? Mommy, I’m so confused.’ Evan admits begrudgingly.

Instead of answering him, his mommy hands over his backpack, jacket and umbrella, before climbing into the car again and driving away. Evan watches the car go with wide eyes.

‘Mommy?’ He yells after her, his eyes welling with tears. ‘Mommy!’

Buck wakes with a start from his reoccurring nightmare halfway through his 24 hour shift.

He glances around the dimly lit bunk room at work and takes a few, steadying breaths.

“It’s just a dream. You’re not there anymore.” Buck whispers to himself and wills his erratically beating heart to calm down.

Because he really wasn’t there anymore. He was no longer a scared and lost 7 year old boy, standing in a gas station crying for his mommy who’d left him. He was a 27 year old man, with a family who love him. A father and step-mother who love him, even though he isn’t blood.

‘Hey little buddy.’ A kind voice sounds from behind Evan.

He lifts his head from where it’d been resting on his raised knees to look at the man. He’s a firefighter with a kind face. Daniel and Maddie always told him that, if he’s ever lost or scared, to talk to a firefighter or a police man.

‘Hi.’ Evan mumbles back.

‘Are you lost?’ The man asks.

‘My mommy left me here. She said it was for the best, but I don’t know what that means. We were supposed to go to Disneyland!’ Evans bottom lip wobbles.

So far, he hasn’t cried. He’d simply sat on the curb outside the small gas station shop and waited. Waited for his mommy to come back.

‘Oh I’m sorry buddy. Did she say when she’ll be back?’ The man asks, but he looks sad. Like he knows something Evan doesn’t.

‘No. She will come back, right?’ Evan asks. Pleads.

The mans face scrunches up a little before he sighs.

‘What have you got in your backpack? Can I look?’ He asks instead.

Evan shrugs and passes the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles backpack over. The man unzips it and peaks inside. He pulls out a note that Evan didn’t know was in there. He studies the mans face as he reads it, and cowers a little at the look of anger that passes his face.

‘Mr Firefighter? Are you okay?’ Evan whispers. He hadn’t done anything to upset him.

Had he?

‘I’m okay buddy. You can call me Bobby, if you’d like.’ The man offers.

‘Okay Bobby.’ Evan nods.

‘And what’s your name?’

‘Evan Buckley.’

‘Okay Evan. Why don’t you come for a ride with me in the firetruck?’

Evans eyes light up. ‘Really? I’ve always wanted to go in one!’

‘Well today is your lucky day.’ Bobby chuckles.

‘Will mommy know where to go?’ Evan asks. ‘In case she comes back.’

Bobby sighs. ‘I’m not sure she’s coming back buddy.’ He admits.

Evan looks down at his light up shoes as his tears finally fall.

‘I don’t think so too.’ He admits quietly.

Mommy doesn’t love him anymore. She maybe never did, Evan knows that now. She only loves Daniel and Maddie.

Bobby wraps him up in a warm hug and squeezes him tightly.

‘I’m so sorry.’ Bobby whispers sadly as Evan cries in his arms. ‘But I’ll take good care of you, you hear me?’

Evan peaks up at him and sniffles. ‘You promise?’ He asks, holding out his pinky, just like he always did with Daniel and Maddie.

Bobby hooks his finger with Evans and shakes once. ‘I promise.’

Buck heaves himself off of his bunk and slowly creeps out of the room without waking anyone up.

He finds his dad where he always is- in the kitchen. With a chuckle and a head shake, he joins the man and bumps their shoulders together.

“What’re you doing up, kid?” Dad asks.

“Nightmare.” Buck shrugs. He doesn’t go into detail. His dad knows him inside out.

“You’re not there anymore.” He smiles softly and squeezes Bucks neck comfortingly.

Buck places his hand over his dads and smiles back. “I know I’m not. Thanks to you.”

Exactly one year to the date that Bobby found him at that gas station, Evan stands in front of a judge as she declares Bobby as his daddy. They’d contacted his real mommy and daddy, who said they didn’t want Evan back, and gave Bobby permission to adopt him.

‘It is my absolute honour to announce you Evan Nash.’ The judge smiles kindly, and Evan cheers.

Bobby - his daddy - grins at him and hugs him back when Evan wraps his arms around his waist.

‘I love you daddy!’ He tells the man sincerely.

‘I love you too kiddo. C’mon, let’s go home.’

When they arrive back at daddy’s - their - house, the rest of the firefighters daddy works with are waiting for them with a giant cake.

‘Welcome to the family.’ Daddy’s captain - an old man called Roger Davies - smiles down at Evan.

‘Thank you!’ He squeaks back excitedly.

Sammy, daddy best friend, gives him a giant piece of cake to eat, and he does so enthusiastically.

That night, Evan sleeps in his bed after his daddy read him a bedtime story and tucked him in and kissed his forehead and told him he loved him.

His old mommy never did that. His old daddy did sometimes, but not very much. Evan believes that Bobby means it wholeheartedly.

When he wakes in the morning, he’s still giddy.

Daddy makes him pancakes in the shape of Mickey Mouse, and it makes him think of his old mommy.

‘Daddy? You’re not going to leave me like my old mommy did, are you?’ He asks.

Daddy looks down at him with wide eyes. ‘Never. I will never leave you behind, I promise.’

He holds his pinky out. That used to be his and Daniels and Maddie’s thing, but now it’s his and daddy’s thing. Evan hooks their pinky's together and shakes once with a grin, then tucks into his delicious pancakes.

‘Hmm. You make the best pancakes daddy!’ He gushes.

‘Thanks kiddo.’ Daddy laughs.

“Are you sure you want to work today?” Dad asks.

“100% sure pops. I don’t remember it as the day I was dumped, I remember it as the day I was rescued. It’s a good day.” Buck grins.

“I am so proud of the man you’ve become, you know this right?” Dad asks, his eyes shining with tears.

“I know pops.” Buck smiles and hugs his dad tightly.

“And I am so glad you’re no longer on another continent fighting in a war without me watching your back.” Dad jokes, and Buck rolls his eyes with a loud laugh.

Evan is 18 when he sits his dad down and tells him he wants to join the SEAL’s.

‘Are you crazy?’ His dad asks, slightly hysterically.

‘Nope. You told me you wanted me to find myself before I follow in your footsteps and become a firefighter, so I am.’ Evan shrugs.

‘So you decide you want to apply for one of the few jobs out there that’s more dangerous than firefighting?’ His dad snorts.

‘I’ve always loved the water.’ Evan shrugs again.

It’s true. Ever since he’d settled down in Los Angeles with his dad, he’s been to the beach every single weekend without fail. Doesn’t matter what beach, as long as there was sand and sea, Evan didn’t care. Sometimes he went with dad, sometimes he went with other members of his firehouse family. And, as he got older, he started going there with his friends.

Dad considers his words for a few moments, before sighing fondly.

‘Yeah I know. And if this is something you want to do, I wont stop you.’ He finally says.

‘Really?’ Evan asks hopefully.

‘Really really.’ Dad nods. ‘I’m not happy about it, you’re still my baby boy and I never want you to leave or get hurt. But I will support you no matter what.’

Evan collapses into his dad to hug him tightly.

‘I love you dad.’ He whispers.

‘I love you too kiddo. More than you’ll ever know.’ Dad promises.

The next morning, he accompanies Evan down to the enlisting office. He stands tall beside him as the recruiter goes through everything it takes to be a SEAL, sounding straight out of a video.

They leave with a fat white envelope with the date Evan starts training neatly tucked up inside.

When that date finally rolls around, five weeks later, dad takes him to the drop off point, along with Roger and Sammy. They all hug him goodbye, and then, he’s off.

He doesn’t see his dad in person for 4 years and 5 months. Of course, he calls, FaceTime’s and sends letters constantly, but it’s not the same.

In that time, he’s told that Rogers died of a heart attack, then Sammy and most of their crew died in a warehouse explosion, and that his dad was transferred and appointed Captain of the 118, a shiny new house downtown. He’s happy for his dad, he really is, he just wished he was Captain of the 174 - their old family.

But dad tells him that he would love the new crew - they’re all really nice. Maybe not as close as their old family, but still a good crew.

He does get to come home and visit his dad for two months between tours, and spends the entire time getting to know his new crew. And then, all too soon, he's back on that plane, heading back to a desert to fight for his life.

His second tour comes to an abrupt end a year in and sends him back into his fathers waiting arms.

The mission he’s on goes sideways quickly. One second, Buck - the other new recruits had nicknamed him that during the first week of training when he managed to kick a dummy in the face, and someone had jokingly compared him with the buckaroo game, and it stuck - was scouting the area, and the next he throwing himself in front of Frenchie - his closest friend - to shield him from a grenade and being thrown back by the explosion himself. He wound up with shrapnel along his whole right side, and was in hospital for three weeks before the Navy honourably discharged him, and sent him back home with a Navy Cross for his actions.

His dad is waiting for him as soon as he gets off the plane stateside, and hugs him impossibly close.

‘You scared the life outta me, Evan.’ He sniffles thickly.

‘Sorry dad.’ Buck cringes. ‘But hey, I’m home now. And I’m ready to follow you and be a firefighter.’

His dads smile lights up the whole damn airport.

One by one, the rest of the crew emerge from the bunk rooms, enticed by the delicious smell of his dads cooking.

Chimney is first, and he claps Buck on the back with a grin when Buck wordlessly passes over a cup of coffee to the man - just how he likes it.

From the moment Buck met Chimney during his two month leave, they’d clicked. The older man slipped into the ‘teasing big brother’ role easily, and he and Buck went about pranking the entire house, much to the amusement and distain of his dad.

Tanika and Martin are next. They’re both relatively new to the squad, and Buck is still warming up to the quiet couple. They’re both nice enough, and are still getting used to the dynamics of the team in turn. Buck hands them their cups of coffee, and they grin at him warmly.

Hen follows after them, and kisses Bucks cheek when he hands her her own mug of coffee.

She’d transferred onto the team from another during Bucks training, and fit in tremendously. She was a feisty and fierce woman who wasn’t afraid to tell people what’s what. She fell into the ‘loving big sister’ role almost as seamlessly as Chimney did, and was always there for Buck.

She was the third person he told about him being gay, missing out only to his father and Athena.

Once Buck is settled in his room at home, his dad calls him out to the lounge and gestures for him to sit on the couch.

‘Evan, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.’ He starts.

Though he prefers to go by Buck now - it reminds him of Frenchie, who was sadly gunned down just two days after Buck saved his life - his dad still insisted on calling him Evan. Buck reminded him too much of his original parents - The Buckley’s. And while he cannot thank them enough for bringing Evan into his life - they saved each other, having a son depending on him again pulled Bobby out of his depressed spiral over the loss of Marcy, Brook and Robert 3 years before he and Evan met - he still hated their guts for leaving the poor boy all alone, without knowing if he was safe.

‘Oh god, what’s wrong?’ Buck asks anxiously.

‘No, nothing's wrong. A least I hope so…’

‘Spit it out dad.’ Buck rolls his eyes.

‘I’ve met someone.’

Bucks eyes go wide, as does his grin. ‘Really? Can I meet her? Or him, I don’t judge.’

Dad rolls his eyes. ‘You can meet her tomorrow night, when she comes over for dinner with her two children.’

‘I’m going to have siblings?’ Bucks grin grows, if possible.

The only siblings Buck has ever had was Daniel and Maddie Buckley, but he’s all but forgotten them. He couldn’t pick them out of a line up if he tried, he just remembers their names.

‘You’re getting a little ahead of yourself there, kid.’ Dad laughs. ‘But, hopefully, in the future, yes.’

He pulls out his phone and shows Buck a picture of a woman and her daughter and son. She’s a beautiful, fierce looking woman, dressed in-

‘A police officer?’ Buck cocks an eyebrow.

‘Field Sergeant Athena Grant.’ Dad tells him with a faint blush. ‘And that’s May and Harry Grant. They’re 14 and 6.’

‘I cant wait to meet them. You deserve to be happy, dad.’ Buck tells the man seriously.

‘I am happy, kid.' Dad smiles. 'You make me happy. But, I think we could all be happy, as a family, in the future.’

And they are.

He, May and Harry click instantly, and he loves his little siblings with his whole heart after just one meeting.

After 2 years of dating, dad and Athena get married with only Buck, May and Harry as their witnesses. Buck and his dad move all of his dads things into Athenas house that weekend, with the help of Athena’s ex husband Micheal and his boyfriend, David. Buck has an apartment of his own by this point, but he’s round their house as often as possible.

On one of those many nights, Buck sits his parents down - yes, he accepted Athena as his mother after that first meeting too, and she accepted him as her son - and takes one of their hands each in his.

‘Dad, mom. I’m gay.’ He admits quietly, looking down at his shoes.

So when his parents drag him in for a tight group hug, he lets out a little started yelp.

‘Thank you for telling us, baby.’ Athena coos.

‘You know we love you no matter what.’ His dad assures him.

‘I love you too. So much. Thank you for being my parents.’ Buck chokes out around his tears.

‘Don’t thank us for that sweetheart. Loving you and being your parent is the easiest thing in this world.’ Athena tells him seriously.

‘Being your son is the best thing in the world.’ Buck smiles. His parents pull him back in and hold him well into the night.

The bell ringing drags Buck out of his thoughts, and he leaps to his feet excitedly and slides down the pole.

He can feel his dads eye roll.

Everyone changes into their turnout gear and clambers into their respective vehicles - dad, Buck, Tanika and Martin in the ladder truck and Hen and Chimney in the ambulance - and are pulling away within seconds.

“Okay, so we’ve got a possible suicide in a gas station bathroom.’ Dad tells the crew as Riley - their newest probationary firefighter - speeds down the road. ‘Her son was left alone in the car, and no one can break the door down to get to her, but she’s apparently been lying on the ground and unresponsive for several minutes now.”

“What gas station?” Buck asks quietly.

His dad turns in his chair to look at him with sad eyes. “The 76 on Marengo street.”

Bucks heart stops. Of all the days… he shakes his head to clear it. He can’t dwell too much on the past.

When they arrive on the scene, LAPD are already there. Athena is stood outside a red Ford, talking to the little boy sat inside it. While dad, Tanika, Martin and Riley race over to the bathroom with their battering ram, and Hen and Chimney follow with their medical kits slung over their shoulders, Buck leaps out of the cab and rushes over to Athena’s side.

“This here is my son, Evan.” She smiles warmly when he reaches her.

The boy, who’s no older than 7 - and doesn’t that knot his stomach horribly? - looks up at him with big brown eyes. “Hi Evan, I’m Christopher!”

“Hi Christopher, it’s great to meet you!’ Buck grins back. Athena squeezes his shoulder once before moving over to where dad is stood over Hen and Chim as they work on the boys mother, but he can only focus on the boy. ‘You can call me Buck, or Bucky if you’d like. All my friends do.”

“I’m your friend?” Christopher gasps, his eyes going even wider in wonder.

“Yeah, I’d love to be friends!” Buck assures him.

“Okay Bucky.’ Christopher chirps. ‘You can call me Chris. All my friends do.”

“You got it, Chris.” Buck smiles.

This kid was charming the hell out of him.

“Is my mommy going to be okay? She’s been gone for a really long time now.” Chris asks.

Buck looks up and catches his dads eye, who subtly inclines his head - silently asking Buck to join him. He looks back at Christopher with what he hopes is a reassuring smile.

“Let me just go and find out for you, yeah? You lock this door until me or Athena come back over, okay?” He says sternly.

“Okay Bucky.” Chris smiles again.

Buck stands from his crouch and closes the door, waiting for Chris to lock it before jogging over to his parents. “What’s up?”

“She’s DOA. Overdose.” Is all dad says.

“Fuck.’ Buck swears. ‘What am I gonna tell Chris?”

“Chris?” Chimney asks.

“Her son, who she left alone, at a gas station-“

“Baby, breathe for me.” Athena coos.

Buck does as she asks, takes big breaths to calm himself down.

“Of all the days to find a young boy abandoned by his mother at this very gas station, it had to be today.” He sighs wearily.

Athena hums and rubs his back soothingly.

“You’re going to tell the boy exactly what I told you all those years ago. That his mommy is gone, and is never coming back. You don’t have to tell him that she died, just that she’s gone away.” Dad encourages Buck softly.

“I’ve called Child Protection Services. They should be here soon.” Athena tells them.

“I wanna stay with him until then.” Buck pleads his dad.

“Of course. Take all the time you need.” Dad nods with a warm smile.

Buck nods back and nudges their shoulders together before rushing back over to Chris. The little boy unlocks the doors with a smile when he sees Buck.

“Hey bud.” Buck greets him when he opens the door and kneels down in front of it.

“Did you find out about my mom?” Chris asks.

“Yeah I did.’ Buck sighs. ‘Chris, I’m really sorry to tell you this but… your mommy is gone. And she’s not coming back.” He says gently.

Chris’s eyes water and his bottom lip wobbles as he looks down at Buck.

“Did she go to heaven like Nanny?” He whispers and Bucks heart squeezes.

“Yeah she did, superman.’ Buck admits. ‘I’m so sorry.” He sighs again.

Chris nods once, then starts bawling. Buck doesn’t hesitate to lunge forwards and gather the little boy in a tight hug. He settles back on his hunches and holds to sobbing boy to his chest as he rocks him gently.

“Why-why does everyone I love le-leave me?” Chris wails around his tears.

“Oh baby.” Buck whimpers, his heart breaking. His arms tighten around Christopher just so, and the boy clings back to him.

Buck has no idea how long he stays kneeling on the asphalt, cradling Christopher close to him, but by the time a hand lands on his shoulder and he looks up, Chris is passed out in his arms, his legs are numb and his dad is stood beside him with a woman he’s never seen before. The rest of the crew and Athena are lingering around them.

“Hi, I’m Carol Winters. I work for Child Protection Services.” The woman smiles sweetly and holds her hand out.

Buck gingerly climbs to his feet and transfers Chris’s body over to his left side so he can shake it.

“Hey.” Is all he says.

“Now, I understand that his name is Christopher Diaz, seven years old with cerebral palsy and only registered to the deceased Shannon Diaz. We’re going to search for his father or any other relatives willing to take him in, but until that point, he will be placed with a foster family.” She informs Buck.

“I wanna foster him.” Buck states.

Everyone gathered turns to look at him slowly.

“Y-you do?” Carol asks.

“Yeah. I have a spare room at my place that my siblings will have to give up for a little while. But I want to take him in. Maybe even adopt him in the future, if it’s possible.”

“Are you sure? I mean, with your profession-“

‘I’m sure. I was 7 years old myself when I was abandoned at this very same gas station, and my dad changed my life and gave me a real family.’ Buck smiles over at his dad, who’s eyes are shining with pride. ‘If I can do that for someone else, if I can change their life for the better, then I’m gonna do it.”

“Well okay then.’ Carol smiles finally. ‘We’re still going to have to do some standard checks, to make sure he has no other relatives, but I’ll know where to find you once they’re completed.” She indicates the 118 emblem on his helmet.

“Is there anyway he can stay with us for the day?’ Dad asks. ‘We’ll take him back to the firehouse and look after him while you do those checks.”

Carol chews her lip, and looks like she wants to argue, but she ultimately nods.

“Yeah, that can be arranged. If everything isn’t sorted by tonight, I will have to take him back and hand him over to some of our already approved foster parents, but I’ll see if I can push forward his checks and do a background check on Mr…”

“Nash. Evan Nash.” Buck says with a grin.

“Mr Nash.’ She smiles back. ‘If your checks come back with the all clear, would it be possible to do a home inspection today?”

"Yes, of course!” Buck nods his head vigorously.

"Alright then. I’m entrusting him in your care for today." She states sternly.

“Thank you, so much.” Buck tells her sincerely.

Carol smiles at him again. "I daresay I’ll be seeing you again very soon, Mr Nash. With good news, I hope.”

With one last thanks, the woman is gone again.

“I am so proud of you, kid.” Dad says as he squeezes Bucks shoulder.

“Thanks dad.” Buck flushes.

Athena leans into the car and produces a Paw Patrol backpack and some bright blue crutches for Christopher, and passes them over to dad to hold.

“You get that little boy comfortable back at the firehouse. I’ll swing by once my shift finishes in an hour.” She states.

“You got it mom.” Buck grins.

It’s not often that Buck calls Athena mom - they met when he was 24, after living most of his life without a mother - but he occasionally pulls it out when he’s feeling particularly emotional or sentimental. Athena gives him a soft smile and a kiss on the cheek before walking back over to her cruiser.

Buck gently shakes Chris awake in his arms. The boy blinks up at him owlishly. “Bucky?”

“Hey kiddo. You wanna go for a ride in the firetruck?” Buck asks softly.

Chris’s eyes go wide and a grin stretches across his face. “YES!” He cheers.

“Well come on then.’ Buck grins back. ‘You wanna walk, or be carried?”

“Wanna stay with you.” Chris tells him.

“That’s perfectly fine.” Buck assures him.

He manages to climb inside the truck with Chris still tucked up in his arms with little to no problems. He gets a headset over Chris’s ears, and snorts at the scrunched up nose he gets from the boy.

“Why do we need these?” Chris asks over the comms.

“To protect our ears and talk to each other. The siren is really loud.” Buck tells him.

“Ooh, okay.” Chris grins.

Just to prove the point, dad hops into the front seat and sounds the siren for a second, making Chris giggle madly. The entire ride back to the station is filled with question after question from Chris about being a firefighter, the engines and the ambulances. The more Buck interacts with Chris, the more he falls in love with the little ball of sunshine.

If Child Protection Services tells him he can’t keep Chris with him in any way, Buck would be devastated. Not for Chris - he deserves to be around family who love him - but for himself. He’s always wanted to be a dad, and Chris was the perfect little boy.

Back at the station, Chimney sweeps Chris away from Buck to teach him how to play pinball while Buck helps his dad make lunch.

“What’re you feeling, bud?” Dad asks Chris, who ponders the question for a moment.

“Grilled cheese!” He finally decides.

“Excellent choice, Christopher!” Dad grins.

The two of them set about making everyone grilled cheeses, with Chris getting the first one. Dad cuts it up into fingers for the boy, making it easier for him to eat. Buck can tell from his face that it’s love at first bite, as it always is with dads cooking.

“That good?” Dad asks.

“Yeah!” Chris grins around a mouthful.

It should be gross, but Buck can’t help but find it endearing as hell.

While they wait for a call to come in - it’s been a slow day so far. Not quiet. Never quiet, just slow - the crew gather on the couches and chat away to Chris. They boy sticks to Buck like glue, and Buck holds on just as tight, but he’s giggling and joking around with everyone. All too soon, the entire house is under his spell, and Bucks heart somersaults in his chest.

When they do finally get called out to a three car accident, dad agrees to bring Chris along when he pleads to see them at work. Dad hangs back with him and explains everything to Chris as Buck and Riley get the crumpled car doors open and Hen and Chimney assess the patients. None need transport to the hospital and the call is over and cleaned up in just under 2 hours.

When they get back to the station, Athena and Carol are waiting for them.

Buck hands Chris over to Hen, who carries him upstairs with a promise to play Mario Kart. Dad joins Buck as he greets the women. Bucks tense shoulders relax a little at the smile on Carols face.

“So we completed our checks. Christopher has no immediate relatives that we could get ahold of, and you passed all of your background checks with flying colours. So, all I need is a home inspection, and you’ll be good to foster him, Mr. Nash.” She informs him.

Buck’s so happy he feels like he could cry. “That is amazing news, thank you so much!” He gushes.

“So whenever you’re ready to go-“

“Right now. He can go right now. We’ll care for Christopher for you while you’re gone.” Dad practically shoves Buck into the locker rooms.

Buck spins around and hugs him tightly. “Thanks dad, you’re the best.”

“You’ll be vying for that title in no time. Now go- scram!”

With a laugh, Buck rushes off to fetch his keys from his locker and motions for Carol to follow him home. In the short 15 minute drive, Buck goes over everything he needs to get for Chris in his head. A carseat, that’s for sure. Clothes and toiletries and toys are a must. He already has a comfortable bed for the boy to sleep in, but maybe he could get him a new bed spread. He’d shown an interest in space in the conversations they’d had today…

He pulls up outside his complex and leads Carol through to the elevator. As the doors slide closed, the woman turns to him.

“There is one thing I’m concerned with.” She states.

“Yeah?”

“Your job. You work long hours, who will watch Christopher while you’re working?”

“I’ve got plenty of relatives to help look after him while I get something more permanent figured out.’ Buck tells her. ‘I’m actually very good friends with a home health care aid, and I’m going to talk to her tomorrow. If she can’t help me out herself, I know she’ll give the the best she can offer.”

“That is good to hear Mr. Nash.”

“Please, call me Buck.” He tells her.

“Buck?”

“Yeah it’s a nickname I got from my time in the SEALs.” He explains blandly.

“Ah right.” Carol smiles, not batting an eyelid at the news.

Not that Buck thought she would - background checks are very thorough.

The elevator doors slide open, and Buck leads Carol to his front door and lets her in.

He’s never been so glad of his life choices as he is right now. He’d been dead set on getting a 2 bed apartment when he was looking, so May and Harry could stay over whenever they wanted. And he always kept the place tidy - he absolutely hates mess. And he’s glad he went grocery shopping yesterday to fill up his fridge and cupboards with all the healthy food and snacks he loves.

Buck stands in the kitchen as Carol roams around his apartment freely, inspecting everything closely. When she finally rejoins him, she’s grinning.

“I’m very happy with what I see. You’re clearly organised and like to keep your things clean.” She remarks.

“I hate mess.” Buck shrugs.

“I can see no issue with you fostering Christopher. So why don’t we head back and talk to him, just to make sure it’s something he wants? If it is, I will happily sign the paperwork there and then.”

“Yeah, of course. And thank you - for giving me this opportunity.” Buck tells her as they walk back to the elevator.

“No thank you.’ Carol stresses. ‘Not many people are comfortable with fostering disabled children, but you didn’t even bat an eyelid.”

“Just because he’s a little different, doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve to have a family who love him.” Buck shrugs.

“And that’s what makes you the perfect Foster parent for him.”

“And what about adoption?”

“A child has to be in your care for 12 months before you can file for adoption.”

“So he can be mine officially in a year?”

“Yes. And I have no doubts in my mind that he will be. Unless, of course, something happens.”

“Like what?”

“Well, we are still trying to locate and contact the boys father. But, he’s not on the birth certificate or any of Christophers legal documents, so there should be little issue there. And if Christopher is truly happy with you, we’ll probably stop searching.”

“No I don’t want that.’ Buck shakes his head. ‘As much as I want Christopher as my own, his father probably doesn’t even know about his mothers death, probably doesn’t even know where he is. But if you can reconnect them and give Christopher his real family, I won’t stand in the way of that.”

“That is very sweet of you, Buck.” Carol smiles.

“We can’t rule him out without speaking to him, right?” Buck shrugs.

“No I suppose not. I’ll see you back at the station.” Carol says as she climbs back into her car.

Buck spends the journey back thinking about Christophers father. If he’s not on any documents, maybe he doesn’t even know Christopher exists. Or, if he does, he doesn’t know him very well and, honestly, Buck doesn’t know which is worse.

Back at the 118, Buck hangs around the bay, halfheartedly cleaning the trucks with the rest of the crew while Carol sits upstairs and has a chat with Chris. Dad tries to talk to him, to keep his mind off of what they’re talking about, but it’s no use. He’s too nervous.

Finally, after what feels like hours, but is in reality only 20 minutes, Carol and Chris join them. Chris runs straight into Bucks open arms as everyone else watches on fondly.

“Well, Buck. I am pleased to say that you are now, officially, a foster parent.’ Carol announces, and the whole room cheers. ‘So if I could get you to sign some forms, then we can be done here.”

Buck has never been happier to sign some forms in his life. It’s over and done with in minutes and, before she leaves, Buck gives Carol a tight hug.

“Thank you so much.” He whispers.

“You’re welcome.’ Carol grins. ‘Now, go and enjoy your first day as a dad.”

Athena and dad see her out as Buck gathers Chris up in a hug and spins him around.

“After I finish work, what do you say me and you go shopping for some new clothes and toys, hm?” He asks the boy.

“Yay! Can we get ice cream, too?”

“Of course we can.” Buck nods seriously.

“You’re the best Bucky.’ Chris tells him and snuggles closer to his chest. ‘Am I staying with you forever?”

“I hope so Chris.’ Buck tells him with a smile. ‘I really hope so.”

Chapter Text

The next five months are the best of Bucks life.

He loves being a dad, but he especially loves being a dad to Chris.

Sure, they have their highs and lows - Chris had turned almost catatonic when Buck got him home that first night, and the boy had time to process the events of the day. But, slowly and surely, he came out of his shell again and was the bubbly little boy Buck knew he was once more.

During the first few months, Buck holds a sobbing Chris through his nightmares of his mother at least 3 times a week. His heart breaks to see the little boy so distraught, and not being able to do anything other than hug him and soothe him with loving words.

’I feel like I’m failing him.’ Buck admits - two months into fostering Chris - as he hides his face in his hands.

Dad and Athena tut at him.

‘Don’t be silly, you’re doing a wonderful job raising that boy.’ Athena tells him.

‘But he’s having all of these nightmares and there’s nothing I can do for him!’

‘Do you hold him through them?’ Dad asks.

‘Yes, of course.’ Buck stresses. ‘I usually wake up pretty early on and I climb into bed with him and hug him through it, but it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.’

‘It’s enough.’ Hen places her hand on his shoulder comfortingly.

‘Is it?’ Buck peaks up at her.

‘Yes.’ She promises.

‘You’re there for him when he needs you the most - that's all he needs from you right now. The nightmares won't last forever.’

'Did I have nightmares? After the Buckley's left me?’ Buck questions. Dad nods.

'A fair few, yes. Never to the extent of Christopher's, obviously, but yes. They happened from time to time.'

'Huh. I don't even remember them.'

'Exactly. It will pass, and things will get better. Believe me.’

 
The longer Chris is with Buck, the less the nightmares happen - just like dad had said - for which Buck's glad. They crop up every now and then,
but never as bad as the ones during that first few months. Buck often takes Chris down to where his mother is buried so he can still feel close to her and talk to her, and also because he'd refused to let the boy go to the funeral. It's his own way of saying sorry for not letting Chris say his last goodbye to her.

Other than that, Chris is honestly a little ball of sunshine who charms everyone he meets. Carla had, after 5 minutes with the boy, fallen in love with him and agreed to be his carer. Bobby and Athena dote on their pseudo-grandson like crazy, May and Harry adore their nephew and the rest of the firehouse is wrapped around his little finger.

Chris, Harry and Denny - Hen’s son with her wife, Karen - instantly click and become thick as thieves, the best of friends.

And Chris and Buck are inseparable. He’s learned a lot about the boy in the short amount of time he’s known him, and he absolutely loves how independent he is. He never lets his diagnosis get him down, doesn’t let it define him and Buck admires that.

They spend their days off either piled up on the couch - usually with some other member of their family - watching movies and documentaries, or hitting every single museum, theme park, beach and arcade in L.A.

Chris excels in all of his classes and is quite possibly the most popular boy in his year, but Buck can’t help but notice the lack of disable-friendly features at the school he’s currently in. He researches better schools in the area with the help of Carla.

Five months into fostering Chris, their day starts out like normal.

Buck wakes Chris up gently and gets him in the shower. Once squeaky clean, the two of them brush their teeth side by side at the mirror and Buck then supervises as Chris gets himself dressed into his clothing for the day as he dresses himself.

Blueberry pancakes are on the menu - as per Chris’s request - and all too soon, Buck is strapping the boy into his specialised car seat and driving him to school. He walks him up to the doors, listening intently as the boy rambles on about his schoolwork.

“Hey Buck? Hey Buck?” He suddenly asks.

“Yeah kid?” Buck looks down at him fondly.

“Do you think dogs know they’re dogs?”

“What do you mean?” Buck asks with a small smile.

“You know, like, I’m a person. And a dog is a dog.”

“Mhmm.” Buck nods, not entirely sure where he’s going with this.

“But do dogs just think we’re bigger, less hairier, smarter dogs that walk funny?”

Buck can’t help his dopey grin at that. He kneels down in front of Chris and holds his shoulders in his hands.

“Thank god for you, kid.’ The school bell rings behind them. ‘All right, you gotta hustle up.”

Chris leans forward to give him a hug, “Love you Buck.”

“Love you too, kid. Go to school.”

Buck stands back and watches Chris slowly make his way inside the building on his crutches. With one last smile, he climbs into his Jeep and heads for the station.

Carol is sat at one of the tables when he jogs up the stairs in full uniform. He falters in his step a little. The woman has been in contact with both Chris and Buck a handful of times over the past five months, just to make sure things are still going okay, but she hasn’t visited once.

Buck shakes his head and goes to join Carol at the table.

“Buck, hi.” She smiles.

“Hi Carol. It’s a surprise to see you.” Buck smiles back.

“Don’t look so worried. I have some news, but it’s not bad, at least I don’t think so.” She tells him.

“Oh?”

“We’ve managed to locate Christopher’s biological father.’ Any and all air in Bucks lungs vacates the premises. ‘But, we’ve spoken to him, and he’s happy to let you continue fostering him. He just wants to see him again.”

“Oh. That’s not so bad.’ Buck lets out a relieved sigh. ‘Yes, of course he can see him.”

“Excellent. He’ll be travelling from Texas once we give him the go ahead, so he should be here in a few days. Where would you like us to set up the meeting?”

“Here, please.” Buck nods.

“Of course. Alright, now that’s all settled, I’ll let you get on with your day.” Carol smiles one last time as she stands and quickly exits the building.

“What do you think he’ll be like?” Hen asks as she slips into Carol’s vacated seat and slides over a coffee for Buck - mocha, just how he likes it.

Buck takes a sip and hums his thanks. “I have no idea. Chris rarely talks about him, but from what I can gather, he got on well with his dad before Shannon took him away, and he hasn’t seen him since.”

“Poor guy.” Chimney sighs as he joins them.

“What if he wants Chris back after he sees him?” Hen asks, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth.

Buck rests his hand on his closed fist and sighs. “Then I let him, if it’s what Chris wants too. As much as I love Chris, the man is his father. He deserves another chance. I just hope he allows me to visit Chris.”

“That’s very mature of you, Evan.” Dad smiles.

All thoughts of Chris’s father slip from his mind as the day progresses. A 7.1 earthquake hits L.A, and all Buck can think about is Chris. He’s worried about Athena and the rest of his family too, of course, but his worry for Chris is front and centre in his mind.

The Hollywood Palm Hotel keeps his mind busy for the most part, but there’s a part of his brain that worries about his family that just won’t switch off. When Hen goes off the grid, his anxiety spikes even more, and he throws everything into helping get her out alive. And they do, thankfully. She’s even relatively unharmed, just a little wheezy from inhaling concrete and dust.

After the longest day in existence, Buck is hugging the speed limit - sometimes edging over - to get to the school and to Chris.

The little boy is stood in the lobby of the school, flanked by his head master, and grins happily when Buck races up the stairs to get to him.

“Bucky!” Chris cheers happily.

“Christopher! Oh my god, thank god you’re okay.” Buck whispers into the boys curls as he picks him up in a tight hug and spins him in circles a few times.

“Mr. Banks kept me safe!” Chris giggles, squirming in Bucks arms.

Buck looks up at the man. “Thank you, so much.”

“Not a problem. Thank you for everything you do.” The man smiles, and then shoos him and Chris away.

Once the boy is tucked up in bed safely - thank god their complex was hardly even touched by the earthquake - Buck reads him a bedtime story.

“Hey Chris?’ Buck asks softly halfway through ‘The Good Dinosaur’, and Chris hums. ‘Can you tell me about your daddy?”

Chris goes quiet for a minute, and Buck’s about to back pedal, when he starts talking.

“I don’t really remember him.’ The boy starts. ‘When I was a baby, mommy looked after me while daddy was in the army. Then, he got hurt and came home with a medal. We stayed with him for a while, but he and mommy were fighting all the time. They thought I couldn’t hear. Then, mommy woke me up one night and told me we were going on a trip and I haven’t seen him since. Mommy wouldn’t let me talk about him or talk to him. I miss him sometimes.”

“Would you like to see him again?” Buck asks.

“Yeah.’ Chris nods. ‘I wanna stay with you, though.”

“You can do whatever you want, bud. You know I’ll never let you go unless you want me to. But, I can set up a meeting with your daddy, if that’s what you want.”

“Will you stay with me for it?”

“Always, Chris.” Buck smiles.

“Okay, I wanna see him.” Chris decides.

“Alright then.” Buck nods, then gets back to reading.

Buck finishes up the story, and kisses Chris’s head.

“Night kiddo, love you.” He whispers.

“Love you too, Daddy Bucky.” Chris yawns and closes his eyes.

Bucks heart all but bursts out of his chest. He pulls his phone out and texts the group chat he has with the 118 and Athena and Karen as he leaves Chris’ room.

Buckaroo:
Chris just called me daddy for the first time!

The replies are instantaneous.

Athena(ICE):
Oh sweetheart that’s great news!❤️

Captain Dad(ICE):
I knew it would happen soon enough. Proud of you.

Mother Hen:
Ahhh that’s amazing!❤️

Karen:
How sweet!🥰 You’re a great dad.

Chim Chimney:
No 1 dad of the year!🏆

Buckaroo:
I also talked to him about meeting his dad.
He wants wants to, but he wants me with
him when it happens.

Captain Dad(ICE):
That makes sense. He trusts you.

Athena(ICE):
Let us know if you want us there, too.

Buckaroo:
Will do mom. Love you guys.

He gets numerous replies of the same variety and falls into bed with a grin. Things will be okay. They have to be.

—

Three days later, Carol is back, and there’s a man trailing behind her. Carla is on her way to the station with Chris, who’s just finished a half day at school and Athena is already there, standing with him and dad.

Buck takes a moment to appreciate the man. He’s tall - almost as tall as Buck but not quite - with tanned skin, thick dark hair, chocolate brown eyes, plump lips and a jawline that could cut even when covered in stubble. His body is drool worthy, with thick thighs that Buck bets would feel amazing around his shoulders and-

And he needs to cool it off.

“It’s good to see you all again.” Carol calls happily.

“Hey Carol, you too.” Buck smiles, and his parents call out their own greetings.

“This is Edmundo Diaz, Christopher’s father. Edmundo, this is Evan Nash, Christopher’s foster parent.” Carol introduces.

Buck holds his hand out for Edmundo to shake, but he takes Buck by surprise by pulling on his hand and dragging him in for a hug. Buck goes with a startled squawk, but hugs the man back.

“I’m sorry.’ Edmundo cringes as he pulls away - Buck’s traitorous mind of course takes note of how sexy his voice is - and rubs the back of his neck nervously. ‘I didn’t mean to ambush you like that but, just... thank you. For caring for him.”

“It’s my absolute pleasure. Chris is a bundle of joy.” Buck smiles fondly.

“Why don’t we all head upstairs and sit down while we wait for Chris to get here, hm?” Dad asks.

“That sounds like a great idea.” Athena smiles.

Buck leads Edmundo up the stairs and gets him settled on their comfiest couch.

“How do you like your coffee?” Chimneys asks him.

“Black with one sugar please.” Edmundo smiles, showing off his pointed canines.

Buck most certainly does not swoon. Who’s he kidding? These Diaz boys would be the end of him, damn it.

“So, Edmundo-“

“Eddie.’ He cuts in gently. ‘Please, call me Eddie.”

“Eddie.’ Buck smiles. ‘Well, in that case call me Buck. Evan is a little too formal for me.”

“Okay. Buck.” Eddie smiles back.

“Chris has told me a little about you, but he uh... he doesn’t really remember much.” Buck cringes.

Something akin to heartbreak crosses Eddie’s face.

“Shannon ran away with him in the middle of the night when he was 4. She changed her number and her email, she deleted her social media’s, everything. They were just... gone. All I had left was a note from her to say goodbye.’ Eddie’s voice cracks. Buck places a hand over his for comfort. ‘I looked for them. You gotta believe me, I looked everywhere for them and I never stopped looking, but I - I never thought to check L.A.”

“I believe you.” Buck tells him gently.

“I never stopped looking.’ Eddie repeats under his breath. ‘Shannon had always talked about us using my retirement fund to move out to Florida to be closer to her mother, who has cancer, so that’s the first place I looked. But when I got there, her moms neighbours said that she’d moved away but didn’t know where to and I was back to square one.”

Eddie furiously scrubs at his face as tears drip down and Buck’s heart breaks for the man. He squeezes the hand still in his encouragingly.

“Why did she just leave in the first place?” Dad asks gently and places a hand on Eddie’s neck and squeezes lightly - his go to comfort gesture.

“Because I wasn’t ready to leave Texas. I’d only just got home, and was processing the four years I spent out in the desert, fighting in a war I’m not sure I even believe in. She was on my case, day and a night, about moving to Florida as soon as possible, like I wasn’t recovering from being shot three times.” Eddie spits bitterly.

“You served too?” Athena asks gently.

“Army medic.’ Eddie nods. ‘I was honourably discharged with a Silver Star for saving my platoon. Our chopper got shot out of the sky and I pulled everyone out under gunfire. I uh, I don’t really remember much else, that whole day is covered in a blanket of pain, but yeah.” Eddie’s ears flush red.

“So you’re a war hero and your wife just ran away with your kid without telling you? Because you wasn’t healed properly?” Chimney summarises with a raised eyebrow.

“I - yeah. I guess so.” Eddie mumbles with a shrug.

“Wow. There are a few choice words I could say about her, but my momma raised me to never speak ill of the dead.” Hen shakes her head.

Eddie’s head snaps up to her. “Shannon’s dead?”

Buck blinks at him. “Carol didn’t tell you?”

Eddie shakes his head, looking more than a little shell shocked. Carol, who’s sat at the table a little away, pales a little, her eyes going wide with realisation.

“Her mother passed away from her cancer, and Shannon committed suicide by overdose in a gas station bathroom.” Athena tells Eddie gently.

“Oh my god.” Eddie chokes out.

Buck doesn’t even think as he leans forward and hugs Eddie close to him - not unlike how he does when Chris is upset. Eddie clings to him and sobs into his shoulder for a few long minutes as Buck strokes a hand up and down his back comfortingly. Eddie eventually emerges with a sheepish smile, but Buck simply smiles reassuringly at him.

“What happened after you… found her?” Eddie finally asks, his emotions under check again.

“Christopher was still sat in her car and waiting for her. That’s how I met him - we worked the call.’ Bucks smile unconsciously widens at the thought of the little boy who captured his heart after just one meeting. ‘I knew there and then that I wanted to be the one to foster him, and he came home with me that night.”

“So anything could’ve happened to him, had you not stepped in and saved him?” Eddie asks, his eyes swimming with tears again.

“Someone else would’ve saved him, I have no doubts about that. I’m just glad I was the one who got to.” Buck shrugs.

“And I can never thank you enough for that. I’m not here to force him away from you, I just want to be in his life.” Eddie tells him sincerely.

“Funny, I was going to say the same to you.” Buck chuckles.

Eddie’s brows furrow. “What?”

“No matter how much I love Chris, you’re his father at the end of the day. He belongs with you, and if you wanted to take him, I would never stop you. But I still want to be a part of his life.”

“I would never take him away from you.” Eddie assures him.

“Maybe we could work something out? I mean, are you going back to Texas or-“

“No. I’ve moved here permanently now, I’m just waiting for my transfer papers to come through.”

“What transfer papers?” Dad asks.

“I’ve been working as a firefighter in El Paso for two years now. My Captain is transferring all of my paperwork over to the LAFD so I can be placed in a house out here.”

“You’re a firefighter too?” Buck asks, an idea already forming in his mind.

“Yeah.“ Eddie nods.

“I’ll have a word with the Chief, see if I can’t get you placed here.” Dad tells him.

“You read my mind, pops.” Buck grins.

“Wait, what? Y-you’re serious?” Eddie gasps.

“Sure am.’ Dad smiles. ‘I’m Captain Bobby Nash, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Eddie.”

“You too, Captain Nash.” Eddie smiles brightly.

“Call me Bobby.” Dad smiles.

“Alright. Does that make him your dad?” Eddie asks Buck.

“Yep. He legally adopted me when I was 8, after finding me abandoned at a gas station.”

“That’s why you felt a connection with Christopher.” Eddie guesses, his eyes soft.

“Yeah.’ Buck smiles. ‘Dad changed my life, so I wanted to do the same for Chris.”

“I don’t know you very well, but I can tell that you’re a good man, Buck. Christopher is lucky to have you.”

“We’re lucky to have each other.” Buck amends.

Just then, Chris’s elated shout echos around the firehouse. “Daddy Bucky!”

“We’re up here, Chris!” Buck hollers back.

Eddie’s eyes go wide, and he bites his lip nervously. Buck gives his hand a slight squeeze and smiles at him. The sound of Carla and Christopher chatting away gets louder as they climb the stairs and then, they’re both stood at the top step.

Chris’s eyes fly to Eddie and they widen.

“Daddy?” He whispers.

“Hi Mijo.” Eddie croaks out.

There’s a long, tense silence as the two of them just stare at one another, before Chris is charging forwards and crying out for Eddie.

Eddie drops to his knees and gathers Chris close to him. He buries his face in Chris’s hair as he sobs, and Chris tucks his face away in the crook of Eddie’s neck. It’s a beautiful moment, and Buck finds himself tearing up. When he looks around the others in the room, the notices that they aren’t faring any better.

“I missed you daddy.” Chris cries.

“I missed you too, son. So, so much.” Eddie cries back.

“Why did mommy make us leave?”

“I don’t know Mijo, but I never stopped looking for you, okay? I never forgot about you or stopped loving you.”

“I never stopped loving you daddy.”

Buck tilts his head back to stop the tears cascading down his cheeks. How can he take Chris home after this? How can he take him away from his daddy?

“But I’m back now, and as long as it’s okay with your daddy Bucky, I’d like to see you a lot more.” Eddie tells Chris.

“Can he daddy Bucky?” Chris squeals, turning to Buck.

Buck looks at the two of them still hugging and his heart aches. Eddie frowns at him, probably because of his tears, but doesn’t say anything.

“Of course Chris. You can see your daddy as much as you want.’ He tells him seriously. ‘You can even move in with him soon, if it’s what you want.”

Chris squirms around in Eddie’s arms, that go slack at his words, and steamrolls over Buck’s legs in a tight hug.

“No! I want to stay with you, you promised!” Chris cries, his eyes welling with tears once more.

Buck crouches down and hugs Chris to his chest to soothe him. “I already told you that I’d never let you go unless you want me to, that you can stay with me as long as you’d like. I just thought that you might want to live with your daddy instead.”

“I want to stay with you and daddy. Can we all live together?” Chris asks.

“That might not be the worst idea in the world, actually.’ Dad hums thoughtfully. Buck, Eddie and Chris all look up at him. ‘You could find a three bed house and I bet it would save you both a hell of a lot in rent money. That way, Christopher can have both of you at once.”

“You really think we should?” Eddie asks.

“Sure, why not?’ Athena nods. ‘People room with strangers all the time. At least you both have common ground in Christopher.”

“Alright then.’ Buck agrees with a smile. ‘We’ll all move in together, so you can have both of us at once.”

“Really?” Chris gasps happily, and Eddie echos it almost disbelievingly.

“Really really.” Buck holds out his pinky.

Chris hooks his with Buck’s and they shake. Dad gives Buck yet another proud look, as does Athena, Carla, Hen and Chimney. And Eddie is looking at him with such a soft expression it takes Buck aback a little. Chris, happy with himself, heads off towards the Nintendo, easily roping in Martin to play against him as he goes.

“Why does it feel like we’re divorced parents right now?” Eddie snorts as Buck stands back up.

“Because we basically are. We just skipped the marriage and divorce and got straight to the co-parenting in one sitting.” Buck laughs.

“Well there’s no one else I’d rather co-parent with.’ Eddie tells him seriously. ‘Christopher loves you so much already, that much is obvious.”

“I love him.” Buck says simply.

“I think you’ll be great parents.’ Chimney grins. ‘Though I’m not sure what living with another man with your kid is going to do to your dating life.” He ribs Buck.

“You mean my nonexistent dating life?’ Buck rolls his eyes. ‘Do you know how hard it is to date in L.A?”

“Uh yeah, I’m aware.’ Chimney snorts, and waves a hand up and down his own body lazily. ‘Fellow single, remember?”

“The LGBTQ scene is much worse, believe me. It’s so hard to find a guy who will accept the fact that I’m a foster parent, and then when I manage to find a match, they turn out to be a creep. It’s a minefield out there.” Buck sighs wistfully.

“You’re gay?” Eddie asks, and Buck can’t read his tone.

He spins around to look at the man with an arched eyebrow. He notices the rest of his family go tense, no doubt preparing to jump to his defence. Especially Hen.

“Yeah I am. That’s not a problem, right?” Buck asks, struggling to keep his tone even.

“Not at all. I’ve uh… I’ve only ever admitted this to my sisters because Texas is still a very bigoted state, but I’m bisexual.” Eddie scratches his neck.

“Oh.” Buck blinks. He wasn’t expecting that.

“Yeah.’ Eddie shrugs shakily. ‘You don’t live in a godforsaken desert surrounded by men and walk away as straight as you were before.”

“You cheated on your wife?” Hen frowns.

“No, we split up before I shipped out. We only got back together, and ultimately married on my leave, because she was pregnant.” Eddie shrugs.

“Oh right.” She mumbles.

“I’m gonna go and make those calls about Eddie’s transfer, Evan- you’re on lunch duty.” Dad announces.

“Aye aye Cap.’ Buck grins, making dad shake his head fondly as he walks over to his office. ‘Whadya say, Eddie? You wanna stay for lunch?”

“That depends.” Eddie smirks.

“On?”

“How good of a cook you are.”

“He’s the second best chef in this station.’ Chimney actually compliments Buck. Buck rests a hand over his heart and stares at the man with exaggerated heart eyes. Chimney rolls his eyes back. ‘Don’t make me take it back, Buck.”

“Would I ever?” Buck winks.

“Second best to who?” Eddie asks, intrigued.

“Dad. He’s an amazing chef.’ Buck grins. ‘And he’s been teaching me the tricks of the trade ever since I retired from the Navy SEALs.”

“You were a SEAL?” Eddies eyebrows shoot up.

“Sure was. Petty Officer, First Class, Evan Nash, at your service.” Buck bows extravagantly.

“Wow.’ Eddie whistles. ‘You must be tough. Though, I must admit, I can’t see it.”

“That’s because our Buckaroo here is the human embodiment of a golden retriever.’ Hen smirks, taking any opportunity to tease him. ‘He’s probably the softest SEAL you’ll ever meet, not one of those tough, macho men you always see.”

“Hey I’m tough!” Buck definitely doesn’t pout. Nope.

“Sure you are, on the outside.’ Hen concedes easily. ‘You could bench probably anyone in this station, but on the inside you’re just a ball of fluff. You’re a gentle giant, if you will.”

“Okay, I’m gonna exit this conversation while I at least have some dignity left.’ Buck holds his hands up and backs away slowly from a cackling Hen. ‘Eddie, you wanna lend a hand with lunch?”

“Sure thing, I gotta warn you though - I could probably burn water.” Eddie grins as he follows Buck to the kitchen.

“That’s fine, you can be my sues chef and stick to cutting vegetables.”

“That I can do.” Eddie nods seriously, but he’s grinning.

They settle into an easy silence as Buck prepares the sauce for their pasta and Eddie chops onions, carrots, tomatoes and mushrooms to add.

“Hey, I don’t wanna pry, but can I ask you some questions?” Eddie speaks up after a little while.

“Shoot.” Buck doesn’t look away from the pan.

“So Captain Nash adopted you when you was younger, and you said he found you at a gas station?” He hedges.

Buck turns down the stove for the sauce to simmer and turns to Eddie.

“Not just a gas station. The very same gas station we found Chris at.’ Buck starts, and Eddie’s eye go wide. ‘My biological brother was sick my entire childhood - leukaemia. And I was born to save him. I was a saviour baby. Once I did my job a few times, and he got better, my mom said she was taking just me to Disneyland to reward me for saving him, but she dumped me at the station and left without looking back. She left a note in my backpack stating that she wanted nothing more to do with me.”

“Oh my god.” Eddie whispers.

“Fire and rescue were called, and that’s the I met my dad. He done the exact same thing I did with Chris - he took me back to the station after he explained to me that my mom wasn’t coming back and applied to foster me. There wasn’t as many hoops to jump through back then, and dad fostered me with very little problems. Took maybe 3 hours? A year later - the mandated length of time you have to wait - he officially adopted me in front of a judge.”

“That’s - I’m sorry. About what your mom did to you, I mean. But, in a way, I’m not, because you met your dad.” Eddie smiles.

“Yeah, he’s the best thing in my life.’ Buck smiles at the thought of his dad. ‘I will always resent her for just dumping me after I did my purpose, but I’ll always be thankful. Her parting words to me were ’this is for the best’ and boy was she right. I would never have fit in properly back at home with them - I’d have just been a constant reminder of Daniels condition. At least with Bobby - dad - I got a chance at a loving family. For a while it was just me and him, but when I got home from my last tour, he introduced me to Athena and her kids and our family was complete. They’re the best parents I could ever ask for.”

“And I’ll bet you’re the best son they could’ve asked for. Have you been in contact with your other family at all?” The man asks as he scrapes his board of vegetables into the now bubbling sauce.

“Nope. I don’t need any of them. Every now and then, I get the urge to try and find my brother and sister, because they weren’t the ones to dump me. But they haven’t reached out to me, so why bother, right?”

“Right.’ Eddie agrees with a nod of his head. ‘How did you get your nickname?”

“During my first week at SEAL training, I managed to back-kick a dummy in the face and one of the other kids said I reminded him of the balancing game Buckaroo and it stuck. Dad hates calling me it, cause it’s really close to my biological parents name - Buckley - but I like it.”

“It suits you.” Eddie grins.

“Thanks. What about you? They give you a nickname in the army?”

“Eddie is my nickname.”

“They ever call you Diaz?”

“Not if they wanted me to respond.”

“Fair enough.” Buck snorts.

“How long has Christopher been with you now?” Eddie asks.

“Just over five months.”

“And are you going to adopt him once the year is up?”

Buck turns to look at Eddie. His face is open, relaxed, and genuinely curious.

“That’s always been the plan.” Buck nods.

“I can sense a ‘but’ coming.” Eddie prods.

“But now you’re back, I’m-“

“Still going to adopt him.” Eddie cuts in firmly.

Buck’s mouth hangs open in shock. “I - are you serious?”

“Yes.’ Eddie stresses. ‘Buck, you’re an amazing father to him, I can tell that after literally half an hour with you. Of course I want you to adopt him and be his legal father.”

“But you’re his legal father.” Buck points out.

“No, I’m technically not.’ Eddie shrugs. ‘I’m not on his birth certificate or any of his documents, I’m just his father by biology and I’m okay with that.”

“We can change that.” Buck points out.

“What do you mean?” Eddie cocks an eyebrow.

“Well, in 7 months time, how about we both put our names on Christophers legal documents? I mean, all you’d have to do is a DNA test and you’ll be able to claim parental rights, and I’ll adopt him. That way we could be his dads, for real?” Buck suggests, suddenly shy.

“I’d like that.” Eddie smiles.

“It’s settled then.” Buck smiles back.

“Great news.’ Dad announces as he exits his office. Everyone gives him their full attention, even Chris. ‘I had a word with the Chief, and she’s happy for Eddie to work here with us.”

Buck slips an arm around Eddies shoulder and squeezes. “Welcome to the 118, man.”

“Thanks.” Eddie chuckles.

The rest of the crew gather around them and offer Eddie their own congratulations and welcomes, making the man flush adorably. Chris climbs up Bucks body with his help and cuddles both men.

“My dads are the best.” He proclaims happily.

Bucks flush rivals Eddie’s at that and Hen laughs her ass off.

“Welcome to the family Eddie. You’ll soon learn they’re all mad here.” Athena deadpans.

“Not you?” He asks the woman.

“Oh no. Someone has to stay sane enough to reign this lot in.” She snorts.

“Well I’m glad to be here.” Eddie smiles and catches Bucks eye with his.

This was going to be… interesting.

Chapter Text

Another 7 months pass in the blink of an eye.

Buck and Eddie find a cozy house with a downstairs bedroom and bathroom specifically for Chris, two large upstairs bedrooms with ensuite's, a spacious lounge and an open plan kitchen and dining room well within their budget - just as dad had said. It’s in equal distance to the station, Chris’ current school and the school Buck is looking to enrol Chris in as soon as the adoption process is complete. The outside walls are painted a warm yellow and the back yard is a decent size for get togethers. It’s not much, but it’s home.

The three of them settle into a rhythm, and it soon feels like Buck has known Eddie his whole life.

The older man fits in so well with the crew, the family, and he was Bucks partner in more than one sense of the word. Just to like… that. But, the longer Buck spends with him and Chris, the more Buck wants. How good Eddie is with Chris certainly doesn’t help matters. Not that Buck really had any doubts after meeting the man for the first time, but he truly is an amazing father. He’s so attentive and patient and loving to Chris, it makes Bucks heart squeeze almost painfully in his chest.

Their personalities are polar opposites - Buck is a major extrovert. He loves meeting new people, he loves talking until his jaw hurts, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s just generally the most outgoing of any group. Eddie, however, is 100% an introvert. He hates large groups of people, he keeps himself to himself and he’s the most quiet of the squad.

But, you know what they say - opposites attract.

One night, after a certain - ahem… drug involved incident at work - Eddie had opened up a little bit more as they relaxed on their couch.

’Even though in my heart I know I did nothing wrong, I still feel like I failed Chris.’ The man whispers into the dimly lit lounge.

Buck looks away from the movie he'd been half watching to spin in his seat and give the other man his full attention.

‘How so?’ He asks gently.

‘I was a terrible father-‘

‘Nope. I’m not listening.’ Buck cuts in with a scowl.

‘I was never there for Christopher as a baby.’ Eddie shrugs. ‘Or, in general.’

‘Yeah, because you was at war, Eddie. No one can fault you for that.’

‘I do.' Eddie insists. 'I told myself that, when I reenlisted, it was for the money, but in reality I was scared. I was terrified of being a dad to Christopher. So I stayed out there and left Shannon all alone with him. And then, when I came back home with that stupid Silver Star, I was hailed as a hero, but when Shannon took off with Christopher, she was made out to be the bad guy.’

‘Because she is.’ Buck shrugs. Eddie raises an eyebrow at him. ‘I’ve ever lied to you before, and I’m not going to start now. So we can either stop this conversation right now, or I can give it to you straight.’

‘But you’re not straight.’ Eddie points out with a smirk.

Buck flicks the mans ear with a playful scowl. ‘Jerk.’

‘But go for it.' Eddie urges. 'I never want you to lie to me, but I never want you to keep anything from me.’

‘Okay.’ Buck nods and takes a deep breath. ‘Shannon is the bad guy here. I hate talking ill of the dead just as much as the next person, but it’s true. No matter your reasoning to stay out there, you really are a war hero. You stayed in a place where you could literally die at any given moment to make sure your wife and son were well provided for. You stayed out there until you did almost die, and that wasn’t good enough for Shannon. She is the one who took your son away from you without so much as a word. She is the one who kept him from you. And she is the reason you feel like this.’

Eddie blinks at him in surprise. ‘You really think that?’

‘Yes Eddie, I do. You are an amazing father to that little boy. And, sure, you missed out on a lot when he was a baby, and then again when Shannon took him away, but none of that is your fault. Chris knows that, and he loves you. He doesn’t blame you, no one does. You don’t have to prove yourself to me or him.’

Now. Buck has always been a tactile person, and Eddie most decidedly is not, so when the man literally throws himself into Bucks arms for a - quite frankly - bone crushing hug, Buck startles a little. But, he leans into the embrace and winds his own arms around Eddie’s torso.

‘Thank you Buck. I didn’t know how much I needed to hear that.’ Eddie whispers in Bucks ear, making him shiver.

‘You’re welcome, Eds. I’m here for you, alright? Whatever demons you’re facing about your past, you’re not alone anymore.’

Eddie presses his forehead further into Bucks shoulder for a few seconds as he composes himself. He finally pulls away with a soft smile and red rimmed eyes.

‘I’m really lucky to have you in my life.’ He whispers softly.

‘I’m the lucky one here.’ Buck whispers back, just as soft. ‘You and Chris are everything I need.’

Bucks admission hangs heavily in the air for a few stilted seconds, before Eddie slowly leans in, his eyes fluttering closed, their lips almost touching-

‘Daddy Bucky! Daddy! I’m ready for bed now!’

Both men spring apart and laugh awkwardly at Christophers equally perfectly and terribly timed shout.

Buck jabs his thumb over his shoulder. ‘We should, uh-‘

‘Yep!’ Eddie nods quickly and jumps up from the couch, dragging up Buck with him.

They shuffle into the little boys bedroom and, as promised, read him two stories before tucking him into bed with kisses to the forehead.

When they return to the lounge, the slight tension is gone, and they settle back on the couch to finish the rest of their movie in content silence.

Neither of them have spoken about the almost kiss, and Bucks all but banished it from his mind. They were both still a little high and a little emotional, it was just transference. They’re friends, and raising Chris together as friends, nothing else.

If he tells himself that enough, maybe he’ll start believing it.

Despite his developing feelings for the Army man, the days out to the beach and zoo and amusement parks Buck and Chris do at least once a week carry on, with Eddie tagging along every time. Chris happily shows his dad around the zoo, and the local parks, and the Science Museum. Eddie goes willingly, and listens to everything Chris tells him, while Buck trails behind them, taking photos and videos of their precious interactions.

They even take Chris to see Santa together, and Buck had blushed and stuttered when the elf working there made a comment about him and Eddie having an - and I quote - adorable son. She's not wrong, Chris really is the most adorable kid, but to know that - to outsiders looking in - he, Eddie and Chris look like a little family made butterflies explode in Bucks stomach.

So, of course, he'd stomped on them straight away. He vaguely remembers telling her thank you before he'd dashed off after Eddie, who'd carried Chris over to the hot chocolate stand.

But, it's not like that's an isolated incident. Because of course it's not.

It's also the teacher at the school pick up who tells Buck 'You and your husband are doing a wonderful job with your son, he's so polite!'.

It's also the teenager in the zoo gift shop who coos and tells Chris how lucky he is to have two dads who love him so much.

It's also the man behind the concession stand at the movies, who asks if Buck and Eddie are planing on giving Chris a sibling.

It's also the lady who witnesses a playful argument in the middle of a grocery shop.

Buck is holding Chris’s hand as they move around their local Target, with Eddie pushing the cart behind them.

‘Daddy Bucky?’ Chris asks.

Buck looks down at him with a smile. ‘Yeah bud?’

‘Can we get Lucky Charms today?’ The boy asks pleadingly.

‘You’ll have to ask your dad.’ Buck laughs brightly, looking over his shoulder to wink at Eddie.

Eddie rolls his eyes back at him and sighs.

It’s a little routine they have going - Buck is the good cop, and Eddie is the bad cop. Chris loves it, and definitely knows to go to Buck when asking for anything.

‘Daddy? Can we please get a box of Lucky Charms? I’ve been so good at school!’ Chris pleads the older man.

‘Hmm, I don’t know Chris.’ Eddie rubs his chin in thought, playing along. ‘I seem to remember you refusing to brush your teeth three nights ago.’

‘That was one time!’ Chris protests.

‘One time too many. If you want us to buy you a box of Lucky charms, you’re gonna need to double your toothbrushing time.’

‘Four whole minutes?’ Chris groans.

‘Four. Whole. Minutes.’ Eddie confirms.

Chris looks between the box of cereal and his dad for a long moment, before looking back up at Buck with his wide, pleading eyes and a killer pout.

‘Daddy Bucky? Can you talk to him for me?’

A startled laugh bubbles out of Bucks chest at that.

‘Now you’re fighting dirty!’ He chides playfully. ‘You know I can’t say no to that pout.’

‘I know.’ Chris grins cheekily.

Buck rolls his eyes, but dutifully looks back at Eddie with his own pleading eyes.

‘Three minutes.’ He offers.

‘Three minutes and 50 seconds.’ Eddie counteroffers.

‘Three minutes and 10 seconds.’

‘Three minutes and 45 seconds.’

‘Three minutes and 20 seconds.’

‘Three minutes and 40 seconds.’

‘Three minutes and 30 seconds.’

Eddie considers the offer for a long moment, before letting out a put on sigh and holds his hand out for Buck to shake.

‘Three minutes and 30 seconds it is. And not a second less.’ Eddie warns.

‘Deal. Pleasure doing business with you.’ Buck grins.

Both of them look back at Chris, who rolls his eyes.

‘He is so your son when he does that.’ Eddie snorts.

‘I’ll take what I can get, three minutes and 30 seconds it is.’ Chris confirms. ‘You guys are weird, you know that?’

‘He is so your son when he makes comments like that!’ Buck squawks.

‘I am right here, you know?’ Chris sighs playfully as he slips two boxes of Lucky Charms in the cart and dashes away.

‘Hey, no! We agreed on a box, not two!’ Eddie hollers as he abandons the cart in favour of chasing after a giggling Chris.

Buck rolls his eyes fondly and grabs their cart to follow the two of them.

‘You and your husband are so amazing with your son!’ A woman squeals from behind Buck.

Buck spins to look at her with wide eyes. She's leant on her own cart, looking up at him with a warm smile.

‘Oh. That’s not - we’re not married.’ Buck stammers.

‘Well you should be!’ The woman gushes. ‘Your family is just so cute!’

And with one last smile, she’s gone, and Buck is left a blushing, stammering mess once again. He shakes his head to clear it and slowly puts one box of cereal back on the shelf before following the sounds of Chris’s laughter.

The second he sees the boy - trying to convince Eddie into buying three giant tubs of Nutella, because of ‘reasons, daddy!’ - the woman's words leave his mind and he joins in on the argument, backing up Eddie just this once.

‘We do not need three tubs of Nutella, bud. We already have half a tub at home!’

The point is - people are constantly making comments and remarks to Buck about his' adorable husband and son' and, honestly, Buck's losing his mind a little.

And what seriously doesn’t help matters, is the teasing at work. Chimney has been relentlessly making comments and jokes about Bucks close relationship to Eddie, and Buck’s about ready to run him over with the ambulance.

“I’m just saying-“

“I know what you’re saying Chim, and you seriously need to stop.” Buck cuts the older man off with a resigned sigh.

“But I’m having so much fun!”

“That makes one of us.’ Hen grumbles and runs her fingers through Bucks curls. ‘Leave him alone, rebar head.”

“Oh how original.’ Chimney drawls. ‘And completely unfair - you haven’t done anything to earn yourself a second nickname.”

“Because I’m not an idiot like you.”

“Ooh! Shade.” Buck grins and high fives the woman.

Chimney opens his mouth to make a, no doubt, witty comeback, but dad stops him.

“Chimney, leave my kid alone.” He warns from his position at the stove.

“This is blatant favouritism and I won’t stand for it!” Chimney cries indignantly, making Buck snort.

“Leave him to have his existential crisis in peace.” Dad amends.

Bucks head whips around to stare at his dad so fast, he wouldn’t be surprised if he got whiplash.

“You too?” He accuses.

“Oh come on, it’s a dads job to tease his kid!” Dad laughs.

Chimney practically crows in victory, making Buck launch the cushion currently being strangled in his hands at his head. It hits true, but does nothing to stop the laughter coming from the smaller man.

“I’ll hold him on the floor, you run him over with an ambulance?” Buck looks up at Hen with pleading eyes.

Hen shakes her head with a smile. “As much as I’d love to, that would be a very big mess to clean up. And Chimney is certainly not worth that amount of effort.”

“Excuse you!’ Chimney screeches. “I’m definitely worth the effort!”

“So you want to be run over by the ambulance?” Dad cocks an eyebrow.

“Of course not! I’m just saying that I’d be worth it!” Chimney huffs and crosses his arms.

“L'Oréal Paris.” Hen announces suddenly.

“Because you’re worth it.” Buck whispers sultrily and flips his imaginary hair over his shoulder, to see Eddie making his way up the stairs, his eyebrows raised and lips upturned in amusement.

“You guys are weird.” He announces as he joins them at the table and Buck makes a noise in the back of his throat.

“And yet, you love us.” Chimney grins, and there’s no mistaking the way he directs the statement solely at Buck.

Eddies face flushes a little and he looks down, giving Buck the chance to glare daggers at Chimney.

“How's the adoption going?” Dad asks, and Buck sends him a grateful smile.

“Uh, good. Buck’s application has been sent off, so we’re just waiting to hear back about the court date.' Eddie looks up to say. 'We should get my results back around the same time, too."

Despite Buck trying to convince him otherwise, Eddie had refused to do a DNA test and go on Christopher’s birth certificate before Buck sent off his adoption forms, so they can both do it together, which had done all sorts of things to Buck’s poor heart.

“Good. Keep us all updated, we all want to be there for the court date.” Dad tells them.

“Thanks Bobby, we want you all there, too.” Eddie smiles.

“There’s nowhere else Athena and I would rather be than in that room when Chris becomes our grandson officially.” Dad’s smile is soft.

“Please, you’re already his grandparents, and his favourite ones at that.” Eddie sorts.

“I’m gonna tell your Abuela you said that.” Buck warns cheekily.

“She already knows.’ Eddie laughs. ‘She keeps trying to bribe him with food, but it’s not working.”

“I don’t want any hard feelings between us and your grandmother, Eddie.” Dad furrows his brows.

“Nah, Chris loves all of his grandparents equally. He’s just known you and Athena a little longer, that’s all.” Buck smiles at his dad.

“Yeah, I was only joking Cap. She’s just happy to have him in her life.” Eddie assures him.

“Well good.' Dad nods. 'This isn’t a war of ‘who loves him most’ or anything. We all just want what’s best for him.”

“We know dad.’ Buck stands up to lay his head on the mans shoulder, like he did as a little boy. ‘I can't believe it’s been a whole year next Friday that Chris has been with me.”

“Me either.’ Dad chuckles and wraps an arm around Bucks shoulders. ‘Parenthood looks good on you kid. On both of you.”

"Thanks Cap." Eddie blushes.

“Yeah, you’re the best totally platonic dad duo I know.” Chimney announces.

“Seriously man, shut up.” Buck groans.

Buck has never been more grateful for the alarms uncanny ability to ring during any kind of long conversation, than he is today. He’s on his feet, geared up and climbing into the drivers seat of the ladder truck quicker than he’s ever achieved before, and he’s damn proud, if he does say so himself.

“We’re taking both trucks and both ambulances - it’s a suspicious package outside Brookside Elementary!” Dad hollers over the shrill sounds of the bell.

Buck gulps and starts up his engine. The entire county has been on edge recently - two package bombs have been delivered and detonated in as many days - and no one could figure out the connection. No one knew where the next one would turn up. He seriously hopes this is a false alarm - he doesn't need the added stress of worrying about a bomb being left at Chris's school.

Dad leaps into the passenger seat as Eddie, Martin and Tanika pile into the back. Buck pulls out of the station and leads the convoy - with Paulson, Castillo, Jackson, Riley and Marcus in the second truck behind him. Hen follows them, driving one ambulance and Chimney brings up the rear in the second.

When they get to the school, it’s chaos. There’s children crying and adults shouting and people everywhere. A handful of police cruisers are already on scene - including Athena’s - and the bomb squad pulls up just behind the 118, who all park up in a line opposite the school. Everyone hops out of the vehicles and quickly gets the children to press against them, to shield them should the suspected bomb go off.

“A teacher spotted it out there after recess. Nobody claimed it.” Athena informs them as she joins them by the trucks.

“Yeah, but it’s not a package.’ Buck points out as he hugs the woman. ‘I thought this guy sent his bombs through the mail.”

“Maybe he changed his M.O.” Chimney suggests.

“Or inspired some other crazy.” Athena shakes her head.

Oh god. One bomber on the loose in L.A was enough to turn Bucks stomach, but two? He shudders at the mere thought.

Everyone watches with bated breath as one of the bomb squad - geared up to the high heavens - cautiously approaches the backpack. Buck stands shoulder to shoulder with Eddie as they watch him scan the backpack, before finally placing his own devise on top of it and rushing away to a safe distance.

“Controlled detonation.” Eddie mutters under his breath.

“Smart move.” Athena nods.

“Fire in the hole!’ The man obviously in charge of the bomb squad hollers from his tent, and everyone ducks for cover. ‘On my mark! Three! Two! One!”

The bomb goes off, and something coats the bomb squad van. Something grey and gross smelling. The kids all push forwards to see the detonated bomb, but the 118 hold them back. Buck watches as the geared up guy inspects the same grey paste splattered on a tree closely.

“It’s tuna fish.”

Everyone turns around at the voice. A little girl - around Chris’s age - is stood watching with her hands clasped together nervously.

“Emily. Was that your lunch?” One of the teachers asks her.

“Yes.” The girl admits.

“Why didn’t you say something?” Athena asks her sternly.

“I don’t like tuna fish! Am I under arrest?”

Athena sighs and looks up at the heavens, as though asking for patience.

With the excitement over, the teachers begin herding the children back into the building - with the teacher giving Emily a stern telling off as she goes - and the 118 pack up again.

“These false alarms are almost more nerve-wracking than the real thing.” Chimney announces as he walks back over to his ambulance.

“Don’t even think that.” Hen warns, a step behind him.

“Maybe the whole thing is a false alarm.’ Buck suggests hopefully, a step behind her. ‘Maybe it’s over.”

“Maybe.” Eddie agrees from behind Buck.

They all climb into their respective vehicles and pull away from the scene moments later.

Thankfully, any more calls they get that day are none-bomb related - a car fanatic got his hair wrapped around his engine and almost scalps himself, and a beauty influencer had a botfly hatch out of her face live on Instagram.

Buck once again flushes bright red as he catches some of the comments on the screen, from people watching still.

'OMG thos two are So CUTE together!'

'They should totally be a couple!!!'

Buck has no idea if Eddie read the same comments as him - his features are set in a perfect poker face, as usual. Buck decides not to test fate and keeps quiet about it.

Chimney, of course, picks up on his blush, and pokes him about it, but Buck absolutely refuses to give the man more ammunition. Hen drags him away to the ambulance with a resigned sigh, and Buck overhears the start of a very stern 'Mother Hen talking to'. He almost feels bad for Chim. Almost.

They're back at the station, preparing dinner when dads phone rings while he’s cooking dinner, with Athena on the other end of the line. It’s pretty uncommon for Athena to call dad during his shift, so Buck’s interest is piqued.

He doesn’t eavesdrop on his old mans phone call though, he’s not that rude. But, when his dad hangs up and turns back to him, his face is ashen white and Bucks heart stutters in his chest.

“Dad? Whats wrong?” He demands.

That gets the attention of the rest of the crew, who all stand up and move a little closer to where the two of them are standing in the kitchen.

“He left one at our house.” Dad mutters, almost in a daze.

“What?” Buck asks, confused for a second.

Dads eyes snap up to Buck, and he startles at the haunted look in the usual warm brown irises. “The bomber. They left one outside our house. Harry nearly opened it.”

Bucks stomach falls to his fucking feet. “What?”

“Bomb squad is there right now. It’s definitely from the same guy.”

“Oh my god. Are they okay?” Hen demands.

Dad nods slowly. “Michael stopped Harry before he could touch the package, but he’s scared half to death by it.”

“Then what are you still doing here?’ Chimney asks rhetorically. ‘Get home to them!”

“I’m Captain on shift, I can’t just leave.” Dad shakes his head, though he looks seconds away from doing just that.

“Chimney has been here almost as long as you have, he can be interim Captain for the rest of today.” Buck states.

Dad looks like he’s going to argue for a split second, but then shakes his head.

“You’re right. Chimney - take care of the place for me. I’ll phone the Chief-“

“We’ll deal with all of that, just go!’ Buck demands. ‘I’ll be over as soon as shift finishes.”

“Alright. Alright, okay.’ Dad mutters and pulls Buck in for a tight hug. ‘Be careful. All of you.”

Buck squeezes him back. “We will be dad. Love you.”

“Love you too, Evan.’ Dad smiles. ‘I’ll see you all later.”

“Keep us updated.”

Dad nods once, before bolting down the stairs at a speed Buck’s sure he’s never seen him achieve before.

“Give Athena and the kids our love!” Hen calls after him.

Buck leans on the railing and watches his dad as he haphazardly changes out of his uniform and almost trips over his own feet in his haste to get out of the station, with another halfassed goodbye called over his shoulder. Chimney disappears into dads office, no doubt to phone the Chief to let her know of the situation.

“You okay?” Eddie asks Buck as he come to stand beside him.

Buck blinks over at him. “Yeah, of course. I’m not the one who had a bomb dropped off on my doorstep.”

“No, but it was your parents and siblings.” Eddie points out.

“As long as they’re okay, I’ll be okay. No point getting caught up in the ‘what ifs’.” Buck shrugs shakily.

Eddie places a large, warm hand on his bicep and squeezes. “Well, if you suddenly feel not okay - and you’re allowed to, by the way - you know you can lean on me, right?”

“Yeah I know Ed’s.’ Buck smiles softly. ‘Thank you.”

Eddie simply gives his bicep one last squeeze with a soft smile before moving over to the couches and dropping down on one unceremoniously.

Hen appears at Bucks other side and slides her hand into his, giving it a comforting squeeze. Buck leans his head on her shoulder, and they stand there for a few long moments, soaking up the comfort of each other. Hen is Athena’s oldest friend, and Buck somehow feels connected to his mom through the woman.

Time passes as slow molasses after his dad leaves, and Buck kind of feels like he’s trapped in the thick, gooey liquid himself. When his phone finally pings with a message, he nearly drops it in his haste to read the message.

Captain Dad(ICE)
No one is hurt in any way, just shaken up.

Below, is a selfie of him, Athena, May, Harry and Michael. Buck blows out a relieved breath as he texts back.

Buckaroo
Thank god for that. I’m still coming over after shift for dinner.

Captain Dad(ICE)
Look forward to it. Stay safe out there, okay?

Buckaroo
Of course. Do they know why he left one with you guys?

Captain Dad(ICE)
They’re investigating as we speak. They think have a lead, and we’re about to head to the police station now. I’ll update you when I can.

Buckaroo
Okay, thanks dad. Love you.

Captain Dad(ICE)
Love you too, kiddo.

Buck pockets his phone, to see the whole crew staring at him intently.

“They’re all fine, just a little shaken up dad says.’ Buck assures them, and pulls his phone back out to show off the selfie. ‘Police think they’ve got a lead, so dad and Athena are heading down to the station now. He’s gonna keep me updated.”

At that, it feels like a weight has been lifted off the house. The crew go by the rest of their shift like normal. Even Buck manages to escape his own head for a while by whooping Eddie’s ass at Mario Kart.

"C'mon Ed's, Chris is better than you at this!" He cackles.

"Chris has had much more practice than I have!" Eddie huffs, but he's smiling.

When the bells ring again, Buck still has no update from his dad and he gnaws on his bottom lip in worry.

"Hey, no news is good news, right?” Eddie bumps their shoulders together on the way down the stairs.

“Yeah. Yeah, you’re right.” Buck nods, and gives the man a thankful smile.

Eddie pats Bucks cheek gently, making Buck flush and duck his head to hide his - no doubt - lovesick smile.

Just like that morning, both engines are needed for the call, but not the ambulances. So Buck drives one with Riley, Martin, Jackson and Castillo, while Tanika drives Eddie, Hen, Chimney and Paulson.

Midway through the drive, Bucks phone buzzes in his pocket with an incoming call. He ignores it in favour of driving - obviously - and lets it ring out. Then, their radios crackle to life.

‘118, 118. This is dispatch. We got Bobby Nash on the line. He says it’s important.’

‘Wait, what? Dispatch?’ Chimneys voice echos Bucks thoughts.

“Dad?” Buck calls over his own radio.

‘Dispatch, please repeat.’ Chimney asks.

Buck turns a corner, still listing intently for his dads response.

But then, an almighty boom reaches his ears over the headset, and the truck is tipping on its side. Bucks startled yelp is lost to the explosion as he’s thrown out of the window. The last thing he hears before everything fades to black is his dads voice shouting over the radio.

Chapter Text

’Bucky?’ Christoper asks quietly.

‘Yeah bud?’

Christopher had just woken up from another nightmare about his mom and called out for Bucky, and he came into his room straight away. He sat down on the bed and hugged Christopher as he cried.

Christopher has been with Bucky for a month now, and he’d taken Christopher to see his mommy’s grave for the very first time today.

‘Why did my mommy leave?’

Bucky looks down at him with wide eyes.

‘I… I don’t know Christopher.’ He admits. ‘But, she loved you very much, you know that right?’

‘I know, I just don’t know why she left me.’

‘I don’t think she left you on purpose, bud. She was very upset about her own mommy passing away, and she tried to deal with the pain by doing something silly.’

‘What did she do?’

‘Uh… you know how people take painkillers if they have a headache or if something hurts?’

‘Yeah?’ Christopher frowns.

‘Well, if you take too many, they can make you really sick, instead of helping you. Your mommy took too many pills, and it made her really sick and unfortunately we wasn’t able to save her.’

‘Oh. So she didn’t mean to do it?’

‘No, she didn’t.’ Bucky nods. ‘It was an accident, she didn’t want to leave you.’

Christopher feels a little bit better at that. His mommy didn’t actually want to leave him, it was an accident. Bucky tucks him back in bed and kisses his forehead with a smile.

‘Get some sleep, kiddo. We’ll go to the park to feed the ducks tomorrow, yeah?’

‘Okay Bucky.’ Christopher smiles. He loves going to the park to feed the ducks, his mommy used to take him all the time.

Christopher groans as he looks down at his math problem sheet.

“I hate math.” He grumbles.

Carla laughs. “I know you do, but it’s gotta be done.”

“I wish Daddy Bucky was here to help me. He’s the best at math questions.” Christopher states.

“He sure is baby,’ Carla smiles. ‘Now you finish up here while I start on your dinner, hm?”

“Okay Carla.” Christopher smiles.

“Give me a shout if you need any help. And no watching tv until you're finished.” She warns with a knowing look as she leaves the room.

Christopher groans again and goes back to his sheet.

’I can’t do it!’ Christopher yells.

He’s been trying to do his 9 times tables with Bucky for ages now, but he just can’t figure it out.

‘Sure you can, bud!’ Bucky encourages him.

‘No I can’t! I’m not doing it!’ Christopher stands up and heads to his bedroom, where he slams the door shut.

He lays face down on his bed for a long time, crying into his pillow. He feels stupid for not being able to do his 9 times tables as good as some of the other people in his class.

He doesn’t know how long he’d been laying there when there’s a knock on the door.

‘Hey bud.’ Bucky calls as he comes into the room.

Now he’s had time to calm down, Christopher feels bad for yelling at Bucky. He sits up and faces him.

‘I’m sorry Bucky.’ He mumbles.

‘I know you are. It’s okay to be frustrated if you don’t understand something, but maybe don’t storm off next time, okay? Stay with me so we can figure it out together.’

‘Okay Bucky.’ Christopher looks down.

'You wanna try one more time?' Bucky asks him.

'Yeah.' Christopher nods and Bucky smiles.

'Okay. What is 9 plus 10?'

Christopher counts in his head. '19!'

'Exactly! Now, take one away.'

'That makes 18.' Christopher declares.

'Yes it does. And 2 times 9 is 18.' Bucky tells him. 'Now add 10 to 18.'

'28.' Christopher says after he works it out in his head again.

'Now take one away from 28.'

'28 take away one is 27.'

'And 27 is 3 times 9.'

'It is?' Christopher asks.

'It sure is. With the 9 times tables, I leaned a trick in school. You add 10 and take away 1. It makes it so much easier.' Bucky smiles.

Christopher works the next one out without Bucky asking. 'So 4 times 9 is 36?'

'It sure is bud, well done!' Bucky praises him.

'I think I understand now.' Christopher smiles.

Bucky sits on the edge of his bed and hugs Christopher. Christopher hugs him back as tightly as he can and tucks his face away in his chest. Bucky's hugs always make him feel better.

’I'm very proud. Now, why don’t we put the homework away for tonight, hm? We can finish it up tomorrow.’ He says.

‘Really?’ Christopher peeks up at him.

‘Really really.’ Bucky smiles down at him. ‘We can just watch a movie for tonight.’

Christopher hugs Bucky again. He’s been with Bucky for 2 months now, and he always insisted Christopher finishes his homework before watching a movie on Friday nights, so Christopher feels extra grateful for him now.

‘Thank you Bucky.’

‘Anything for my superman.’ Bucky tells him and kisses his hair.

Although Christopher knows he shouldn’t - that Carla has told him to finish his homework while she cooks him dinner - he can’t help but watch the tv from his spot at the dining room table.

Because there is a firetruck on the tv on its side, with fire and people all around it.

So, quietly as he can, Christopher pulls himself to his feet. He doesn’t get his crutches - they’ll make too much noise - and uses the wall to keep himself stable as he moves into the living room.

He settles on the couch and slowly turns up the volume so he can hear what’s being said.

’-If you’re just joining us, witnesses are reporting that this LAFD ladder truck, belonging to station house 118, was hit by some kind of an explosive as it was making its way to a call. Now you can see there’s a firefighter pinned under that truck-‘

Tears well in Christophers eyes as he watches the screen, because he’d recognise the man lying on the ground with his leg under the truck anywhere.

“Daddy Bucky?”

’Bucky!’ Christopher squeals in delight as Bucky puts him on his shoulders and races around the garden.

He’s been living with Bucky for 3 months now, and they’ve been so much fun! He still misses his mom, and gets sad about her some times, but he knows she isn’t coming back. But Bucky is there, and Bucky always makes him happy.

Everyone laughs at Bucky while Harry and Denny race after him.

‘This is cheating!’ Denny laughs loudly.

‘What? It’s not cheating, it’s creative thinking!’ Bucky laughs with him.

‘Buckaroo, it’s cheating. Put Chris down so the actual children can continue playing tag.’ Hen rolls her eyes at Bucky.

‘Fine.’ Bucky sighs loudly. ‘I’m sorry bud, but you’re on your own now for now.’

Bucky places Christopher back on the floor and Harry tags him. He grabs his crutches from the ground and chases after him, giggling. Before he can catch him though, Athena is calling them back to the house.

‘Boys, it’s dinner time!’

Christopher turns around and heads back to the house, where the rest of the adults are sat in the dining room. He moves straight into Bucky’s open arms and cuddles him.

‘Thank you for being on my side Bucky!’ He tells him.

Bucky’s arms tighten around him and he laughs.

‘I will always be on your side, Chris.’ He promises. ‘Now. You want a hotdog?’

‘Yes! With-‘

‘Ketchup, onions and fries on top, you know it.’ Bucky winks.

‘You’re the best.’ Christopher giggles.

“Christopher, you better not be where I think you are.” Carla warns, but Christopher pays her no mind.

Because his Daddy Bucky is trapped beneath a ladder truck and he’s hurt and no one is helping him because of the man stood with him. Christopher’s vision is going blurry because of his tears but he doesn’t reach a hand up to wipe them away.

“Christopher, what did I say- oh lord.”

Christopher blinks up at Carla, who’s staring at the tv with wide eyes.

“Is that-“

“Daddy Bucky.’ Christopher sniffles and nods. ‘He’s hurt and that bad man won’t let Grandpa Bobby and daddy help him.”

“Oh baby.” Carla sighs as she sits down next to him and hugs him.

’Bucky! Where are we going?’ Christopher asks. Again.

‘It’s a surprise!’ Bucky tells him. Again.

Bucky had woke Christopher, Harry and Denny up really early on Saturday morning after their sleepover and made them shower quickly and get in the car. He bought them McDonalds breakfast to cheer them up, but wouldn’t tell them where they were going.

Christopher groans, but doesn’t ask any more.

Bucky carries on driving and singing along with the radio and Christopher carries on playing Mario Kart on Harry’s Nintendo Switch for a long time, before Bucky turns the sound down.

‘Guys, look out the window.’ He tells them.

Christopher does so, and -

‘We’re at Disneyland?’ Harry yells.

‘We sure are.’ Bucky laughs. ‘Surprise!’

‘This is going to be the best day ever!’ Denny cheers.

Christopher smiles at Bucky. He knows that his old mommy promised to take Bucky to Disneyland but left him all alone at the same gas station mommy left him in, where he met Grandpa Bobby. He knows how much Disneyland means to Bucky, and he's excited to make even more good memories with him here.

Bucky laughs again at Denny as he parks his jeep in a disabled parking space, and turns around to talk to him, Denny and Harry.

‘I need you boys to be on your best behaviour today, alright? No running off.’ He says sternly.

Christopher, Denny and Harry nod.

‘We promise, Buck.’ Harry says.

‘Alright then. Let’s go have the best day ever!’ Bucky grins.

Harry helps Christopher get out of his seat, and they join Bucky by the hood of the car. He gives Denny a piggy back and holds Christopher’s and Harry’s hands and leads them over to the gates. He picks something up from the lady in the booth, and she tells them all to have a great day.

And they really do.

Whatever the lady gave Bucky lets them skip almost all queues for the rides, meaning they get to go on Space Mountain and Galaxy's Edge twice! Bucky buys them all kinds of food like churros and corndogs and Mickey shaped donuts and pretzels and a cup they’re allowed to refill at anytime with whatever flavour drink they want! Bucky takes pictures of them with every single character they see and he makes sure they get a good place to watch the parades. He even buys them a new toy each from the shop - they all choose lightsabers. Christopher gets the red one, while Denny gets the blue and Harry gets the green.

‘You’re a bad guy!’ Bucky gasps when Christopher shows him his lightsaber outside the shop.

‘No! I’m a Jedi in disguise, duh!’ Christopher grins.

By the time it starts to get dark, Christopher is having trouble keeping up because his legs hurt. But he doesn’t say that to Bucky. He doesn’t want Bucky to think he’s unhappy at all because today really has been the best day ever.

But - without him having to say anything - Bucky picks him up and gives him a piggy back on their way out of the park while he holds Denny’s and Harrys hands. Christopher smiles and hides his face in Bucky’s neck.

‘I love you Bucky.’ He tells him.

Christopher has been living with Bucky for just over 4 months now, and he’s never said that before, but he does. Bucky is the best ever.

‘Oh I love you too, Christopher.’ Bucky tells him and turns his head to kiss Christophers forehead. 'Did you have a good day?'

'I always have good days with you, but today was one of the very best!' Christopher promises. 'Did you have a good day Bucky?'

'I really did. I love spending time with you, and Denny and Harry.' Bucky smiles.

'We love spending time with you. I'm really glad I live with you, Bucky.' Christopher tells him.

"I'm really glad you live with me too, Chris. I love you very much kiddo.'

'I love you too!' Christopher grins. Now he's said it once, it's so easy to say it again.

He loves Bucky like he loved his mommy. Maybe one day he will be brave enough to call him Daddy. But both of his parents are gone, he doesn’t want to call Bucky his daddy and Bucky to leave him, too.

“Look at that! All those people are helping your Daddy Bucky get free. And look! There’s your daddy with him, holding his hand. He’s going to be okay, Christopher.” Carla tells him in her soft voice.

Christopher wants to believe her, but Daddy Bucky looks so hurt.

“Can we go see him? So I can give him a big hug?” Christopher asks her.

Carla frowns and sighs, before nodding.

“Okay. I’ll phone and find out where you Daddy Bucky is being taken and if we can go see him. But for now, why don’t you make him a get well soon card, hmm? I’m sure he’d love that.”

Christopher knows she’s asking him to do Daddy Bucky a card to keep him busy so she can have an adult conversation with daddy, so he agrees. He slips off the sofa and makes his way to the dining room table again, where his paper and pens are still waiting. He starts making the card while Carla sits in the living room, talking quietly on the phone.

He uses his light blue marker and writes get better soon Daddy Bucky! in his best writing. Below it he draws a picture of Daddy Bucky in a hospital bed with Christopher and daddy and Grandpa Bobby and Grandma Athena and Auntie Hen and Uncle Chimney beside him.

The earthquake is scary. He’s lived in L.A with his mommy and nanny for a few years, but he’d never experienced one before.

But, Mr. Richards is really calm and he tells everyone to duck under their desks.

Maisie - the girl who sits next to Christopher in English class - holds Christophers hand while they wait for the earthquake to stop. It does after a few minutes, and Christopher pokes his head above his desk to see Mr. Richards again.

‘Okay everyone, gather your things for me.’ He tells them.

Christopher does so - placing his workbook, pencil case and water bottle back into his backpack and hanging it on his crutch arm. Mr. Richards leads everyone out of the room and down to the assembly hall, where lots of other classes are already sat. Christopher and his class sit in their usual row, and Mr. Richards passes each of them a cookie and juice box.

They spend the whole day in the assembly hall, and one by one everyones parents come to collect them. Other than Bucky.

But Christopher knows that Bucky is out saving lives, so he doesn’t mind waiting. Soon, he’s the last kid left, and his Headmaster - Mr. Banks - sits down next to him.

‘Is there anyone else you can go to tonight?’ He asks Christopher.

He shakes his head. ‘No. I don’t know Carla’s number. But Bucky knows I’m here so I’m gonna wait here for him.’

Mr. Banks smiles down at him. ‘I’ll wait with you.’

Mr. Richards looks surprised for a second before he nods. ‘I’ll see you soon, Christopher. I’ve texted Buck to let him know you’re still here.’

‘Okay. Bye Mr. Richards.’ Christopher smiles up at him.

He and Mr. Banks sit in the hall for a long time, talking about space, before his phone rings. It’s Bucky. Mr. Banks tells him that Christopher is safe, and where to meet him before hanging up.

Christopher climbs to his feet and follows Mr. Banks through to the reception. They wait there for Bucky to turn up, and when he does, he runs up the stairs and gives Christopher a big hug as soon as he reaches them.

‘Bucky!’ Christopher cheers, happy to be in Bucky’s arms.

‘Christopher! Oh my god, thank god you’re okay.’ Bucky whispers into his hair as he picks him up in a tight hug and spins him in circles a few times.

‘Mr. Banks kept me safe!’ Christopher giggles, squirming a little in Bucky’s tight hold.

Bucky looks up at Mr. Banks. ‘Thank you, so much.’ He says.

‘Not a problem. Thank you for everything you do.’ Mr. Banks smiles, and then pushes Bucky and him out of the door.

Bucky drives Christopher home, and tells him about all of the cool things he did today - like climb down an elevator shaft to save someone!

They get home, and Bucky makes him chicken nuggets and chips before tucking him into bed. He reads ‘The Good Dinosaur’ to Christopher, but pauses halfway through.

‘Hey Chris? Can you tell me about your daddy?’ He asks.

The question takes Christopher by surprise. In the 5 months he’s been with Bucky, he’d never asked about his daddy. Christopher had talked about him a little bit, but not much. He hasn’t seen his daddy or talked to him in almost 3 years.

‘I don’t really remember him.’ Christopher admits. ‘When I was a baby, mommy looked after me while daddy was in the army. Then, he got hurt and came home with a medal. We stayed with him for a while, but he and mommy were fighting all the time. They thought I couldn’t hear. Then, mommy woke me up one night and told me we were going on a trip and I haven’t seen him since. Mommy wouldn’t let me talk about him or talk to him. I miss him sometimes.’

‘Would you like to see him again?’ Bucky asks. Christopher looks up at him. Had he found his daddy?

‘Yeah.’ He nods. ‘I wanna stay with you, though.’

‘You can do whatever you want, bud. You know I’ll never let you go unless you want me to. But, I can set up a meeting with your daddy, if that’s what you want.’ Bucky tells him.

‘Will you stay with me for it?’

‘Always, Chris.’ Bucky smiles.

‘Okay, I wanna see him.’ Christopher decides.

‘Alright then.’ Bucky nods, then goes back to reading.

Christopher feels excited about seeing his daddy again, but he’s most excited about Bucky saying he’d never leave him. Bucky loves him enough to stay, so Christopher decides he feels brave enough to call him ‘Daddy Bucky’ for the first time.

Bucky finishes reading ‘The Good Dinosaur’ and kisses Christophers’s head.

‘Night kiddo, love you.’ He whispers.

‘Love you too, Daddy Bucky.’ Christopher promises around a yawn, and catches sight of his smile before he closes his eyes.

Christopher feels good about his decision to call him it.

Three days later, Christopher sees his daddy again, just like Daddy Bucky promised, and he and Daddy Bucky agree to move in together so Christopher can see them both at once all the time. He cries happy tears that night after they both read him a bedtime story.

Christopher is just finishing colouring in his card when Carla comes into the room.

“Okay baby, your Daddy Bucky has been taken to hospital, and Grandpa Bobby and your daddy are with him. He said you can come see him, so how about we head there now, hmm?”

“Yes!” Christopher jumps up from his seat and quickly puts his shoes on.

Carla helps him into his jacket, and he places his card in the pocket carefully. She takes him out to her car and gets him strapped in before driving away from the house.

“Is Daddy Bucky going to be okay?” Christopher asks Carla.

“I'm sure he will be sweetheart. Your Grandpa Bobby is with him, and so is your daddy. They'll take good care of him, you know that.”

“Grandpa Bobby gives the best hugs, they always make Daddy Bucky feel better.” Christopher tells her.

“And what about your daddy?”

“He always kisses it better when I hurt myself. Do you think he’ll do it for Daddy Bucky?”

“I’m sure he will.” Carla smiles.

Christopher looks around his new room excitedly. His daddy has been back with him for a month now, and he and Daddy Bucky have finally found a nice big house for them all to live in. His room is on the ground floor and it's huge and he even has his own bathroom!

‘It’s so much bigger than my old room!’ He tells Daddy Bucky.

‘It sure is bud.' Daddy Bucky smiles at him. 'You could fit another whole bed in here for when Denny and Harry stay over.’

‘Can they stay over tonight?’

‘Not tonight bud, let’s finish moving in first.’ Daddy Bucky laughs. ‘You wanna see the backyard?’

Christopher nods. ‘Yes!’

Daddy Bucky leads him through the kitchen and opens the doors to their garden. They didn’t have one at their old apartment, so Christopher is excited to have one.

‘Whoah it’s huge too!’ Christopher yells happily.

‘We can put up a swing set in that corner and maybe even a pool in the summer.’ Daddy Bucky tells him.

‘Really?’ Christopher asks.

‘You bet. We could even ask Michael to design us a deck and get a hot tub for it.’

‘We can get a big barbecue like Grandpa Bobby and have so many parties!’ Christopher giggles.

‘We sure can.’ Daddy Bucky grins back.

Christopher dances a little on the spot, but his foot slips from the step he’s on. He falls to the concrete and hurts his knee. He starts crying as Daddy Bucky quickly picks him up.

’Shh shh, it’s okay buddy.’ Daddy Bucky whispers as he carries him back into the kitchen.

He puts Christopher down on the counter and pulls up the leg of his jeans just as daddy runs into the room and comes over to them.

‘Christopher, hey, what’s wrong?’ He asks.

‘I fell over and hurt my knee.’ Christopher sniffles.

Daddy crouches down and kisses the scrape on his knee gently. ‘Feel better?’

Christopher nods, because it does! He wipes his tears away with a grin.

‘Kisses make everything feel better.’ Daddy Bucky smiles as he places a band aid over Christophers knee, and kisses it himself.

Christopher giggles and gives both of his daddies a hug.

“You doing okay back there?” Carla asks from the front seat of her car.

“I'm just worried about Daddy Bucky.” Christopher tells her.

“I know you are, hon. But he was awake and asking about you before the doctors took him away to do surgery on his leg.” Carla tells him.

“He’s having surgery? He might catch up with me and Chimney.” Christopher giggles.

“Yeah, he might.” Carla laughs.

“We could start a club.”

“What would you call it?”

“Surgery Smash Bros!”

Carla lets out a loud laugh. “That’s a good one!”

’Are you excited to meet Santa?’ Daddy Bucky asks him as he carries him through the Christmas market.

‘Yes!’ Christopher cheers.

‘What’re you gonna ask him for?’ Daddy asks.

‘I can’t tell you, you know that!’ Christopher giggles.

Daddy pouts. ‘Pretty please?’

‘Nope.’ Christopher shakes his head.

‘Fine.’ Daddy rolls his eyes, but he’s grinning.

‘Can I stand in line by myself?’ Christopher asks him, and he turns to Daddy Bucky.

‘Of course you can, Chris. Just give us a shout if you need us, okay?’ Daddy Bucky tells him as he places him on the ground.

Christopher nods quickly as he gets his arms into his crutches and steadies himself.

‘I will.’ He promises out loud for good measure.

Christopher stands in the line for Santa's Grotto and watches as his daddies go to sit on the fountain to wait for him. One of Santa’s elves comes over to him and smiles.

‘Hi! My name is Blair, I’m a friend of Santa’s.’ She tells him.

‘Hi Blair! I’m Christopher.’ Christopher grins at her.

‘Are you here with anyone?’ She asks, looking around.

‘My daddies are sitting on the fountain.’ He tells her and points over at them.

Blair waves at them before looking back at Christopher. ‘You have two dads? That’s so cool!’

‘They’re the greatest. They’re both firefighters!’ He gushes.

‘Oh wow really?’

‘Yeah! They’re my heroes.’

'I bet they are.' Blair smiles, and then helps him up the steps to Santa. He climbs into Santa's lap with her help and grins up at him.

‘Hi Santa! I’ve been a really good boy this year.’ Christopher promises.

‘I know you have, Christopher.’ Santa tells him.

Christopher gasps. ‘How do you know my name?’

‘I know everyones names. And I know when they’ve been good. So, what would you like for Christmas this year?’

‘I want my Daddy Bucky to adopt me and be my real dad.’ Christopher tells him seriously.

‘Is that so?’ Santa asks.

‘Yep! He’s been my daddy for 7 months now, and I love him so much! I want him and my daddy to be both my dads for real.’

‘I’ll see what I can do for you, Christopher.’ Santa tells him with a smile. ‘Is there anything else you want?’

‘I get two wishes?’ Christopher's eyes go wide.

‘Just this one time.’ Santa winks.

Christopher squirms in his lap excitedly. ‘Yay! I’d really like to get a Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros!’

‘Alright Christopher. I’ll work on it.’ Santa promises.

‘Thank you!’ Christopher grins and hugs him.

They pose for a picture and then, Blair is helping him back down the steps and takes him over to his daddies. They both stand up to greet him with grins.

‘How’d it go, pal?’ Daddy asks him.

‘It went great.’ Christopher grins.

‘So what did you ask for?' Daddy asks

Christopher shakes his head at him. ‘I can’t tell. Santa said he’d work on it.’

His daddies chuckle at him, and daddy picks him up in a hug. ‘Let’s go.’

He carries him over to the hot chocolate stand, and Daddy Bucky joins them after a few minutes.

‘Where did you go?’ Daddy asks him.

‘Blair the elf told me how adorable Christopher is. Like I need reminding.’ Daddy Bucky winks and Christopher giggles.

Later that night, after daddy tells him that Christmas wishes can come true even if you say them out loud, Christopher tells him his wishes to Santa. Daddy smiles at him and kisses his forehead as he tucks him in.

‘Will Santa be able to make my wishes come true?’ He asks daddy.

‘He’s sure gonna try.’ Daddy promises.

Christopher falls asleep with a smile on his face. He can’t wait for Christmas Day!

On Christmas morning - after he opens his Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros - Daddy Bucky tells him that, in May, he will be adopting him and making him his second daddy for real!

‘Santa said he’d work on it and he did! This is the best Christmas ever!’ Christopher cheers happily.

Carla pulls to a stop in the hospital car park, and turns to look at Christopher.

“Now I’m not sure if he’s out of surgery yet, so don’t be surprised if we can’t see him straight away, okay?” She tells him.

“Okay Carla.” Christopher nods.

“You wanna grab something to eat from the cafeteria before we find Daddy? We haven’t had dinner yet.”

“I’m not hungry. I just want to go inside and wait for Daddy Bucky.” Christopher tells her.

“You got it, hon.”

She helps Christopher out of the car and they hold hands as they walk into the hospital.

‘Daddy Bucky?’ Christopher asks.

Daddy Bucky looks up at him from where he’d been sat reading something on his phone. ‘Yeah Chris?’

‘While daddy is at work, can me and you do something together again?’

‘What do you mean bud?’ Daddy Bucky asks with a small confused frown.

‘Well, I like spending time with you and daddy, but we haven’t had a day out together since he moved in with us.’ Christopher tells him.

‘Oh bud I’m sorry.’ Daddy Bucky says softly. ‘I thought you’d want your dad with us when we have days out.’

‘I do!’ Christopher insists. ‘But, I miss having days out with just you.’

It’d been 3 months since daddy came back, and joined in on their days out. Christopher had been on days out with just his daddy while Daddy Bucky was at work, but not with his Daddy Bucky.

‘Well we can definitely do something today, if you want. What are you thinking?’ Daddy Bucky asks Christopher.

Christopher thinks for a few seconds. He hadn’t expected to get this far - he thought Daddy Bucky would be too tired after work to do something fun today.

‘The Griffith Obs-observatory?’

Daddy Bucky grins at him. ‘You’re getting so good with your pronunciation bud, I’m so proud of you! And we can definitely go to the Griffith Observatory. We can play in the park and maybe even get some ice cream too.’ He winks.

‘Really?’ Christopher gasps.

‘Really really. Just don’t tell your dad.’

Christopher holds his pinky out for Daddy Bucky to shake. He never did this with mommy, but Daddy Bucky told him that pinky promises were sacred and very serious and Christopher loved making them with him. Daddy Bucky links their pinky’s together and shakes once with another wink.

They rush to get washed and dressed, and Daddy Bucky drives them to the observatory. Daddy Bucky tells him facts about space as they walk around.

‘Did you know that Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system? It’s 450° Celsius! That’s 842° Fahrenheit!’

‘Whoah. That’s really hot! Why is it so hot?’ Christopher asks, his eyes wide.

‘’Cause it’s the second closest planet to the sun, and do you know how hot the sun is?’

‘I do, I learned it the other day at school! It’s 9,941° Fahrenheit!’

‘That’s exactly right, put it there bud!’ Daddy Bucky holds his hand out for a high five, and Christopher gives him one happily. ‘Did you know that it costs 12 million dollars to make a space suit?’

‘What? That’s so much money!’

‘It is! And did you know that the moon was once a part of the Earth?’

‘Really?’

‘Yep. Apparently, when Earth was still really young, something hit it and a piece broke off, and created the moon. The piece began to orbit the Earth because of its gravitational pull.’

‘You should be a teacher Daddy Bucky. You know the coolest facts.’ Christopher grins.

‘Thank you Chris. Maybe if I ever have to stop firefighting, I’ll become a teacher, yeah?’ Daddy Bucky grins back at him.

‘Good plan.’

‘Good indeed.’

On their way home, Daddy Bucky buys Christopher two scoops of cookie dough ice cream with sprinkles and chocolate sauce.

‘Hmm this is good.’ Christopher hums happily as he licks up some of the sauce.

‘Just remember - no telling daddy, alright?’ Daddy Bucky nudges him.

‘No telling daddy.’ Christopher agrees with a giggle.

Daddy, Grandpa Bobby and Grandma Athena are sat in the waiting room when Carla and Christopher get there. Daddy jumps up from his seat and gives Christopher a cuddle while Carla speaks to Grandpa Bobby and Grandma Athena.

“Hey Mijo.” Daddy smiles.

“Is Daddy Bucky okay?” Christopher asks him.

“Daddy Bucky will be okay.’ Daddy smiles as he sits down with Christopher in his lap. ‘The doctors just told us that his leg will be really sore for a long time and that he will need help walking, but he will get better, I promise.”

“Okay.’ Christopher nods. ‘When can we see him?”

“In a little while.’ Grandpa Bobby promises as he leans over to hug Christopher. ‘The doctors are still with him now, but we will be able to see him as soon as they're finished.”

Christopher nods and, once he's also hugged Grandma Athena, he settles down in daddy’s lap to wait.

’What on earth is going on here?’ Daddy’s voice asks from the kitchen door.

Christopher slowly turns around to see him leant against the doorframe with his arms crossed and a small smile on his face.

‘We’re baking cupcakes!’ Christopher cheers.

After 9 months of knowing the 118, Christopher knows just how much they love cupcakes and brownies and cookies, so he asked Daddy Bucky if they could make some cupcakes for them for valentines day. Daddy Bucky had agreed easily.

So, while daddy was helping Abuela by fixing her porch, he and Daddy Bucky started making the batter. Their first batch was already cooling on the counter, and their second was in the oven right now.

Daddy looks around the kitchen with a raised eyebrow, and Christopher follows his eye line.

He and Daddy Bucky had managed to make a lot of mess, Christopher has to admit. There are bowls and spatulas piled up in the sink, and they’d managed to get flour everywhere.

Christopher looks back at his daddy with his best innocent smile. Daddy Bucky does the same next to him.

‘You made this much mess making cupcakes?’ Daddy asks slowly.

‘Not just any cupcakes. Reese’s Butter Cup cupcakes!’ Daddy Bucky exclaims. ‘They have a dipped pretzel at the bottom, Reese’s pieces as the chocolate chips and creamy Reese’s peanut butter mixed into the batter.’

He holds out one of the cooling cupcakes for daddy to take, and he does so with an eye roll. But, when he bites into it, his eyes go wide.

‘This is really good!’ Daddy tells them once he’s swallowed his mouthful.

‘We know.’ Christopher laughs.

‘Who are they for?’

‘Everyone at the station! Uncle Chimney and Auntie Hen love cupcakes, and Reese’s are Grandpa Bobby’s favourite flavour. So we made them some for valentines day tomorrow.’

‘I’m sure they’ll be very pleased with them guys.’ Daddy smiles and finishes his cupcake.

The next morning, Christopher rides to the station with Daddy Bucky - who doesn’t have work today - and holds one Tupperware container full of their cupcakes, and another filled with homemade heart shaped chocolate chip cookies in his lap.

Everyone cheers when he and Daddy Bucky get upstairs and hand the treats out. Daddy reaches forwards and takes a cupcake before anyone else can and Christopher laughs at him.

‘Mmm. You and Daddy Bucky should make these more often.’ He says around a mouthful.

‘Damn, you should open a bakery.’ Auntie Hen says around her own mouthful.

‘I’ll be first in line.’ Uncle Chimney says around his.

‘Stop talking with you mouths full.’ Grandpa Bobby tells them with an eye roll. He bites into one and makes a noise of surprise. He quickly swallows the bite. ‘Reese’s cupcakes?’

‘Your favourite.’ Christopher grins. ‘Happy valentines day!’

‘Happy valentines day to you too, Christopher.’ Grandpa Bobby smiles and hugs him.

Christopher and Daddy Bucky stay until the bell goes off an hour later, and all of their cupcakes and cookies are gone. They wave everyone off as they pile into the trucks and drive away, then Daddy Bucky turns to Christopher.

‘What do you say we get In-N-Out on the way home and not tell daddy?’ He grins.

‘Deal!’ Christopher grins back, and they pinky shake on it.

“Is it my fault Daddy Bucky got hurt?” Christoper asks.

Daddy, Grandpa Bobby, Grandma Athena and Carla all gasp and look at him with wide eyes.

“Not at all, baby!’ Grandma Athena says. ‘Why do you think that?”

“Because! All of my parents get hurt and leave me!” Christopher cries.

“What do you mean by that?” Daddy asks.

“You’re my daddy and you left and got hurt in the army. Mommy hurt herself accidentally and left to be with Nanny in heaven. I called Bucky my Daddy Bucky and now he’s hurt but I don’t want him to leave me too!”

His daddy cuddles him close to his body and rocks them back and forth.

“None of what has happened in the past if your fault at all, you hear me? When I left for war, it was my decision, not your fault. Then when I got hurt, it wasn’t your fault - it was the person who shot me’s fault. And mommy getting hurt and going to heaven to be with your Nanny wasn’t your fault.' Daddy takes Christopher's face in his hands and makes him look up. 'Your Daddy Bucky getting hurt isn't your fault either, and he isn’t going to leave you, okay?” He tells him.

“You promise?”

“I promise.” Daddy nods.

“We all do.” Grandpa Bobby says, and leans forwards to give Christopher his pinky.

Christopher smiles as he links their pinkies together and shakes. Daddy, Grandma Athena and Carla all do the same.

’How much further is it?’ Christopher asks.

‘Google maps says 4 minutes! It’s just around this corner, I promise!’ Daddy Bucky grins back at him.

Christopher nods and settles back in his bike trailer that daddy is pulling along.

Daddy Bucky had suggested a bike ride to the Hollywood sign to have a picnic today instead of going to the arcade. Christopher has never seen it up close, so he’s excited!

Just as Daddy Bucky had said, 4 minutes later, daddy slows to a stop and Christopher pokes his head out of the trailer again, and sees the sign.

‘It’s a lot bigger up close!’ Christopher gasps.

‘Of course it is! You could probably see this sign from space.’ Daddy jokes.

‘We’re gonna have the finish off on foot if we want to get as close as we can, is that something you want?’ Daddy Bucky asks.

‘Yes!’ Christopher jumps up and carefully climbs out of the trailer.

Daddy takes out some bike chains and locks their bikes to a lamppost nearby. He grabs their backpack, and they head off towards the sign.

Daddy and Daddy Bucky go purposely slow so Christopher can keep up easily. After 15 minutes of walking through bushes, they finally come out to a patch of grass that gives them a good view of the whole sign. Daddy sets down the picnic blanket and Daddy Bucky unpacks the snacks.

Christopher lays down across the blanket with a happy sigh and looks up at the sign. Daddy takes a photo of him, and then he and Daddy Bucky lay down on either sides of him to take a family selfie.

‘Send that to me. I need it as my lock screen.’ Daddy Bucky says with a grin.

‘But I want it as my lock screen.’ Daddy pouts.

‘Oh but Eddie!’

‘You can both have it as your lock screens.’ Christopher rolls his eyes at his parents.

They both turn to look at him, before bursting into laughter. Daddy sends the picture over, and they both set it as their lock screens.

‘How will we know who’s phone is who’s?’ Daddy asks.

‘Your face doesn’t unlock mine, and my face doesn’t unlock yours. That’s how.’ Daddy Bucky grins.

Daddy rolls his eyes at him and pokes his tongue out and Christopher giggles at them. They really are so weird, but he wouldn't have them any other way.

They eat their sandwiches while Daddy Bucky lists off facts about the sign - he and Grandpa Bobby did a guided tour of L.A when Daddy Bucky was little and he remembered all of the facts.

‘-and did you know that this isn’t even the original sign?’

Christopher frowns. ‘It isn’t?’

‘Nope. The original sign read ‘HOLLYWOODLAND’ and was much bigger than this one. Hollywoodland was a new neighbourhood and the sign was originally built to advertise the real estate. They lit it up with lightbulbs to attract people.’

‘Why did they replace it?’

‘Well, all of the houses in the neighbourhood sold, and the sign was left to fall into a state of disrepair. But, instead of just tearing it down, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce took over maintenance. It was completely rebuilt it in 1978, but the ‘LAND’ part was left out so it wouldn’t be associated with the original housing development. Lots of different celebrities own a letter each and helped pay for it to be rebuilt.’

‘You know the weirdest facts.’ Daddy snorts.

‘I think they’re cool!’ Christopher grins.

He’s enjoyed his 10 months worth of random facts from Daddy Bucky and he never wants them to stop.

‘Thank you Christopher.’ Daddy Bucky grins back.

They finish up their picnic and stay there until it starts to get dark. Daddy Bucky packs everything up and carries it all back to the bikes while daddy gives Christopher a piggyback. He puts him inside the trailer and Christopher tries to stay awake, but the ride slowly lulls him to sleep.

“Family of Evan Nash?” A man yells.

Grandpa Bobby jumps to his feet and calls the man - a doctor - over to them.

“How is he?” Grandpa Bobby asks.

“Mr. Nash’s surgery went just fine, and his leg has been successfully set with a titanium rod and 4 cobalt-chromed screws.’ The doctor smiles. ‘He’s currently being taken to a private room, and once he’s settled, someone will come and take you to him.”

“Thank you so much.” Grandma Athena smiles.

“You hear that? Daddy Bucky is going to be just fine, like we said.” Daddy whispers to Christopher, who starts crying from happiness.

“So he’s not leaving me?” He asks Daddy.

“Never. I told you that your Daddy Bucky isn’t going to leave you, remember? You know, he told me he will do everything he can to come home to you and me.”

“He really said that?” Christopher looks up at daddy.

“He sure did.' Daddy smiles. 'While we was in the ambulance here, I told him that I was proud of him for holding on for so long and he said those exact words to me.”

“Do you love Daddy Bucky?” Christopher asks his daddy.

Daddy’s cheeks go bright red and he smiles. “Of course I do. He’s my best friend.”

“But do you want him to be your boyfriend?”

Daddy opens his mouth to say something, before closing it again. He’s quiet for a long time, before he sighs.

“Yes I do. I want him to be my boyfriend. But you can’t tell him okay?”

“Why not?” Christopher frowns.

“Because Daddy Bucky doesn’t want me to be his boyfriend.” Daddy sighs unhappily.

“Did he say so?”

“No, he didn’t.”

“Then how do you know?”

“I just do, Christopher. Promise to keep it a secret?” Daddy holds his pinky out again, and Christopher sighs loudly.

“Fine.’ He hooks their pinkies together and shakes for the second time that night. ‘But I still think you should tell him. He might want to be your boyfriend, too.”

“I might tell him soon, but we have to focus on helping him get better for now. Can you do that for me?”

“Of course.” Christopher nods seriously.

’Can we feed the giraffes?’ Christopher asks.

‘Of course we can Christopher, we can do whatever you want today.’ Daddy Bucky grins.

‘Awesome!’

Today is Christophers birthday, his first birthday while being with Daddy Bucky and his daddy all at once, and it’s been the best day ever so far!

Daddy Bucky and daddy had woken him up with pancakes in bed and gave him his presents - a Star Wars Millennium Falcon lego set, some new clothes, a new Big Hero 6 backpack for school, some more Nintendo Switch games and a new set of crutches in bright blue - his favourite colour!

Then, daddy had driven them all to the zoo, his favourite place to go ever! They’d got there at opening time and spent the entire morning looking at all of Christophers favourite animals and watching some feedings. And now, they were queuing up to feed the giraffes after eating their lunch at the cafe.

‘You’re the best daddies ever.’ Christopher tells them, because they are!

‘You’re the best son ever.’ Daddy Bucky smiles at him and daddy nods.

They feed the giraffes, and carry on looking at the animals. Soon, Christophers legs start to get tired.

‘Daddy Bucky, I’m getting tired. Can you carry me?’ Christopher looks up at him.

He’s got a lot better at asking for help when he needs it in the 11 months he’s been with Daddy Bucky, because he knows Daddy Bucky wont laugh at him or think he’s weak like other people do.

Daddy Bucky gives him a big smile. ‘Of course I can!’

He leans down so Christopher can climb onto his back, and that’s where he stays for the rest of the day. They get McDonalds on the way home, but instead of going to their house, Daddy Bucky drives them to Abuela’s house.

When they get inside, Abuela, Tia Pepa, Grandpa Bobby, Grandma Athena, Auntie Hen, Auntie Karen, Uncle Chimney and the rest of the 118 and their families are all waiting for him, as well as May, Harry, Denny and even some of his friends from school!

They all yell ‘Happy Birthday!’ at Christopher, making him grin.

He looks up at his daddies. ‘You threw me a surprise birthday party?’

‘Of course we did! You only turn 8 once.’ Daddy Bucky nods seriously, but he’s smiling.

‘Mommy never let me have parties before.’ Christopher tells them and they both frown.

‘Why not?’ Daddy asks and crouches down next to Christopher.

‘She didn’t like having other people in the house so we always went out for dinners for my birthday.’

‘Well you can have as many people as you’d like for any party while you’re with us.’ Daddy Bucky says.

‘You promise?’

‘I pinky promise.’

Christopher grins as he hooks his pinky with both of his daddies and they all shake on it. He races off to say hello to everyone and play with his friends until daddy and Abuela come out of the kitchen, singing happy birthday and holding a giant chocolate cake with 8 candles in it.

‘I wish to stay with daddy and Daddy Bucky forever and ever!’ Christopher wishes in his head as he closes his eyes and blows out the candles, while everyone cheers for him.

‘What did you wish for?’ Denny asks him excitedly.

‘I can’t tell. It’s a secret.’ Christopher grins.

‘Oh man!’ Denny complains, but he’s still smiling. ‘Whatever it is, I hope it comes true!’

Christopher looks up at his daddies, who are cutting up cake for everyone and grinning at each other.

‘Me too.’ He nods.

Once the party is over later on, Daddy Bucky drives them back home with all of Christophers new presents and the rest of his cake in the boot.

‘Did you have a good day?’ Daddy Bucky asks him.

‘The best day ever. I love you both so much!’ Christopher grins sleepily.

‘We love you too, Christopher.’ Daddy smiles back.

‘We sure do. You can nap if you want, we’ll wake you up when we get home.’ Daddy Bucky says.

‘Okay Daddy Bucky.’ Christopher smiles, and closes his eyes.

Another man comes into the waiting room and calls to them, and daddy stands up to follow him, still holding Christopher.

They follow him through the hallways of the hospital before coming to a stop outside one of the rooms.

“Mr. Nash is still sleeping off the anaesthesia but you can all head on inside. He shouldn’t take too long to wake up.” The man says.

Grandpa Bobby thanks him, and opens the door.

Daddy Bucky is asleep in the bed with lots of wires coming out of his arms, and his leg is wrapped up in a cast and hanging from a sling to keep it above the pillows. But he’s going to be okay. He hasn’t left Christopher.

Christopher curls up in the chair closest to the bed.

“Wake up Daddy Bucky. Please.”

Chapter Text

’Daddy? Where are we going?’ Evan asks.

Daddy, who’s sat in the front of the truck, laughs. ‘I’ve already told you kiddo - it’s a surprise. Go back to your Game Boy.’

Evan sighs and rolls his eyes. Today is his 9th birthday - his second with his daddy. His daddy had woken him up with pancakes in bed and an armful of presents - a new colour Game Boy, a Poo-Chi, a Razor Scooter and a Stretch Armstrong as well as some books and clothes!

Then, after showering and getting dressed, he told Evan to get in the car for a trip somewhere, instead of going to school for the day! But, he won’t tell him where they are going.

‘We’ve been driving forever!’ Evan whines, making daddy laugh again.

‘We’ve only been driving for 40 minutes!’

Evan sighs again and thumps his head against his car seat. He does go back to playing on his Game Boy - and he can’t wait to show it off to his friends at school on Monday!

Finally, after what feels like hours, daddy slows the car to a stop, and Evan looks out of his window. He drops his Game Boy in surprise.

‘We’re at Disneyland?’ He gasps.

‘We sure are. Happy birthday kiddo.’ Daddy turns around in his seat to smile.

‘I’ve never been to Disneyland before!’ Evan squeals. ‘Mommy never took me.’

‘I know she didn’t, bud. So I wanted to make it up to you.’

‘Thank you daddy! I love you so much!’

‘I love you too. Now, are you ready to have the best birthday in the histories of birthdays?’

‘Yes! I’m so ready!’

‘Well let’s get going then.’ Daddy grins.

He helps Evan out of the truck and holds his hand to lead him over to the gates. The woman in the window looks down and notices Evans ‘Birthday Boy’ badge on his t-shirt and smiles.

‘It’s your birthday today?’ She asks.

‘Yep! I’m 9!’

‘And is it your first time here at Disneyland?’

‘Yeah! My old mommy said she would bring me but didn’t and she left me behind but I met my new daddy and he took me today!’ Evan tells her.

‘Oh wow, so it’s a super special occasion.’ The woman smiles up at daddy. ‘And super special occasions call for super special ears.’

Evan gasps as he hands over a pair of Mickey Mouse ears that have a party hat on them. He puts them on his head and grins for the picture daddy takes.

‘How much for the ears?’ Daddy asks her.

‘On the house for the birthday boy. You have a good day, alright?’ The woman grins at Evan.

‘I will! Thank you!’ Even grins back.

Daddy thanks her, takes their tickets and Evans hand, and leads him through the gates.

Buck struggles to open his eyes. His head is throbbing, as is the rest of his body. He wracks his brain - tries to remember what happened. He was driving the truck to a call, and dispatch had spoke to them over the radio about his dad wanting to get in contact with them. He remembers hearing a loud boom, and feeling the truck tilt, and then - nothing.

He’s lying on the ground, that much is obvious to him. He hears cracking, and suddenly, something is hitting his legs. He’s not prepared for the jolt of pain that goes through his left leg at the feeling of - what he can only assume is - the windshield glass falling on top of him. He hears himself gasp out loud to deal with the pain, and he tries to get his hands beneath him to lift himself up, but his movements are sluggish. He feels disorientated, and he’s still not sure why he’s on the floor.

He hears footsteps, and looks up in time to see a young boy - possibly late teens, early 20’s - slowly approach him, his face pulled into a sneer. He has a bomb strapped to his vest, with a dead-man’s trigger held in his hand.

“You’re new.” Is all he says.

Buck can only blink at him in confusion. What was happening? Was he the bomber? Is that why Buck is on the floor? Was he hit by one? Was the kid going to blow Buck and the rest of the crew up?

Wait. The rest of the crew. Eddie is here too.

“E’die.”

“What?” The boy asks.

“Wh’r’s E’die?”

“I don’t know who Eddie is.” He scoffs, and walks away.

Please, Buck thinks, please let Eddie be okay. They can’t both be blown up tonight and leave Chris all alone again.

Oh god, Chris. He promised he’d never leave the boy and now he might. He can’t do that to Chris - he’s already lost so much in such a short amount of time. Sure, his daddy was back with him, but Buck promised he’d never leave!

Buck has no idea how long he lays on the cold, hard floor, but he does know one thing for certain. The pain in his left leg is because there is an entire ladder truck lying on top of it. He can’t move an inch, but he’s too tired to be freaked out by it any more than he already is.

Soon enough though, the intersection they’re currently blocking up is swarming with cop cars, a SWAT squad and additional units. There’s even a helicopter hovering around them. Buck just hopes against hope that, if this is being broadcast on news channels, Chris is too busy with his homework to see it. The thought of his little boy watching him like this on the news makes him feel sick to the stomach.

“Give me the captain!’ The kid suddenly screams . ‘Where is the captain?”

Captain? Why did this kid want his dad? Was his dad okay?

Buck cranes his neck to see the kid storm over to Martin - who’s also lying on the ground, bleeding - and, from his position, it looks like he’s going to kick him or something. Buck’s blood boils in his veins, but he still can’t move.

“I’m the captain, okay?’ Chimney’s voice suddenly states, and the kid turns to him, as does Buck. ‘I’m the captain, so please just let me help them, okay? Please?” He begs.

“No. No I don’t want you.’ The boy states. ‘I want Captain Nash.”

Why does this kid want his dad so much? Did he want to hurt him? That though hurts more than any injury Buck has sustained, tonight or otherwise.

Buck hears a commotion, but he can’t make out any words being said. And then-

“Freddie!”

That’s dads voice.

“No. Dad.” Buck calls weakly.

His dad can’t be here. He needs to be safe! Dad steps into Bucks view, his hands held in front of his face., his eyes flickering between the kid and Buck

“Thought you’d be on the truck.” The kid - Freddie - states casually. Like they’re discussing the fucking weather.

“I’m here now.” Dad says calmly. ‘What’s next? This is what you wanted.”

“I wanted you dead.”

Bucks heart all but stops beating in his chest.

“I get that. But what about them?’ Dad asks, pointing to the rest of the crew scattered across the street, injured. ‘What about him?’ He then asks, pointing at Buck, and Buck can hear the change of tone in his voice. He’s not Captain Nash anymore. He’s dad. And he’s equally worried and pissed. ‘He’s got parents, a son, friends and he never did anything to you. He wasn’t even a firefighter when your father burned down your restaurant!”

Oh. That’s what this is about?

Buck vaguely remembers his dad and Athena talking about the first time they properly worked together. They’d responded to a fire at a restaurant, that turned out to be arson. The father, who started the fire, ended up going to jail for it after dad and Athena uncovered the truth and busted him. Dad told him about how upset the guys son was at the time. Was this his kid? Getting revenge for his dad going to jail by bombing the involved in the case? It’s a little little extreme, if you ask Buck.

“Collateral damage.” Freddie states.

Ouch. That hurts.

“Is that how you see yourself?’ Dad asks, his voice dipping low in his anger. ‘An unintended victim in all of this?” He’s goading him.

“Stop.’ Freddie spits. ‘One more step and we all go boom.” He warns.

“Freddie. You got dealt a bad hand and I am sorry about that.’ Dad says and circles around him to get closer to Buck. ‘But what you did with it - that’s a choice. You stopped being a victim the moment you left that first bomb.”

“That lawyer! She-“

“Did her job.’ Dad cuts in. ‘We were all doing our jobs.”

“Destroying my family.’ Freddie spits. ‘My mom and I lost everything. She was in so much pain.”

“You wanna make it worse? You want to make her watch you die?” Dad juts his chin over Freddie’s shoulder, and he - and Buck - follow it.

A woman is being lead over to them by Athena and detective Marks - her friend. Buck can only assume that it is Freddie’s mom.

“Freddie.” She whispers.

“Mom.’ Freddie calls back. With his back to dad, he strikes and tackles him. ‘No! No no!”

The two of them struggle for the bomb, and Bucks heart is in his throat as he watches on, helpless. Thankfully, SWAT agents quickly swarm around them with their guns locked and loaded and pointed at Freddie, and Freddie loses all of his fight.

“Dead-man’s trigger.” Dad says, and one of the agents nods in understanding and carefully transfers it over to his own hand, before they lead Freddie and his mom away.

Eddie, Chimney and Hen are suddenly at Buck’s side. He blinks up at them sluggishly.

“You still with us Buck?” Chimney asks.

Buck can tell he’s aiming for there to be a lightness to his voice, but he misses by about a mile.

“Buck, how we doing?” Hen asks, not even bothering to mask her own worry.

Buck takes a second to take stock of his body. In the midst of his panic over his dad fighting with a kid with a freaking bomb, his body has started to succumb to its injuries, and he’s going into shock, he knows that much. He opens his mouth to tell her all of that.

“Kinda numb.” Is all he manages to say.

“I’m gonna run two lines.” She announces.

“Skin is cold and pale.” Eddie reports, and Buck belatedly recognises it as his hand against his neck.

“Push sodium bicarbonate.’ Chimney orders. ‘Just hang in there, Buckaroo.”

“Hang on Buck.” Eddie echos.

“This is Captain 118. We’ve got a probable crush injury. I need all hands on deck to move this truck and clear a path to the nearest trauma centre.” Chimney demands over his radio.

Dad is suddenly there, and taking Bucks face in his hands.

“How you doing, kid?” He asks gently.

Buck simply pushes his head further into his dads hands, enjoying the warmth and comfort that comes from his touch and presence.

“We’re running out of time.” Chimney answers for him.

As Hen settles a c-collar around Bucks neck, his vision starts to swim, and his mind starts to float. Buck closes his eyes, even though he knows he’s not supposed to. He’s just so damn tired…

Daddy leads the way through Main Street, and Evan can feel himself start to vibrate from excitement as he looks at the the shops, and the giant statue of Mickey and Walt Disney. They see the castle up ahead, and Evan jumps up and down on the spot. Daddy chuckles at him, and lifts Evan onto his shoulders, so he can get a better view.

‘It’s so magical!’ Evan gushes.

‘It sure is.’ Daddy laughs. He passes up the camera, and Evan rests his elbows on daddy’s head to get a steady shot. ‘Where to first?’

Evan unfolds the map the lady passed to daddy and pores over it. ‘Fantasyland!’ He decides, and points towards the castle.

‘Fantasyland it is.’ Daddy confirms.

He walks them both over to the castle, and Evan gets another picture of it up close before they enter it.

‘Woah.’ Evan gasps. The rides all look so cool!

The first thing they do, is ride ‘It’s a Small World’. Johnny at school said it was one of the best rides at Disneyland - and he’s been twice already! - and Evan has always wanted to ride it! The song is catchy, and the dressed up dolls are so cool to look at. Evan loves it, just like Johnny said he would.

After that, they go on every single ride, and - because it’s a school day - it’s quiet that they don’t have to queue up for anything! They even manage to ride Peter Pan’s Flight - Evans favourite so far - twice!

After that, they go to Tomorrowland and get to ride on everything without queueing again!

‘How about some lunch, hmm?’ Daddy asks as they climb off of the Disney Monorail.

‘Okay daddy!’ Evan chirps.

They sit down in Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port for - you guessed it - pizza! Evan happily munches his pepperoni pizza slice, but all he can think of is -

‘Your homemade pizza tastes so much better, daddy!’ He says.

‘Thanks, kiddo.’ Daddy laughs. ‘You having a good day so far?’

‘It’s the second best day of my life!’ Evan tells him.

Daddy’s eyebrows scrunch up in a frown. ‘Only second best?’

‘Yeah! No day can beat the day you adopted me! That’s my favourite day ever and it always will be!’

Daddy’s eyes fill with tears and he leans over to hug Evan. Evan hugs him back happily.

‘I love you kid. So much.’ He says.

‘I love you too, daddy. You’re the best daddy in the world.’ Evan promises.

Buck suddenly becomes very aware of the amount of people around him when the weight of the ladder truck on his leg suddenly shifts. An involuntary scream rips from his throat at the pain that shoots up and down his left leg.

The truck settles back down on it, and Buck takes a few deep, calming breaths.

“You gotta lift higher!” He hears Hen urge.

“One more time guys.” Dad shouts.

“Hang in there. Hang in there.” Hen tells Buck urgently.

He’s trying.

“One, two, three, lift!” Dad hollers, and the weight of the truck shifts again.

This time, his scream is a conscious reaction. He’s never felt a pain like this - he’d take getting bombed in the desert over this any day.

“Lift a little higher! Higher!” Hen screams.

They still don’t manage to get it high enough, and once again it settles on Bucks leg. He’s exhausted and in so much pain, he’s dizzy with it. Well, that could be blood loss or something. Either way, his dizzy and exhausted and about ready to give up.

The only thing keeping him grounded and keeping him going, is Eddie’s hand in his. The man hasn’t let go, even though Buck is squeezing the life out of his hand and quite possibly cutting the blood flow off to his fingers. Buck’s very fucking grateful for the support right now.

“Hang on Buck.” Eddie urges.

“She’s too heavy.” Buck hears dad sigh.

“We got anything on the truck we can use for leverage?” Eddie asks.

“No, we need more people.” Dad states.

Buck groans and closes his eyes again. He wants to go back to sleep, but he refuses to. He’s so close to getting free, to getting back to Chris and Eddie and his dad and Athena and the rest of his family. He refuses to give up without a fight. His parents will not lose their son tonight, and his son will not lose another parent tonight.

He blinks his eyes open again at the sound of metal clanking. Lifting his head slightly, Buck is met by the sight of dozens of random bystanders rushing towards him. Were they going to help his family lift the truck off of him? His heart swells at the thought.

He hears dad, Chimney and Hen encourage the people as they surround the truck and, on dad’s count, they all throw their weight into lifting the truck. Eddies hand never loses its grip on his.

Buck screams as the weight of the truck is once again lifted, but this time, it goes much higher. He feels it the moment his leg gets completely free of the plastic and metal and he uses the grip he has on Eddie’s and now Hen’s hands to pull himself forwards, still screaming - half from pain, half from determination. They both help pull him along and, finally, he’s far enough away. The truck groans as its settled back on the floor, his leg clear of it.

“Alright, we lift him onto the board on three.’ Chimney states. ‘One, two, three!”

Buck doesn’t have the energy to scream this time as they move him. He’s free, and his family are around him, helping him. The sound of the crowd cheering meets Bucks ears, and he manages a weak smile.

“Stay with us Buck.” Hen pleads.

“Stay with us kid.” Dad adds on.

“Hospital is four minutes away, okay? Come on.” Hen coos.

“T’ll ‘em t’nk you.” He slurs, but dad understands.

He turns to the crowd of people who just helped save Bucks life and thanks them all for Buck. The cheering just gets louder.

“Hang on there, buddy.” Eddie says.

They get him loaded in their ambulance, and Eddie climbs in right beside him. Dad joins them a second later, and Buck hears the engine and their sirens start up. Hen and Chimney slam the doors closed just before they pull away, and Buck frowns.

“Who’s driving?” He asks slowly.

“I am, baby.” Athena calls from the cab.

“Mom?”

“That’s right. You can bet your ass I’d drive any vehicle if it means my child gets the help he needs.’ She yells over the sirens, her voice set with determination. ‘You hang on now, you hear me? We’ll get you to the hospital in no time.”

“‘kay mom. Love you.” Buck smiles.

“I love you too, my darling.” Athena coos.

There are hands on Bucks face, and he blinks up to see his dad and Eddie hovering over him.

“Evan. Son. I am so sorry.” Dad starts, as tears begin to pour down his face.

“’s not your fault. Kid was crazy.” Buck tells him, lifting a heavy arm to take his dads hand in his.

“I know, but still.” Dad says, squeezing Bucks hand and kissing it.

“But still nothin’.’ Buck cuts him off. ‘I don’t blame you dad, I never could. You helped save me, like you always do.”

“I love you kid. So much.” Dad cries and rests his forehead against Bucks for a moment.

“I love you too, dad.” Buck smiles.

“Buck, carińo, I am so proud of you. You held on for so long for us.” Eddie coos, getting Bucks attention on him.

“I’ll never leave you and Chris. Not if I can help it.” Buck vows.

Eddie cradles his face in his hands and kisses his forehead sweetly. “You’re so brave.”

Athena brings the ambulance to a screeching stop at that and, suddenly, there are more people all over Buck. Nurses and doctors are there and wheeling Buck away from dad, Athena and Eddie.

“No.. no don’t leave me!” Buck cries out for them as soon as he loses sight of them.

“We will be right outside the whole time, Evan. I promise you that. Just let them help you.” Dad calls back, his fingers brushing through Bucks hair fleetingly.

Buck settles back on the stretcher and closes his eyes. His family isn’t leaving him. He’s going to be okay.

After lunch, Evan drags daddy over to Mickey’s Toontown. Where, again, they ride on everything. Even especially likes Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, and convinces daddy to ride it two times.

From there, they go to Critter Country, where Evan begs to go on Splash Mountain four times. And daddy lets him every time.

Then, they go to New Orleans Square, followed by Frontierland and finally Adventureland, and Evan manages to ride on everything at least once. They stop and take photos with attractions and characters and daddy buys Evan whatever food he wants - he eats a lot of churros.

By the time they’re back on Main Street, the park is starting to close down for the day and daddy lets Evan pick one last birthday present from the shop.

Evan pores over his options, and ultimately decides on another pair of ears, so he and his daddy can match. Daddy smiles as he buys them and places them on his head. He asks the shop worker to take a picture of him and Evan so they have the castle in the background, and Evan cuddles as close to his daddy as possible as he grins at the camera.

‘Oh you two are so cute!’ The lady grins when she passes the camera back over to daddy.

‘It’s all him.’ Daddy grins and pinches Evans cheek, making him giggle.

Daddy takes Evans hand as they leave Disneyland behind and Evan has never been so happy in his whole life.

‘Thank you for loving me daddy.’ Evan says and looks up at his daddy.

Daddy stops walking and looks down at him with a big smile. He crouches down in front of Evan, so they’re face to face, and rests his hands on Evans shoulders.

‘Never thank me for loving you, Evan. Loving you is the easiest thing in the world.’ Daddy says.

‘So why did my old parents not love me?’ Evan asks, curious. ‘Why did mommy leave me behind?’

A sad look crosses daddies face before he smiles again. ‘Because they’re very silly people. Anyone who doesn’t love you is really silly. And I don’t know why your mommy left you behind, but I’m glad she did.’

‘Me too!’ Evan grins, because he is glad now! ‘If mommy never left me, I never would have met you and you’re my favourite person in the whole wide world.’

Daddy smiles at him again. ‘You’re my favourite person in the whole wide world, too. Now, what do you say to some McNuggets on the drive home?’

‘Yes! And and ice cream?’ Evan bats his eyelashes - a trick Sammy taught him. Daddy laughs loudly.

‘Anything for my birthday boy.’ He promises.

Bucks hearing is the first thing that comes back to him. He hears machines whirring, the heart monitor beeping, and the general hustle and bustle of a hospital through the fog I his mind. He hears soft spoken words, and a chair scraping. And then, he hears his little boys voice, loud and clear.

“Wake up Daddy Bucky. Please.”

Buck tries reaching out his hand for Chris to take, but his limbs feel heavy and uncooperative. But, Chris gasps and suddenly, both of his tiny hands are clasping Bucks left hand.

“Daddy Bucky? Can you hear me?” Chris asks.

Buck uses all of his strength to squeeze his hand once. Chris gasps again.

“Grandpa Bobby! He can hear me!” He squeals happily.

“Evan, son. Can you open your eyes for me?” Dad’s voice asks.

Never one to deny his dad - his hero - anything, Buck struggles with his own protesting body to peel his eyelids open. The lights in the room are too bright for him to make anything out for a long moment, but after blinking a few - thousand - times, his vision clears, and Buck looks up at the faces of his dad, Athena, Eddie, Chris and Carla.

“There those beautiful baby blues are.” Carla coos.

“Hey guys.” He croaks.

“Daddy Bucky!’ Chris cries, and throws himself forwards to hug Buck. ‘I was so scared.”

Buck makes an ‘oof’ on impact, but immediately takes his son in his arms and buries his face in Chris’s hair. Chris starts sobbing against his chest, and Buck soothes him.

“Hey, it’s okay baby, I’m here. I’m here and I’m not leaving, I promise.” He whispers.

“Daddy said you’d never leave me and him.” Chris sniffles, still not looking up.

“He’s right. I will never leave you guys, not if I can help it.” Buck vows.

Buck catches Eddie’s own tear filled eyes across the room and offers the man his best smile. Eddie smiles back at him, and lets out a little sob.

Chris finally pulls away from his chest and holds out his pinky. Buck lets out his own little laughing sob and hooks his own pinky with Chris’s and shakes. Content with his answer, Chris pulls away to make room for dad.

Dad collapses against him on the bed and hugs Buck as tight as he dares.

“I’m so glad you’re alright, kiddo.” He cries into Bucks neck.

“I am okay, right?’ Buck whispers lowly, so Chris can’t hear him. ‘Like, I am going to walk again and everything?”

“Yes, Evan. You’ll walk again. The surgeons inserted a titanium rod and four cobalt-chromed screws to help your leg heal.” Dad tells him.

“Oh thank god.’ Buck sighs as he falls back against his pillows. ‘I don’t know what id do if I couldn’t be a firefighter anymore.”

“Yes you do! You’d be a teacher, remember?” Chris points out, and Buck suddenly remembers their conversation from months ago.

“You’re right Chris.’ Buck smiles. ‘But, I’m not ready to stop being a firefighter just yet. I’ll be back out on the truck before you know it.”

“Give yourself time to heal, and then we’ll talk.” Dad says, and Buck looks up at him.

“What do you mean? Are you not going to let me back?”

“Of course I am.’ Dad assures him quickly. ‘But I want you to focus on healing up, okay? Your place will always be there for you, so take your time. Don’t push yourself.”

Buck settles back against the pillows once more and lets out a sigh of relief.

“Can I hug my son now?” Athena demands, and everyone in the room laughs.

She pushes past dad to engulf Buck in a tight momma hug. Buck sinks into it happily.

“Hey mom.” He smiles.

“I’m so proud of you baby. You were so strong and brave tonight.” Athena coos.

“Thanks mom.” Buck ducks his head shyly.

Athena pats his cheek lovingly as she pulls away from him, and he kisses her palm sweetly. She gives his forehead a kiss, before pulling away entirely. Eddie steps in and takes her place.

“Hey hero.” He grins.

“Hero?” Buck cocks an eyebrow.

“Yeah, you’re a superhero for surviving that.” Eddie snorts.

Buck lets out a bark of laughter at that. “Can I be Captain America?”

“Considering you already look like Chris Evans’s double, I’m gonna say yes.” Eddie winks.

“You flatter me.” Buck grins back.

Carla clears her throat loudly, and Buck blinks over at her.

“Hey Carla. Did superman finish his homework?” He asks.

“No he didn’t. He saw you on the tv and got distracted.’ Carla admits, and Bucks heart sinks. Chris saw that? ‘I’m sorry, Buckaroo. I turned my back on him for 5 minutes.”

“No, I know what he’s like with the tv, I don’t blame you.’ Buck assures her. ‘Chris, you know you’re not supposed to watch tv while doing your homework.” He turns to scold the boy lightly.

“I know.’ Chris ducks his head. ‘But I saw the ladder truck and then I saw you and-“

“Okay, okay.” Buck coos, stopping Chris before he can get too worked up.

With dads help, Buck gets Chris settled on the bed with him and hugs the boy close to his chest. Chris latches onto him tightly and cries softly into his shoulder. He’s obviously tired, and had a long, emotional night.

“We’ll give you guys a few minutes alone.” Athena smiles, and her, dad, Eddie and Carla quickly slip from the room.

Buck just holds Chris for a few long minutes as he calms down. He eventually does, and pulls away from Buck with those big doe eyes.

“I’m sorry Daddy Bucky. I didn’t mean to get distracted from my homework.” He sniffles.

“No, I know. It’s okay.” Buck assures him.

“Do you love daddy?” He suddenly asks, and throws Buck for a loop.

“What? I - of course I do. He’s my best friend.” Buck hedges.

Chris rolls his eyes and, seriously, Buck regrets ever teaching him that move now. He’s far too sassy for his own good.

“I know that, but do you want him to be your boyfriend?” Chris asks bluntly.

Oh god. Has Chris picked up on his crush on his dad? He forgets sometimes how observant kids are. As Buck looks into Chris’s eyes, he knows resistance is futile, as is lying. He sighs heavily.

“Yes Chris, I do. I love your daddy and I want him to be my boyfriend.” He admits.

It’s the first time Buck’s said those words out loud, and a little weight lifts from his chest.

“You should tell him.” Chris shrugs.

Buck turns to look at him with a raised eyebrow. Does he know something Buck doesn’t?

Before Buck can question his little boy and ask exactly that, the door clicks open again. Dad, Athena, Eddie and Carla come back into the room, followed closely by May, Harry, Chimney, Hen, Karen, Denny, Tanika and Riley. Everyone squeezes into the room and gives him big smiles and hugs.

Denny squeezes on the bed between Chris and the railing and Harry carefully lays along his left side - giving his bad leg a wide berth under the watchful eyes of Athena and dad. May steps close to him and presses a kiss to his cheek, and then cuffs him upside the head.

“Don’t scare us like that again.” The teenager warns, making Buck laugh. She’s so Athena’s daughter.

“I’ll try not to.” Buck holds his pinky out. May - and all three boys - shake him on it.

Satisfied, May settles down on the arm of Athena’s chair next to the bed.

“It’s good to see you awake, Buckaroo.” Hen states.

“It’s good to be awake, thanks for getting me out.’ Buck smiles

“We’d do anything for you, you know that.” Hen tells him with a roll of her eyes, but Buck can hear the sincerity in her voice.

“Thanks guys. I’d do anything for you, too.” He swears.

“We know Buck. Just don’t make a habit of this.” Chimney warns playfully.

“I already pinky promised I wont." Buck snorts. Chimney rolls his eyes, but nods.

"And hey, I have some good news." Eddie states. Buck turns his head in the mans direction.

"Oh yeah?"

"I got a phone call about the court date. It's next Friday."

Buck feels himself tear up. "The date I began fostering Chris."

"Keeping up tradition.' Dad smiles warmly. 'But, we'll all understand if you want to wait a little longer or-"

"What?' Buck interrupts him quickly. 'Why on earth would I want to wait?"

"Evan, kid - you just got crushed by a ladder truck. No one expects you to be up for a court date."

"Well I am. Nothing is going to stop me from adopting my little boy, just like we planned." Buck states. Chris cuddles a little closer to his right side and hides his smile in Bucks neck.

"Buck, you need to take it-"

"Easy, I know.' Buck cuts Eddie off. 'I will be sitting in a court room with you right beside me, that you and dad will help me in and out of, I'll be fine. Hell, I'll go in a wheelchair if I have to. But one things for certain - I am going to that court room and adopting Chris on Friday. I will not let Freddie take that away from me, too."

"Too?' May asks, furrowing her brows. 'what else has he taken?"

"Uh, my ability to walk right now, for starters.' Buck snorts. ‘And I don’t know if I’ll ever be a firefighter again.”

Bucks heart feels heavy in his chest at that. Ever since he met his dad, he's wanted to be a firefighter. And then, when he finally became one, something in him settled. Something that told him that this is where he's meant to be. That he was born to do this for the rest of his life. To think that he might have to give that up just because of some kids revenge plot makes him feel sick.

Dad leans forwards in his chair and takes Bucks hand in his. "You will be. I already told you that your place will be waiting on that rig for however long it takes for you to heal, so just focus on that okay? Let yourself heal properly and don’t push yourself too hard, and you'll be back with us before you know it.”

"You promise?" Buck holds his pinky out.

Dad smiles softly and links his pinky with Bucks. "I promise."

"Alright then.' He smiles. ‘Hey, Tanika - how’s Martin?” He asks the woman.

“He’s good. Just some scrapes and bruises and a killer headache. He’s in his own room and currently being coddled by his mom, so I can’t stay long.”

“No, that’s fine. I really appreciate you taking the time to visit me.” Buck smiles at her.

“Of course.’ She smiles back. ‘How do you feel?”

“Like a ladder truck exploded and landed on my leg.” Buck smirks, but no one laughs.

“Too soon buddy. Way too soon.” Riley pats his good knee.

“Oh come on guys! Where’s your sense of humour?” He whines.

“Until you’re back on my team with a clean bill of health, that joke wont be funny. Nor will any more that you make.” Dad warns. He really knows Buck too well.

Buck huffs and falls back against the bed. “This is going to be a long ass recovery.”

—

Meanwhile, in Hershey, PA.

Daniel and Maddie Buckley sit huddled together inside the lounge at their parents house, watching the tv in stunned silence.

“It can’t be him.” Daniel states after a while.

“It can’t be.” Maddie agrees.

“But… the similarities are just too close to be coincidence.’ Daniel shakes his head. ‘I’ve always remembered Evan with blonde hair, blue eyes and his little birthmark. This Evan has blonde hair, blue eyes and the same birthmark.”

“But his name is Nash, not Buckley.” Maddie argues.

“He could’ve been adopted by someone else. Or maybe he’s married?” Daniel suggests.

“There’s only one way we’re going to find out. We have to ask mom.” Maddie turns to her older brother.

“You’re right.’ Daniel nods.

The siblings stand up and go to join their parents in the kitchen.

“Dinner wont be ready for a little while yet.’ Margaret smiles over at them, but falters at whatever she can see on their faces. ‘Darlings, what’s wrong?”

“Did you lie about Evan being dead?” Daniel asks bluntly.

Margarets eyes go wide, and she drops the plate in her hand. It clatters to the floor loudly, but no one pays it any mind. Phillip stills from where he’s peeling potatoes and looks back at them with a guilty look in his eyes.

“Why do you ask?” Margaret hedges.

“Just answer the question, mom.” Maddie demands.

Margaret sighs, and lays her tea towel down on the counter that’s she’s holding onto with a white-knuckled grip.

“I always knew this day would come.’ She mutters to herself. She takes a deep breath, and looks up to catch their eyes. ‘Yes. Evan never died on a ride at Disneyland. I left him at a gas station in L.A and came home without him.” She admits.

Daniel lets out a startled gasp and Maddie actually stumbles back as though she’d been physically hit.

“How could you?’ Maddie whispers. ‘How could you leave your own son behind and then lie to us about him being dead for 20 years?”

“Was he adopted by someone with the surname of Nash by any chance?” Daniel asks before she can answer.

“Yes. A Robert Nash. How do you know?” Margaret asks.

“Because our baby brother is living in L.A and is currently pinned under a bombed ladder truck.” Daniel growls.

Margaret’s eyes go wide, and the four of them rush into the lounge, where the footage is still being broadcasted.

Only now, the bomber is gone, and Evan is surrounded by people. And even more are rushing towards him and the truck. Maddie grabs the remote and turns up the volume.

”-bystanders are stepping in. They’re going to help get firefighter Nash free. This really is an amazing scene that’s unfolding. What an incredible show of support and gratitude-“

The four Buckley’s watch on as dozens of random people group together to help free Evan. It’s painful to watch, and Maddie can’t stop the stream of tears that run down her face but, finally, Evan is free from under the truck and being loaded into a waiting ambulance.

The footage cuts back to the studio after the ambulance goes out of shot and Maddie focuses back on her mother.

“You willingly left him behind. After everything he did for Daniel, you just discarded him like an unwanted toy.” She growls.

“It was for the best!’ Margaret defends herself. ‘We didn’t have the money or the time for another child. Once his bone marrow successfully fused with Daniels, I took him somewhere where people were, so I knew he’d be safe-“

“But you didn’t! Anyone could’ve taken him and hurt him!” Daniel yells.

“A firefighter found him and took him in! Everything worked out in the end!”

Maddie scoffs. “You couldn’t guarantee that though. Evan is lucky a firefighter found him before anyone else did. He would’ve been taken by anyone.”

“I don’t understand why we’re arguing about this.’ Margaret shakes her head. ‘It was years ago, and everything is fine. He has his own family, and we have each other. I did what I had to.”

“No. You abandoned your own son after he did what you wanted. You’re a monster.” Daniel states.

“Did you know about this?” Maddie asks Phillip.

“I didn’t know she left him at a gas station of all places, but yes. I knew he was taken in by someone in L.A.” He finally admits.

“And you never told us the truth? You just let us believe that our baby brother was dead?”

“Your mother thought it best-“

“She knows nothing of what’s best for anyone.’ Maddie snaps. ‘I never want to see you again.” She tells her mom.

With that, Maddie turns on her heel, grabs her car keys and leaves the house. Daniel is hot on her heels while their parents rush after them, calling their names.

“Never speak to us again.” Daniel tells them as they climb into Maddie’s car and she drives away.

“Get your phone out and book us some plane tickets.” Maddie tells him.

“Where are we going?” He asks, a hopeful lilt to his voice.

“L.A. We’re going to meet our baby brother.”

Chapter Text

Buck groans as dad and Eddie get him settled in Eddie’s truck. Finally, after 10 long days stuck in the four walls of his hospital room, he’s free.

He’s had a constant stream of visitors - dad has sat vigil by his side when he hasn’t been at work, Athena has been in and out as much as her own shifts allow, May and Harry have been by every day after school to hang out, Hen, Karen and Denny have visited a handful of times, Chimney comes by after every shift with fries from McDonald’s like clockwork and Eddie has been right there, next to his dad, at all times and Eddie’s Abuela has bright Christopher by every day after school.

It’s been nice, but he’s missed his alone time. The times where he can just sit and be peaceful and just think.

Think about what happened. Think about Christopher. Think about Eddie. Just... think about everything.

He mainly thinks about what Chris had said. That he should just tell Eddie how he feels.

Often times over the last few months, he’s considered it. Considered the fact that Eddie might just feel the same. But, he’s been burnt in the past (pun totally intended) and he’s scared to put himself on the line.

Especially with someone as important as Eddie.

“What’re you thinking about back there?” Dad asks from the passengers seat.

Buck looks at him with a smile. “How glad I am to be out of there.”

“I’ll bet.” Dad laughs.

“And how’s the leg feeling?” Eddie asks as he rolls to a stop at a red light.

“It’s... uh, definitely feeling.”

Eddie snorts and dad laughs again.

“So, there’s still time to call up and move the court date.” Dad hedges and Buck rolls his eyes.

“Dad. It’s happening on Friday, no matter what.” He tells him.

Dad just smiles at him. “No I know, I just have to make sure that you’re one hundred percent sure.”

“I’m a thousand percent sure, pops. I wanna do this. I’ve been looking forward to it for a year now.”

“I know.” Dad repeats.

Eddie glides his truck to a stop outside their house, and Buck takes dads offered hand to climb down. He gets his crutches under his arms and hobbles inside. Eddie and Chris hurry forwards and unlock the door for them.

“Easy okay? I don’t want you to fall and break the other one.” Dad warns playfully.

Buck gives him a death glare. “If I’m not allowed to joke about it, neither are you.”

“Fair.” Dad concedes, but he’s grinning cheekily.

“I don’t trust that face.” Buck states.

“What? I swear, I wont make any jokes!’ Dad laughs. ‘Easy now, let me help you.”

“I am just glad to be out of the hospital.’ Buck sighs as he collapses on the couch unceremoniously and looks at the stairs longingly. ‘I miss my own bed, which I wont see for the next three months. Guess I am sleeping down here. ’s a good job this couch is so comfy.”

“Please, you think I’d let you sleep on a couch for three whole months?’ Eddie scoffs. ‘We set up the spare bed in Christophers room, you’re going to be bunking with him.”

“Three whole months of sleepovers with my superman?’ Buck gasps and looks over at Chris with a grin. ‘This day just keeps on getting better and better.”

“Yeah! It’s gonna be so much fun!” Chris giggles at him and, seriously, his kids giggles could cure almost anything.

“I am going to miss my bed though… but, it’s a lesson learned - never sign a lease if you intend on being crushed by municipal equipment.” Buck states.

“Hmm. Or, better idea? How about not get crushed by municipal equipment?” Eddie deadpans.

“Huh. Now why didn’t I think of that?” Evan winks up at him.

“You kids want some lunch?” Dad asks.

“Do I? I’ve missed your cooking, pops.” Buck groans just at the thought of his favourite vegetable pasta.

“I’ve definitely missed you eating my cooking. I have so many left overs at the station from meals you’ve missed.”

“He’ll be back soon.” Eddie stares softly.

“You’re right. I’ll just have to bring the left overs home ‘cause Buck shouldn’t be cooking right now and-“

“Daddy shouldn’t be cooking at all.” Chris grins cheekily.

“Oh man he got you good.” Buck laughs at Eddie’s betrayed face.

“That is not nice!’ Eddie pouts playfully. ‘But, probably true.”

“No probability about it. You ruined one of my best pans making an omelette once. You’re banned from any kitchen.’ Dad warns. ‘But, you can come and help me with lunch.”

“Sir yes sir.” Eddie salutes, making dad roll his eyes and Chris giggle.

As soon as they’re out of the room, Buck turns to his son. “Hey Chris, c’mere.”

“Yeah Daddy Bucky?” Chris asks as he sits down on the coffee table in front of the couch.

“Your daddy told me that you think it’s your fault I got hurt?” Buck hedges.

Chris blinks up at him and shrugs.

“All my parents get hurt. Is it me?” He asks.

Buck - though he really shouldn’t - kneels down in front of his little boy and takes his hands in his.

“No. Absolutely not.’ He assures. ‘None of what happened to me, or your daddy or your mommy was any of your fault, okay? Sometimes, bad things happen to good people and that’s just life.”

“But-“

“No buts. It is never your fault if someone else gets hurt, unless you are the one who is hurting them. And I know for sure that you never hurt any of us, did you?”

Chris shakes his head. "No."

”Exactly. So please, never ever blame yourself for this, okay?”

“Okay Daddy Bucky.” Chris smiles at him.

“And if you do feel like that ever again, you come straight to daddy or me and tell us.”

“I promise.” Chris holds out his pinky. Buck hooks it with his and shakes with a grin.

Buck loves the fact that he’s passed this down to Chris. When he was a baby, his pinky promises with Daniel and Maddie were sacred. They never broke them. Other than one. One that he will always remember.

One night, when he was 6, after his mom made him cry - because he got sat in time out at school for pushing another kid who tried to take the toy he was playing with. Daniel and Maddie sat him down and pinky promised to always be there for him, to protect him from her. And they weren’t. Logically, Buck knows that it’s not their fault that their mom dumped him, but he sometimes sits there late at night and wonders ‘why haven’t they tried to find me?’

He pushes thoughts of his old family to the back of his mind once more when dad and Eddie come back into the room with taco’s for lunch. He lets them get him settled at the table, and relishes in the feeling of eating normal food, with his family, in his home.

—

3 days fly by and, before Buck knows it, they’re getting ready for the court hearing. He’s sat in the living room, watching Eddie and Chris get dressed in their LAFD dress uniform and snazzy shirt and jeans combo respectively. Buck himself is dressed in his dress uniform shirt and boxer shorts.

Dad and Athena arrive to convoy down to the court house with them and they both give him, Eddie and Chris big hugs.

“I am so excited for you. And so so proud.’ Athena cups Bucks face and kissed his forehead. ‘But why are you still half naked?”

“I need your help.” Buck states.

“My help getting dressed?” Athena cocks an eyebrow.

“No, but yes.’ Buck shrugs. Athena’s second eyebrow joins the first. ‘I can’t get my pant leg over my cast. I need you to fix it for me.”

Buck blinks at her pleadingly, making the woman scoff and laugh.

“Sure thing baby, you have a sewing machine?” She asks.

“Uh… no. I do not.” Buck admits.

Athena sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

She grabs the pants Buck indicated off the back of the couch and a pair of scissors from the coffee table, settles down on the dining table and gets to work. Buck watches, and cringes, when she apparently gets bored of using the scissors and rips the rest of the pant leg.

“Hey, whoah, come on, be careful.” Buck pleads.

“Were you going to sew these two pieces back together?’ Athena turns to ask him snarkily. ‘I don’t think so.”

Buck holds his hands up in surrender. “Sorry mom.”

Athena’s face softens, like it always does when he calls her mom. It’s the best trick in his arsenal.

“I know baby.’ She says. With that, she stands and helps him into the pants, tucking the ripped hem into the top of his cast. ‘There we go. Perfect.”

Buck pulls her in for a tight hug, that dad and Chris quickly join in on. After some coaxing, Eddie joins in, too. When they pull away, Buck clears his suddenly dry throat.

“Thank you guys. For being here.” He states.

“Nowhere in this world I’d rather be, kid.’ Dad smiles. ‘Now, let’s get you down to that court, so you can finally adopt your little boy.”

“Let’s.” Buck grins.

Eddie drives Buck and Chris - who sit in the back and chat excitedly together.

“I’m so happy you’re gonna be my daddy for real!” Chris squeals.

“Oh I’m really happy too, Chris. But, even if I didn’t adopt you, you’d still be my kid, okay?”

“And you’ll always be my Daddy Bucky.” Chris nods.

Buck smiles softly at Chris. He can’t imagine his life without him anymore.

“I just got a cavity listening to that.” Eddie states from up front, lifting the mood.

“Then you should go to the dentist.” Chris tells him seriously, making Buck grin.

He loves his family.

Eddie pulls to a stop in the court house lot, and dad glides into the space next to him easily. They regroup at the front of the cars and - as Buck said - dad and Eddie help him hobble through the lobby. Carol meets them there, after offering to be their representative in the hearing.

“Are we all excited?” She asks in greeting.

“Yeah! It’s the best day ever!” Chris cheers loudly, and everyone laughs.

“What he said.” Buck grins and high fives the boy.

Then - everything happens in a blur for Buck, thanks to his constant stream of happy tears.

He remembers being led into a court room, remembers the judge talking to them all - not that Buck remembers anything that’s said. He remembers stammering through his rehearsed speech about why he wants to adopt Chris-

“The moment I met Chris, I knew he was special. And not because of his CP. Because of his heart. He’s been so much throughout his short life, but he always comes back smiling. He always sees the light at the end of the tunnel. He’s a fighter, and I admire him so much for that. This past year has easily been the best year of my entire life. Better than my own first year, being a foster kid with my dad. Because Chris has helped me grow emotionally and mentally. He also helped my family grow - he brought Eddie into my life and I am forever grateful to have someone like him watching my back, and I’m lucky to have someone like him help raise the best kid in the world with me. I love Chris and I couldn’t imagine my life without being his daddy Bucky anymore.”

Everyone - even the judge and Carol - has tears in their eyes after Buck’s speech and Chris is looking at Buck with that cheeky little grin that makes his heart swell.

He doesn’t really pay attention to what’s said or done after that, though. All he can focus on is Chris.

Chris, who tells the judge how happy he is that Buck is now his legal father. How happy he is that both his dads are with him forever. How happy he is with Buck.

That’s all Buck has ever wanted - Chris to be happy.

And to hear him tell the smiling judge all of this, to hear him say that Buck has helped him find that happiness... it’s overwhelming.

Eddie, dad and Athena are all stood with him, smiling and crying happy tears of their own. It’s a beautiful day.

Yeah, his leg hurts, but nothing would’ve got in the way of today. Nothing - not even crazy teenagers hellbent on revenge with a knack for pyrotechnics - would have stopped Buck adopting his little boy.

Finally, finally, the judge smiles at them all and pulls out a piece of paper.

“Congratulations Mr. Nash. I’m signing the papers. Good luck.”

The man signs Chris’s adoptions papers with a flourish and hands them over to Buck. Buck stared down at them through his tears and can’t help his grin.

This is it. Christopher Diaz is officially his son.

Dad catches Buck when his good knee buckles under him and helps lower him into a chair.

“We did it. Chris is actually my son.” Buck sobs out.

Dad cradles his head to his chest and rocks him back and forth.

“Chris has always been your son, you just have a piece of paper to prove it now. And I couldn’t be prouder.” Dad tells him.

Buck feels the arms of Chris, Athena and Eddie join in on the hug and hears the distal sound of a camera shutter and, honestly, his heart feels so full, it might burst. Buck pulls away from the pile to wipe at his eyes - his face is soaking wet at this point.

Eddie takes Bucks hand in his and crouches down in front of him.

“We did it. We are Chris’s parents, officially.” He smiles softly.

“I meant what I said. There’s no one in this world I’d rather parent Chris with than you.” Buck tells him.

“And there’s no one on this earth I’d rather parent Chris with the you.’ Eddie echos. ‘Thank you, for loving my son. For being there for him. And thank you for letting me be a part of this family.”

“Never thank me for any of that.” Buck smiles and leans forwards to rest his forehead against Eddies.

Eddie cups the back of his neck and tilts his head slightly, his nose grazing Bucks own. Bucks breath hitches in his throat. He tilts his own head, his lips brushing Eddies cheek lightly-

“Sorry to break this up, but we have another hearing scheduled.” The judges voice states, and Buck and Eddie quickly pull away from each other.

Buck clears his throat and steadily ignores his parents and sons knowing looks as he slowly gets to his feet. Eddie hands him his crutches and they all leave the court room in silence.

“Meet you guys back at the house?” Dad calls after they’d climbed into their respective vehicles.

“You got it.” Eddie nods, starting the truck up.

Chris babbles about everything and nothing during gather ride and Buck gives his two cents every now and then, but his mind is miles away. Or - more specifically - his mind is on Eddie, who’s sat silently in the front seat.

They nearly kissed. Again. This is no accident. Maybe Chris is onto something. Maybe there is something there.

Or maybe, it’s transference again. Buck is the happiest he’s ever been right now, maybe that was rubbing off on Eddie. That has rot be it. Eddie isn’t in to Buck like that. He can’t be.

Can he?

Before Buck can even get that train of thought out of the station, the car is slowing to a stop again. He blinks up, and sees the house. With minimum movement and maximum effort, Buck manages to climb out of the car by himself, earning him a stern look for every adult present. Ignoring them all, Buck moves into the house with Chris by his side, where everyone is waiting for them.

The ‘Happy Adoption Day’ from Bucks own party 21 years ago is hung from the loft, with balloons and confetti littering the station floor. The tables have been moved downstairs and loaded down with enough food to keep an army going for a whole week

Abuela, Pepa, Hen, Chimney, Karen, Michael, David, May, Harry ad Denny are all stood by the table, and cheer loudly when Buck and the rest walk in. Chris immediately races to Harry and Denny, and the boys waste no time in starting a game of god-knows-what and running circles around the team, who all watch on fondly.

“How does it feel to be his legal father?” Hen asks as she draws Buck in for a tight hug.

“The best feeling in the world.” Buck grins.

“I’ll bet.” Karen laughs as she joins in.

Before Buck knows it, their hug turns into a huge group hug, with everyone and their mother joining in.

“Welcome to the family, officially.” Abuela smiles and cups Bucks cheeks.

Buck kisses her cheeks and then Pepa’s. “You too.”

Chimney hooks his phone up to the speakers and begins playing music, and then the party is in full swing. Chris manages to coheres Buck and Eddie into agreeing to a sleepover that night for him Denny and Harry.

“They can sleep in the living room, and I’ll keep an ear out.” Buck states when Eddie begin questioning the logistics of the sleepover.

Buck’s just shovelling a giant piece of cake into his mouth when two people - a man and a woman - walk through the open bay doors, mostly hidden from the party by the trucks. Before Buck can swallow his bite and call their attention to him, dad steps forwards.

“Hi, can I help you?” He asks politely.

“Uh yeah. We’re actually looking for Captain Bobby Nash.” The man states.

“You found him.’ Dad says and sweeps his arms out to indicate himself. ‘What can I do for you?”

“We was hoping to-“

“Daniel.’ The woman cuts the man - Daniel, apparently - off. Buck turns his attention to her, to find her already staring. ‘It’s him.”

Bucks brow furrows. Him? Him what? He uses his crutches to get over to his dads side, and the man and woman watch him like hawks the entire time. Athena and Eddie - noticing the strangers - step a little closer as everyone else remains oblivious.

“Evan.” Daniel smiles.

“Do I know you?” Buck asks. He’s trying to place their faces, he really is, but he just can’t.

“No. I don’t think you’ll remember us. But, we know you. Well, we used to know you. And we’d like to get to know you again.” The woman rambles and Buck is honestly so confused.

“I’m sorry, but who are you?”

“I’m Daniel and this is Maddie. Buckley. And you’re our baby brother.”

Bucks entire world screeches to a halt then. Athena and Eddie quickly join their little group, curious frowns on their faces.

“Why?” Is all Buck can say.

“Why what?” Maddie asks.

“Why now? After all these years, why did you come back now? Are Margaret and Phillip with you?”

“No! We left them in Hershey and came here as soon as we knew you were alive.”

“You never bothered before. So I’ll ask again - why now?”

“You don’t understand-“

“21 years!’ Buck cuts Daniel off to bellow. ‘You haven’t tried to find me and asks how I’m doing in 21 years. You really expect me to believe that you coming down here now - after my face was plastered over national television - is just a coincidence? What do you need? Money? I don’t have any-“

“We thought you were dead!’ Maddie sobs out. ‘Long before the bombing. We haven’t looked for you in 21 years because we didn’t know you were alive.”

That stops Buck in his tracks. He looks at Daniel and Maddie with furrowed eyebrows. “What?”

“You remember the trip we made to L.A? 21 years ago, to help Daniel get better?”

“Of course I do.” Buck scoffs. How could he forget?

“Mom told us that she was taking you to Disneyland to reward you for the surgeries you went through to help Daniel, but she came home without you. She-”

“She told us that you died on a ride at Disneyland.” Daniel tells Buck when Maddie’s words fail her.

“What?” He breathes.

“Yeah. She told us that you fell out of a rollercoaster and died on impact. We were too young and upset to realise that she came back without your body and we had no reason to doubt her. It was only when we saw your accident on tv that we questioned her on it, and she told us the truth. That she left you behind after you did your job.”

“We would have looked for you. You’ve got to believe us. Had we known that you were really alive, we would’ve looked for you.” Maddie insists.

“I need to sit down.” Buck states.

“Okay baby.” Athena coos and helps support his weight.

Dad and Eddie drag over a bench for him to fall onto and he hides his face in his hands. His mother told his siblings that he was dead. After she left him all alone, without knowing if he was going to be saved.

“She’s a monster.” Buck whispers.

“Yeah, that’s what I said.’ Maddie scoffs. She kneels down in front of Buck and gently takes one of his hands in hers. ‘I’m sorry. I am so sorry that she did that to you. I always remembered you as such a happy, loving little boy.”

“And you really didn’t know?” Buck has to be sure.

“We had no idea. As soon as she told us the truth, we left our parents house and booked a flight here. It’s takes us a few days to work up the courage to come and see you.”

“And we want to stay and get to know you more. We’re not asking you to just forgive and forget everything. We just - we want to make up for lost time, if you’d let us.” Daniel tells him sincerely.

Buck thinks about it. Throughout the years, he’s often played with the idea of reaching out to his siblings. After all, and as he’d already said to Eddie - they’re not the ones who dumped him. Margaret was. And, sure, he’d spent the last 21 years of his life resenting them for never looking for him, but they had good reason too. They were victims in this tangled web of lies, just like Buck was. Not to his extent, but they still were.

“Okay.’ Buck nods. ‘I want to get to know you, too.”

Daniel and Maddie give him blinding smiles. They hesitantly lean in for a hug that Buck reciprocates equally hesitantly.

“How long are you in town for? Evan has a few months to kill before he can come back to work.” Dad says as they pull back.

“Well, our tickets were one way, so we’re here for however long we want to be. Not that I really plan on going back home anytime soon.” Maddie shrugs.

“What about your families? Your jobs?” Buck asks.

Daniel and Maddie exchange a glance.

“Uh... can we talk to you? In private? There’s some things about my past that I want to tell you about, but I’m not really comfortable with being aired out to so many people.” Maddie states.

“If it’s anything illegal that could get Evan into trouble then no. You may not talk in private.” Athena states and flashes her ever-present badge, hooked onto her belt loop under her blouse.

“No, it’s nothing like that.” Maddie assures her quickly.

Athena still looks sceptical, but Buck nods. “It’s okay mom.”

He wants to hear what Maddie has to say. He stands back up and leads them both through to the locker rooms, shutting the door for some privacy.

“Okay - go.” Buck tells her.

“Four months ago, I killed my husband.”

Buck blinks at her in surprise. “That sounds pretty illegal to me.”

“But it was self defence.”

“Okay?”

Maddie takes a deep breath, and begins talking.

She tells him that she got married straight out of college to who she thought was the love of her life, Doug Kendall. Her and Doug - to the outside world - looked like the perfect happy couple. They had a beautiful house and worked as a doctor and nurse at two of the best hospitals in Pennsylvania. But, behind closed doors, Maddie lived in fear. Doug was abusive, in more ways than one. Finally, after seven long years of verbal and physical beatings, Maddie got the courage to leave Doug and ran to Daniel. But Doug found her. He tried to take her back with him, but Maddie escaped and they had a deadly fight in the middle of a forest. Maddie stabbed Doug to death with the very knife he had used to stab her with.

Buck leans back against the wall and blows out a breath. “Holy crap.”

“Yeah.” Maddie sniffles.

“What about you?” Buck asks Daniel.

“I had no idea he was hurting her.” Daniel shakes his head sadly.

“Obviously. What I meant was - what’s happened to you in your life?”

“Oh. Nothing worth mentioning. I went into remission after the last time you gave me a bone marrow transfusion, and I’ve been clear since. Been working as a fifth grade teacher for the past 8 years.”

“Congratulations.’ Buck smiles. ‘I’m happy for you.”

“And what about you?’ Maddie smirks. ‘A firefighter, happily married with a kid. Hey, what’s the occasion today?”

She goes on her tiptoes to look over the trucks to the party still happening, but Buck’s frozen in place. Husband. They think he has a husband. Even more - not so - random strangers think Eddie is his husband. Bucks face flushes.

“Uh it’s not.. I’m not married.” He mumbles for the thousandth time I his short lifetime.

Dais and Maddie look at him weirdly.

“But… that man with your parents. He held your hand the entire time you were under the truck.” Daniel points out.

“That's Eddie, my best friend. Definitely not my husband. We’re just raising his kid together - that’s what today is. I legally adopted Chris today, after a year of fostering him.”

“So that’s what this party is for? I’m so sorry we crashed it.” Maddie worried her bottom lip.

“Ah it’s okay. But, I would like to get back out there. I want you guys to meet Chris.” Buck tells them.

“We’d love to meet him. Eddie too. It'll be nice to have a brother-in-law that isn't a complete psycho." Daniel smirks.

“Guys, we’re not married. We’re not even together, he doesn’t think of me like that.” Buck whines as he gets to his feet.

“Sure you’re not. I’ve known you both for 20 minutes and even I can tell that’s bull crap.” Maddie laughs.

“Wait, what?” Buck asks, but she’s already gone from the room.

Buck hobbles after her with Daniels help, and introduces her to the rest of his family. Hen and Chimney - being the closest to him - know exactly who they are and are a little hostile at first, but warm up to the siblings when Buck explains everything.

The party carries on like normal, and Buck hangs back just to watch and think. After 21 years away from them, he’ll admit that it’s good to see his siblings again. And it feels good to know that they didn’t give up on him like his mother did. It feels good to finally have his big brother and sister back in his life. On the same day he legally adopted his son, no less.

Chris barrels into Buck’s legs just then, as though sensing Buck’s thoughts about him.

“Thank you for the party Daddy Bucky.” He grins up at him.

“You’re welcome Chris.’ Buck grins back at him. ‘Hey - there’s some people I want you to meet.”

He leads Chris over to where Daniel and Maddie are stood talking with dad and Chimney. Buck can’t help but notice the side eye Chimney is giving Maddie but, upon closer inspection - he finds it appreciative, instead of judging.

Interesting.

Buck files that piece of information away for later, and calls attention to him and Chris.

“This is Daniel and Maddie. My big brother and sister.” Buck tells Chris.

Chris clings to his good leg as he greets them. He’s always been a little shy around strange people. Maddie crouches down in front of him.

“Hi Chris, it’s nice to meet you.” She says sweetly.

“You too.” Chris nods, shaking her offered hand.

Daniel copies his sister and also shakes Chris’s hand. He then makes a comment about a Teen Titan’s sticker on Chris’s crutches, that send the boy into a frenzy. He babbles on about the show to Daniel, who takes it all in his stride with an amused smile.

—

Buck stays in Chris’s room for 3 months, the two of them spending their time together redecorating the entire room, much to the annoyance of dad and Eddie.

”You’re meant to be resting, not participating in Grand Designs!” Eddie had sighed, exasperated, one night after coming home from work to see Buck stood on a ladder and installing the hanging solar system diagram he and Chris had spent weeks making. Buck simply shrugged.

He’s currently in the backyard, building the jungle gym he’d convinced Eddie to buy for Chris, when Maddie’s voice calls to him.

Her and Daniel have been in L.A the whole 3 months, lining in Buck’s currently unoccupied bedroom. But, they’ve been scoping out apartments - they’d decided to move to L.A permanently to stay close to Buck and his family. Daniel had gotten a job at a local school, and Maddie had decided to try out for the dispatch entire.

“If you don’t sit down and let yourself heal, your dad and Eddie are going to kill you.” She warns.

Buck turns and sees her and Daniel stood in the back doorway, both frowning at him with their arms folded.

“How did the viewing go?” He asks instead.

“Good. I think we’re going for it.” Daniel grins.

Buck grins back at him. He’s glad Daniel and Maddie sought him out. They’d gotten over the little bump in the road that was their first meeting and their relationships with each other had blossomed. He spends any free time with his siblings, as well as Eddie and Chris.

Chris loves his new aunt and uncle, and Daniel and Eddie have bonded over their shared love of hockey. Buck and Maddie, however, both cannot stand the sport.

Maddie’s phone vibrates in her pocket, and she lets out a frustrated huff as she pulls it out and presses reject. Buck raises an eyebrow.

“Who’s that?”

“Mom. She’s been calling me none stop for weeks now.” Maddie rolls her eyes.

“She doesn’t know you’re not going back?” Buck guesses.

“No. I actually haven’t spoken to her since we found out the truth and ran here.”

“Look, I know you’re mad at them, but they’re your parents and-“

“Buck.’ Maddie cuts him off and takes one of his hands in hers. ‘They lied to us about you being dead for 21 years. They deprived us of getting to watch you grow up, of getting to know you. That is something I will never forgive them for. And if I have to spend the rest of my life making up for lost time with you, then so be it. You’re our little brother, and we love you.”

“Yeah, besides - Pennsylvania holds too many memories for us. Living here is a nice change.” Daniel smiles.

“Look, I can’t tell you what you can and can’t do, and you know I’ll be thrilled to have you here all the time. I just don’t want you to ruin your relationship with your parents over me.” Buck tells them.

“They ruined their relationships with all three of us the day Margaret dumped you at that gas station.” Maddie states. ‘We’re staying in L.A.”

“Well okay then.” Buck grins.

Three weeks later, Buck is supervising as Dad, Eddie and Chimney help move Daniel and Maddie into their new apartment at Eagle Rock. He’d tried to help out but, with one look™️ from his dad, he’d wisely sat back down.

“Pivot!” He calls cheekily as Daniel and Eddie struggle to get the couch through the door.

Chimney is guiding Maddie through their alarm system - she’d opened up to the rest of the family about her abusive past, and Chimney had offered to install all sorts of security measures in their new place for her, just to make her feel safe. Although Doug was dead, the memories still haunt her.

“If you say pivot one more time, I’ll break your other leg.” Eddie warns.

“No you won’t.” Buck grins.

“I’ll fire his ass if he does.” Dad grins as he steps into the room, a plate of freshly cooked homemade pizza in hand.

“Have I ever told you I love you Cap?” Chimney sighs as he snags a slice.

“Many times. And always when food is involved.” Dad deadpans.

“Well I certainly don’t love you for your dance moves.”

“Hey! I’ve perfected my dad dancing over the years.”

“We know.” Buck and Chimney chorus.

Everyone settles down to eat their food and chats happily amongst themselves and Buck feels a wave of contentment roll over him.

His leg is on the mend, and his doctors predict his return to work within the next month or so. He has the best family around him, the most amazing son who he’s raising with his best friend (and secret crush but shh) and now his long lost siblings.

Life couldn’t get much better than this.

Chapter Text

Evan passes his recertification test with flying colours. Just like Bobby thought he would.

So - naturally - he and Athena decide to throw a party for him. Athena, Christopher and Maddie currently have him out of the house - they’re at the younger woman’s place watching movies together - as Bobby, Eddie and the rest of the team sat up the party.

Bobby’d been naturally wary of Daniel and Maddie when he’d first realised who they were, but after hearing what they had to say - that their own mother lied about Evan being dead - he’d warmed up to them. They remind him of Evan so much, with their mannerisms and their humours. After a few weeks back together, it was as if no time had passed for the three siblings and Bobby was grateful that Evan has something good come from his past.

May and Harry had been the most hostile towards the Buckley siblings - their didn’t want to lose their brother to them. But, Buck had sat them down and told them that in no way are they losing him, that - although Daniel and Maddie have a blood relation to him - they will always be his siblings. After that, they’d also welcomed the two Buckley’s with open arms.

“Where do you want the cake, Cap?” Chimney asks, pulling Bobby from his head.

He spins around to see the shorter man carrying a large vanilla cake from Buck’s favourite bakery. On the top is written ‘One Buck is worth more than a million dollars!’ - a quote from Christopher.

Bobby helps Chimney get the cake on a table in the backyard without dropping it. His phone vibrates in his pocket the second he pulls way from the cake, and he quickly reads it.

Wife❤️(ICE)
We are en route home now!

“They’re on their way.” Bobby hollers, and everyone races to make sure everything is ready for their arrival.

They all gather inside the living room and wait. 5 minutes later, Athena opens the door and, when Evan steps into view, everyone calls out for him. He jumps and spins around with his hand on his heart and a grin on his face.

“You knew?” He turns to Athena, Christopher and Maddie to ask, and they all laugh and nod.

Evan leaps down the rest of the stairs and rushes straight into Eddie’s open arms. No surprise there. Bobby rolls his eyes at his wife, and catches sight of Christopher rolling his own eyes.

Bobby raises an eyebrow in question. He resolves to asking about it later when Evan wraps him up in a tight hug after letting Eddie go.

Even then goes and makes the rounds around the room, hugging everyone and kisses cheeks in thanks. He smacks a wet one on Chimney’s forehead, despite - or maybe because of - the mans loud protests.

The party is in full swing within minutes, with Hen choosing the songs this time. There’s food covering the kitchen counters and the dining table, decorations hung all around the house and yard and people everywhere. There’s a good atmosphere all around and Bobby can’t stop smiling. All he’s ever wanted was for Evan to be happy and healthy. And, after months of hard work and physical therapy, he’s back to having both.

At one point, Bobby sees Evan, Eddie and Christopher huddled together on the quiet patio, all looking over the card Christopher drew Evan and smiles softly. His son has an amazing family unit. If only he was brave enough to take the next step with Eddie - its glaringly obvious to anyone who sees them that they both desperately want it.

Bobby heads back inside and kisses Athena’s head.

“I think this party was a good idea.” He states.

“Of course it was. It was my idea.” The woman smirks.

Bobby rolls his eyes but doesn’t argue. He learnt pretty early on to never argue with the powerhouse that is his tiny but mighty wife.

Bobby catches sight of Evan, Eddie and Christopher rejoin the party, and decides it’s time for Evan to see his cake. He heads over to them and crouches down in front of Christopher to whisper in his ear.

“I’m gonna bring out the cake. You wanna lend a hand?” Bobby asks him.

“Yes!” He giggles and jumps up and down excitedly.

“Let’s go then!” Bobby laughs and leads him over to the kitchen.

“Grandpa Bobby?” Christopher asks.

Bobby looks down at him with a smile. “Yeah kiddo?”

“I need your help.” Christopher states.

“What with?” Bobby furrows his eyebrows.

“With Operation Parent Trap.” Christopher states with a grin.

“Operation what now?” Bobby laughs, confused.

“I watched a film with Grandma Athena and Daddy Bucky and aunt Maddie today called ‘The Parent Trap’ where two sisters helped their parents realise they were in love with each other and I want to do that for Daddy Bucky and daddy.”

Bobby stands in silence for a long while. Could Christopher see the mens attraction to each other too? Is that what he was rolling his eyes at earlier?

“And you think your daddy and Daddy Bucky are in love with each other?” Bobby asks cautiously.

“I know they are. They both told me so when daddy Bucky was in the hospital.” Christopher nods.

Bobby’s mouth falls open in shock. He looks down at Christopher for a long while, his eyebrows raised, before another grin takes over his face.

“Count me in.” He nods.

“Yes! This is going to be so much fun!” Christopher giggles.

“It sure is kiddo. Hey, why don’t we ask auntie Hen and uncle Chimney to help out, too?” He asks.

“Yes!’ Christopher gasps. ‘Good idea grandpa Bobby!”

Bobby winks at him, before lighting the candles on Evans cake. The two of them slowly carry it outside, and Evan laughs loudly as he blows out the candles.

Maddie and Chimney offer to cut up the cake while Evan continues milling around the garden and talking to people. Their friendship has come along leaps and bounds over the last 5 months, and Bobby wouldn’t be surprised to find out the two of them were more than friends. At least they seem to br a little more open about it than Evan and Eddie.

Bobby catches sight of Hen and Karen talking to Evan - the couple have been doing IVF in the hopes of having another baby and Karen is a little… emotional because of it. Bobby smirks when Karen drags Evan in for a hug and Hen mouths ‘sorry’ to him. He must’ve said something remotely sweet to make Karen cry. Evan pulls away, and walks towards Bobby.

“Hey dad, I just was say thank you, for being there. You know, for the surgery and rehabs. I uh.. I know I wasn’t always the easiest person to be around.”

“Oh my god.” Bobby groans playfully.

“Oh really?” Evan laughs.

“You weren’t that bad. And there is nowhere on this planet I’d rather be than by your side.”

“You should tell-‘ Evan cuts off to cough. ‘Your wife that.”

“She knows. Just like I know that May and Harry will always come first for her.” Bobby says, but he’s frowning.

Evans cough is becoming persistent, but he’s been absolutely fine up until now. He slowly rubs at his chest to try and ease the cough, but it won’t stop.

“Sorry.” Evan gasps as he puts his fist up to his mouth.

“You okay?” Bobby asks, stepping a little closer.

Evan steps a little further away from him to double over as he continues to cough. At this point, Bobby can feel the eyes of everyone on them, but he doesn’t look away from his son.

“Yeah, I-“ Evan cuts himself off when he coughs something into his hand. He holds it up to inspect it, and Bobby’s heart plummets at the sight of thick red blood coating Evans fingers.

“Evan?’ Bobby questions. Evan looks at him with wide eyes, before coughing up more blood and collapsing. ‘Evan!”

Bobby races forwards to kneel next to Evans head. His eyes are closed and more blood is trickling from his mouth. Eddie crashes to his knees next to Bobby - followed closely by Hen and Chimney on his other side - and together they get Evan in the recovery position. He hears Athena on the phone to 911 and sees May herd Christopher, Denny and Harry away from the garden.

“Looks like a pulmonary embolism.” Hen states.

“What is that for us normal folk?” Michael asks, worried.

“A blood clot. They can be deadly.”

“Ambulance is 3 minutes out.” Athena states as she kneels down on the opposite side of Evans head and cards her fingers through his blonde locks.

“What could’ve brought it on? He was fine 10 minutes ago.” Bobby stresses.

“A multitude of things could’ve brought it on. We wont know for sure until he’s been checked over at the hospital.” Chimney tells him.

Sirens pierce the air just then and, within a minute, on duty paramedics are rushing into the backyard. They get Evan loaded on a stretcher and Bobby doesn’t even hesitate to follow after them to the ambulance. Eddie hops in beside them and, after promising to phone and update them, the doors slam on them and the ambulance is pulling away.

Bobby cards his fingers through Evan’s hair the entire ride to the hospital as Eddie clutches his hand in his. Evan remains unconscious, but he’s still breathing thankfully. When they arrive at the hospital, they’re swarmed by nurses and doctors and Bobby is thrown back to that godawful night 5 months ago. Only this time, Evan sent awake to call out for him.

Eddie’s hand lands heavily on Bobbys shoulder, and the two of them get settled on the uncomfortable plastic chairs of the waiting room.

“These are becoming more and more familiar.” Bobby sighs.

“What are?” Eddie asks gently.

“The chairs. The waiting for news. The ambulance rides. They’re all becoming far too common for my liking.”

“I hear that. I’ve known Buck a year and a half, and I’ve been here twice already for him.” Eddie sighs, and drags his hand over his face.

“You care for him.” Bobby states and turns in his seat to look at the man. Eddie turns also, and raises an eyebrow.

“Of course I care about him. He’s my best friend, the other dad to my kid.”

“It goes deeper than that though, I think.’ Eddies cheeks flush a deep shade of red before he turns away from Bobby to stare at his feet, making the older man smirk. ‘It’s okay, Eddie. I think you’ll be good for him.”

“No, I don’t think I will be.” Eddie admits.

“Why do you say that?” He asks.

“Do I really have to explain that? I mean, look what happened to my marriage to Shannon.” Eddie scoffs, his shoulders tensing up.

“She ran away, you can’t be blamed for that.”

“I ran away first. When Christopher was born, I ran away to Afghanistan and stayed there, instead of coming home to be with her and Christopher and my parents. I spent years trying to be the perfect son and husband and I failed everyone. How could you say I’ll be good for Buck?”

“Because, you’re not the same man you were when you first got to L.A. In the year and a half I’ve known you, you’ve shown me your true self. Not Edmundo Diaz - the man who was running from his responsibilities or the man who is trying to keep up appearances for his parents. You’ve shown me Eddie Diaz, the man who loves his son with his whole heart, the man who sticks around through thick and thin for the people he loves. you’ve shown me someone I would be proud to call my son-in-law, someone I know I can trust my son with.”

Bobby means every word. He knows Eddie has a hard time expressing and dealing with his emotions. What was it that Hen called him? Emotionally stunted. And he also knows Eddie has a hard time believing that he’s a good person, that he’s a good father and a good friend.

Eddie continues to stare at his shoes, but Bobby can see the tension melting away slowly but surely.

“You really mean all of that?”

“Every last word. You’re a good man Eddie. And, if Buck makes you happy, I say go for it.”

Eddie finally looks up at him with a half smile. “He’s my best friend. Probably the best friend I’ve ever had. I can’t jeopardise that for my own feelings. I can’t ask for more than I already have.”

“Eddie-“

“Family of Evan Nash?” A voice calls out, cutting Bobby off.

“We’re not finished here.” Bobby warns as he stands up and moves over to the man.

The doctor leads Bobby and Eddie through the halls to a cubicle, where Evan is sat up in bed waiting for them, looking chastised already.

“How is he?” Bobby asks the doctor stood by Evans bed.

“He got lucky. Most people who suffer a pulmonary embolism don’t do it surrounded by trained medical professionals. It saved your life.” The doctor tells Evan.

“So what caused the blood clot?” Bobby inquires.

“Clots. Plural. There’s the one that hit his lungs and then there’s two more in his leg. As to the cause? It’s unclear.”

“Yeah, but he just got a clean bill of health last week.’ Eddie points out. ‘This came out of nowhere.”

“Did it? No pain or tenderness in the leg? Skin discolouration? Swelling?” The doctor asks Evan.

“I thought I just pulled a muscle or something.’ Evan admits. ‘I’ve been training for my LAFD recertification test.”

Bobby sighs. He knew Evan desperately wanted to come back to work, but he’d hoped he wouldn’t have jeopardised his own health to achieve it. He knew he would push himself, but this was far beyond what even he expected. He levels Evan with a ‘we’re talking about this later’ look that makes him squirm.

“Well it’s not surprising. Training hard can lead to dehydration which can increase the risk of clots.” The doctor explains.

Okay, well look - I’m not dead. You found the clots. When can I get out of here?” Evan asks.

“They’ll move you to a room, keep you on anticoagulants. Tomorrow we’ll run some more tests. And... we’ll see.” The doctor explains, then nods at Bobby as he leaves.

“When did your leg start bothering you?” Bobby asks.

“Like a day or two ago.” Evan admits, and Bobby sighs in resignation. ‘Dad - I was not ignoring this, I didn’t know what it was. I thought I had a leg cramp or something.“

“Well you need to be more careful.” Eddie snaps. ‘Cause if this had happened when you were alone, you could’ve died.”

“But I didn’t, okay? I just passed out.”

“Yeah, just passed out after vomiting up blood.” Eddie scoffs.

Evan blinks up at Eddie in surprise. “What? I don’t remember that. I vomited up blood? At your house?”

“Yeah.” Bobby nods.

“Oh no.”

“Oh yeah.’ Bobby grimaces. ‘Thankfully, none of the kids saw.”

“Well, what does this mean for me coming back to work?” Evan asks him.

Bobby sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose. “You’re back at the house, but you’re on light duty. Medical and easy calls only.”

“Dad-“

“I don’t wanna hear it Evan. You’re on light duty until you’re off the thinners - end of discussion. I will not compromise your health for anything. Not even your need to help others. Am I clear?”

“Crystal.” Evan grumbles.

“Look, son - I know this isn’t what you wanted. But you’re back with us where you belong, and you’ll be back in your seat in no time. Just - please, focus on you. I - we nearly lost you twice in 5 months. Don’t push yourself and make it a third.”

“I know dad.” Evan sighs and leans forwards in bed to wrap his arms around Bobby in a hug.

Bobby hooks his chin on Evans head and holds his son tight. “You may not be a kid anymore, but you’re still my kid. I worry about you.”

“I know you do. I’m sorry for not telling you that my leg started hurting again.”

“It’s okay son, I know you didn’t do it on purpose.”

“So as soon as I’m off the thinners, I can come back properly, right?”

“You have my word.’ Bobby holds his pinky out. Evan lets out a loud bark of laughter and hooks his pinky with his to shake. ‘Now get some rest, they’re keeping you in overnight. I’ll pick you up in the morning.”

“You got it dad.” Evan smiles.

Bobby turns to Eddie. “You coming?”

“No I think I’ll stay for a little bit, you okay with having Christopher for the night?”

“Like you even have to ask.’ Bobby snorts. ‘Night boys.”

Evan and Eddie call their goodbyes as Bobby leaves the room. Maddie is sat in the waiting room, ad jumps to her feet the moment she see’s bobby.

“Is he okay?” She asks.

“He’s going to be just fine. They found some clots in his leg and they’re putting him on blood thinners. He’s gonna be related tomorrow but Eddie’s with him right now. Think he’s going to stay the night.”

Maddie’s face morphs from concerned to sly in a heartbeat. “Oh he is, hmm?”

Bobby cocks an eyebrow. “Yeah… what’re you getting at?”

“While you guys were gone, Christopher let us all in on his little plan.” She explains.

“Operation Parent Trap.” Bobby’s from turns to a grin.

“Rest assured- your entire family is in on it. Daniel and me, too.”

“I’m glad to hear it. We’re going to need all the help we can get to get those two idiots to pull their heads outta their asses.”

“You said it. Hey, do you need a lift home?”

“Sure. That’d be nice, thanks.”

Maddie nods and leads him out of the hospital and over to her car in the lot. The 20 m minute journey back to his and Athenas place is silent, but not awkward. Bobby simply hums along to the radio and thinks about Evan. He wonders what him and Eddie are talking about. Maybe Eddie’s made his move and made Operation Parent Trap a bust.

The very thought alone makes Bobby snort in laughter.

•

It takes a further two weeks to get the all clear from the doctor and then - Evan is back with them.

In true 118 style, they throw him a little party at the station to commemorate his first day back on the job, complete with a cake.

“Not to sound ungrateful or anything, but where’s my elaborate cake? I mean, when Chimney came back, we had a cake in the shape of his head with a liquorish rebar through his head. Mines just a big red velvet cupcake.” Evan states as he ascends the stairs.

“It bleeds raspberry puree when you crush it.” Hen informs him.

“Plus you had your cake at the party you decided to ruin with real blood.” Chimney tacks on.

Evan flips him off with a snort.

“How’s it feel to be back?” Riley asks.

“Good. I’ve missed being here, helping out.” Evan admits.

“We’ve missed you too, kid. The firehouse sure is quiet without you.” Martin nudges his shoulder playfully.

“And Eddie here has missed his partner like a hole in the head!” Chimney exclaims, and everyone groans.

“Chim, man, that joke is almost as old as my dad.” Evan groans.

“Hey, whoah, watch it!’ Bobby laughs. ‘Do you want me to change my mind and send you home for a few more weeks?”

“If you don’t let me work, I will sue your ass.” Evan warns with a wink.

“If you sue my ass - you’re out of the will.” Bobby counter-warns.

“Well that’s no fair.”

“So don’t sue me.”

“Deal.” Evan holds out his pinky.

Bobby rolls his eyes but hooks his with Evans and shakes.

“Did you seriously just pinky promise not to sue your own dad?” Hen snorts.

“I think we did. I never would do it, though.”

Before anything else can be said, the alarms are ringing and Evan is geared up and sat in the drivers seat in an impressively short amount of time. Bobby grins as he joins him.

“It’s good to have you back, kiddo.”

“It’s good to be back.”

Evan glides the ladder truck to a stop at their call - a home for the elderly.

Evan stands shoulder and shoulder with Eddie as Hen and Chimney asses their patient - an elderly man who’s contracted a flesh eating std.

Bobby can’t help but laugh at the faces the boys are pulling. Evan looks impressed and Eddie looks absolutely disgusted.

They get the man - and half the other residents - loaded up and sent on their way to the ambulance and head back to the station.

“Say what you like about the man, but he was a baller.” Evan laughs as everyone settles around in the loft.

“He could’ve spread a sexually transmitted disease to nearly every person in that home.” Eddie points out slowly.

“Yeah but, he’s still a baller.”

“Do you aspire to be like him when you’re older?” Hen asks with a grin.

“Hell no - I wanna be settled down with grandkids at his age. But - time will tell.”

“You and Eddie will definitely have grandkids - Christopher is going to be a heart breaker.” Bobby points out.

“He got it from his dads.” Tanika sings.

“You two thinking of having more kids?” Riley asks Evan, who’s sat next to Eddie and blushing bright red.

“Oh Christopher would be the best big brother.” Hen points out.

“Ah, I’ve never really thought of it.” Eddie admits, looking as red as Evan.

“You should. You and Buck make a great couple, and great parents.” Chimney states.

“We’re not together.” Evan sighs.

“Are ya sure? Cause you seem pretty coupley to me.”

“What about you and Maddie.” Evan defects and, unfortunately, it works.

“Wait - you and Maddie?” Riley turns to ask.

“Damn it.” Hen mutters under her breath.

Bobby claps her on the back. “Next time.”

The next time - and all the times after that - turn out to be a bust. Evan and Eddie manage to dodge every single comment he or the team throw at them about being a couple and always manage to deflect the attention onto something else. Namely Chimney’s budding relationship with Maddie or Hen and Karens IVF journey.

It’s driving Bobby insane. Even Christopher is getting fed up with his dads.

“Operation Parent Trap isn’t working.” The boy huffs unhappily in the middle of a sleepover with Harry and Denny.

“I know kiddo.” Bobby sighs.

“Buck’s off work tomorrow, right?” Athena suddenly asks.

“Yeah?” Bobby turns to his wife with a raised eyebrow.

“Christopher - you think you could convince your Daddy Bucky to take you out for the day so you can talk to him? Try and convince him to ask your daddy out?”

Christopher nods. “I’ve wanted to go to the beach for ages now.”

“Excellent. Your daddy Bucky is much more likely to ask your daddy out, so you need to be real convincing, okay?”

“I can do that!” Christopher grins.

He and the boys go back to the movie playing on the screen and Bobby curls up with his wife on the couch.

“You think Chris can convince Evan to go for it?” He whispers.

“We can only hope.” Athena shrugs.

•

The next morning, Evan shows up to collect Christopher in grey jeans and a pink flannel, instead of his usual sweatpants and hoodie getup.

“What’s gotten you all dressed up?” He asks.

“Chris called me last night. Said he wants to go to the beach today, so here I am.”

“Oh, well have fun.” Bobby has to hide his knowing smirk.

“Thanks dad.” Evan grins, oblivious.

Christopher barrels into his legs then, dressed in his favourite yellow striped T-shirt.

“Bye grandpa Bobby.” He cheers, sending Bobby a less than discreet wink.

Evan catches it, and raises an eyebrow in question. Bobby shrugs innocently.

“Bye kiddo. Make sure your daddy Bucky takes it easy.” Bobby flashes Evan a warning look.

“I will.” Christopher giggles.

Bobby nods and watches them head off to the Jeep. He has every body part crossed that Christopher can get through to him. He closes the door and finishes getting himself ready for work.

The rest of the crew are surprisingly already at work when Bobby arrives, but Chimney is missing.

“He better not be in my kitchen.’ Bobby warns. Hen looks at the floor and bites her lip. ‘Hen?”

“He tried?” The woman says meekly, and holds out the remains of yet another one of his favourite pans.

Bobby takes a deep, calming breath as he takes the pan from Hen’s hands and looks at it mournfully.

“Where is he now?”

“At the store, trying to get a replacement.”

“Good. Tell him he’s fired if it isn’t the exact same.” Bobby warns as he climbs the stairs.

“Yes sir.” Hen snorts.

Eddie is sat at the kitchen island when Bobby arrives. He holds out his phone for Bobby to see a photo of Evan and Christopher enjoying some pancakes. Any irritation Bobby was feeling over yet another ruined pan disappears at the sight of his son and grandson.

“They look like they’re having a good time.” Bobby smiles.

“Lucky them.” Eddie grins back.

The day drags on with hardly any calls, and Bobby doesn’t want to jinx anything but he’s real close to saying the ‘Q’ word when the alarms sound. Everyone hips to it, and find themselves at a small car accident involving a hotdog truck. Bobby notices the water on the floor as Eddie is showing the picture of Evan and Christopher to Hen and Chimney.

“Hey, did someone leave a hydrant open?” He asks.

“I don’t think it’s a hydrant, Cap.” Eddie states, staring down at his phone in horror.

Bobby looks over his shoulder and feels the blood drain from his face.

SMS Tsunami Warning
WARNING - Earthquake/Tsunami Alert.
Event Type: SEAQUAKE Magnitude 7.5
Location: Santa Monica, Los Angeles County.

Hen and Chimney are looking at Bobby and Eddie with wide, concerned eyes.

“What’s going on?” Hen asks slowly.

“There’s been a tsunami at Santa Monica.” Bobby mumbles.

“Santa Monica?’ Chimney echos. ‘I-isn’t that where-“

“Buck and Christopher are.’ Eddie finishes for Chimney when his words fail him. ‘Yeah. It is.”

Chapter Text

Eddie’s known fear.

He knew it growing up bisexual with very religious town and house with very strict parents.

He knew it in high school when Ricky Green - the school bully - set his sights on him and made Eddie’s sophomore year a literal living hell.

He knew it the he found out Shannon was pregnant.

He knew it during Army training.

He knew it when Christopher got his diagnosis.

He knew it while he was out in that godforsaken desert, fighting for not only his life but the lives of his comrades.

He knew it when he woke up in the middle of the night to find Shannon and Christopher gone.

But this fear? The fear of not knowing if Christopher and Buck were safe from the tsunami? It’s much worse.

Eddie knows that sometimes, tsunami victims are never recovered. They’re simply swept away to sea and never seen again. To even think that that has happened to either Christopher or Buck makes him feel sick to the stomach.

“He’s still not picking up.” Hen reports, fear heavily evident in her voice.

Her, Chimney, Bobby and Eddie have all tried calling Bucks cell. And every single time, they’ve been greeted with - ’Yeah this is Buck, I can’t come to the phone right now so drop me a text and I’ll get back to you, laters!’

“Okay. We need to think logically. Buck is a first responder - so, as soon as he heard the sirens, he would’ve run.” Riley states calmly.

“With a recent crush injury? Even the fittest of people couldn’t outrun a tsunami!” Hen counters.

“No, but he would’ve at least tried to get Chris somewhere safe. Guys, c’mon, we know Buck would never let something happen to Chris if he can help it.”

“Of course we know that.’ Bobby sighs and rubs his forehead with his fingertips. ‘But, we also know that he would most definitely put himself in harms way to save Christopher. And if the tsunami hasn’t already… killed them, Evan will do everything in his power to make sure Christopher comes out alive. Even if it means he doesn’t.”

The heavy silence that follows Bobby’s words is disrupted by the radio crackling to life.

’All available RA units, please report to Santa Monica beach front for emergency search and rescue operations. I repeat, all-‘

“We should head down there.” Martin states.

Eddie, Bobby, Hen and Chimney swivel their heads to look at him.

“He’s right. There’s nothing we can do for Buck and Chris right now, other than head down to help out and try looking for them along the way.” Riley agrees calmly.

Eddie catches sight if Bobby taking a deep calming breath, before he nods. Gone is worried dad Bobby, and in his place is Captain Bobby Nash.

“Lets go see where we’re needed.” He says, and hops into the cab. Everyone else scrambles to follow him and, within seconds, they’re pulling away from the curb.

Eddie just prays that his boys are safe.

The mood in the cab as they drive towards Santa Monica pier is sombre, with Hen and Chimney not up to their usual teasing and Bobby not up to listing off random facts - something that Buck definitely got from him.

As Riley slows the ladder truck to a stop in the middle of the freeway, Eddie swivels in his chair to look and-

The sight that greets him makes him lose his breath. The city surrounding the pier is in ruins already, and the waves have left a trail of destruction in its wake. Shops, houses and vehicles and the roads are completely ruined, personal items and piles of debris are floating in the market water - along with countless dead bodies already. And they haven’t even seen the pier yet.

Chimney and Hen climb up to the top of the ladder to get a better look and Eddie can hear their scared murmuring from his seat where he’s frozen on the spot. Everyone reconvenes around the front of the truck and Eddie feels as thought he’s already wading through that water as he slowly hops down from the cab and grabs their gear.

He vaguely hears Bobby and someone from search and rescue talking pop front of their little huddle, but he can barely make their words out. The more he looks at the state of the city, the more he worries about Buck and Christopher. Theres no way they could’ve survived this.

“Hey, don’t you dare think like that!” Hens voice snaps.

Eddie snaps his head in the direction of the woman, to find her scowling at him.

“What?” He asks.

“You were thinking out loud. If there were ever two people who could survive a tsunami, it’s Buck and Chris.” She crosses her arms over her chest.

“Hen, they’re both physically compromised. Christopher has CP and Buck is recovering from a recent crush injury. You said so yourself - even if someone is at the top of their game, they still aren’t outrunning a tsunami.”

“But this is Buck and Chris.’ The older woman stresses. ‘Until I see them both with my own eyes, I refuse to even believe they were caught up in all of this. They might’ve got their pancakes and headed off somewhere else first. And, if they were, I refuse to believe that they are dead until I see so for myself. We’ve gotta have faith, Eddie.”

“She’s right. You’ll never make it through the day if you go on believing they’re dead already.” Chimney says gently.

Eddie looks between his two friends, and a hovering Bobby, and nods once, his jaw clenched.

“Okay. Until I see them myself, they’re safe.” He mumbles reluctantly.

He knows it’s not true - they could’ve been dragged out to sea and miles away by now, bit, for his own sake he has to believe. Bobby claps him on the back and gives him a look that tells Eddie that the older man is thinking the exact same thing as him. With nothing else to say, the crew climb into two separate boats to aid search and rescue teams - Bobby and Eddie in one boat, and Hen and Chimney in another.

Taking a speed boat through the streets of Santa Monica just doesn’t feel right. Neither does gliding past floating bodies and simply tagging them without stopping.

“Okay, we gotta work fast, people. We’re in between waves.” Bobby states.

Theres a moment of silence, until a woman screaming for help kales everyone jolt. Eddie turns in the direction of the voice, and finds a woman stood on a yacht waving them down. The boats speed towards her and the crew manage to climb aboard with little to no problems.

“My fiancé and my son need help.”

What happens next is a blur of rescues and tagging dead bodies. Eddie kind of feels like he’s having an out of body experience. Like, he’s physically there, he knows he is, but he feels detached from reality somehow. It’s like he’s watching through someone else’s eyes.

He knows that they get the woman, her fiancé and her son out from that yacht safely, he knows that they pull a handful of people from the water and he knows that they are currently pulling up the iconic Santa Monica pier Ferris wheel in the speedboat, but he just doesn’t feel like he’s really there at all. In his mind, he’s still at home with Buck and Christopher, safe and sound.

“Hey! Could use some help up here.” A voice shouts from above them.

Eddie looks up and sees blue. He harnesses himself up, and with a nod from Bobby, begins climbing the wheel to get to her.

The woman introduces herself as Lena from the 136 - one of the houses in the impact zone, Eddie recalls hearing Bobby say earlier - and they work together in tandem. Within minutes, Eddie can tell that she’s a no nonsense type of woman and he likes her already. They get one guy down safely with a lot of hard work. Apparently he doesn’t like water, yet he was visiting the pier.

“Weird, I know.” Lena had snorted.

She notices his military background within minutes, with her comparing the way he carries himself to that of her Captain, Ronnie Cooper. They bond over their love of climbing as they head further up the wheel to more patients. The Ferris wheel shifts and groans ominously, but Eddie and Lena keep their grip every time.

They get to another booth, and the guy they treat there has a possible spinal injury, so Eddie calls down for a basket. They manage to get him and his now ex wife (and what an awkward experience that was) safe from the water - with some bumps in the road - before the entire Ferris wheel collapses entirely.

With no other option, he and Lena have to dive into the water to ensure their own safely, and Bobby pulls them into the boat. They make their way inland on foot with Lena, who’s crew is all accountable for other than her captain. She tries to stay and look out for him, but Bobby and Eddie both recognise the way she’s carrying herself. She’s hurt.

After some arguing and some struggling and an order from Bobby, Lena finally gets Eddie look her over, and he finds some broken ribs. Bobby orders them back to the hospital - Eddie to help out and Lena to get help. Eddie agrees easily - he can search for Buck and Christopher while he’s there. Lena, however, is less than impressed. So Bobby orders Eddie to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn’t make a run for it.

They both clamber onto a truck that’s able to carry them to the hospital and settle in for the ride. Lena is still a little hostile towards him, but she soon warms up to him. They chat about anything that comes to mind. Anything to take their attention to the destruction and loss around them. When they get to the already busting hospital, Eddie follows Lena inside to her check up.

He stays in the waiting room, keeping his eyes peeled for any sight of Buck or Christopher while he waits. When Lena rejoins him, she rolls her eyes.

“You don’t have to babysit me, you know.” She snarks.

“I’m not here for just you.” Eddie snaps back.

Lena blinks at him, her playful smirk falling into a frown. “Whoah, who crapped in your coffee?”

“I’m sorry.’ Eddie groans and drags his hand down his face. ‘I didn’t mean to snap, I’m just a little on edge right now.”

“How comes?” Lena asks softly.

“My kid and my… best friend are out there somewhere.”

“Out there, as in-“

“They were at the pier when the tsunami hit. I have no idea if they’re even alive right now. I was hoping they’d be here, but they’re not.”

“Holy shit, Diaz.’ Lena whistles. ‘I’m sorry. What can I do to help?”

“Sit here?” Eddie gives the woman a half smile.

Lena huffs out a chuckle. “Fine, I will stay put just for you. But, if you show me a picture of your kid and best friend, I can keep an eye out for them. What’re their names?”

“My sons name is Christopher, and my best friend is Evan Nash, but everyone calls him Buck.”

“Wait, Buck as in Captain Nash’s son who got pinned by a ladder truck 5 months ago, Buck?” Lena asks.

“The one and only.” Eddie nods, and fishes out his phone to show her a picture.

It’s of the three of them, just 5 days prior to today, at the park. Christopher is sat between the two of them, looking at the camera with a cheesy grin. Buck is also grinning at the camera, his nose scrunched up adorably. Eddie himself is looking at the two of them with a soft smile on his face.

“Whoah, you never said you were dating the guy.” Lena comments.

Eddie turns to her and raises an eyebrow. “What? I’m not dating him.”

Lena snorts. “Tell that to your face. You look so in love in this picture, it’s ridiculous.”

“I’m not in love with him!” Eddie objects weakly.

If a random stranger can pick up on it, there’s no telling who else knows.

“Sure you’re not, Diaz.” Lena deadpans.

Thankfully, Eddie’s saved from more ridicule when an ambulance comes in. He smoothes his features into his ‘first responder’ face and races forwards to help out. When the ambulance doors open, however, the face falls and cracks.

Because lying there on the stretcher, unconscious and looking pale and half dead, is Evan Nash.

The machines attached to him are going haywire and telling Eddie that Buck is in cardiac arrest. Eddie doesn’t even hesitate to climb onto the stretcher and straddle Bucks hips to start manually pumping his heart for him while the paramedics from the 125 wheel them into the hospital. A slender woman with dull blonde hair runs after them.

Bucks heart finally gets the memo, and begins beating for itself again and Eddie nearly falls off the stretcher in his relief. He doesn’t, but he does turn his head to look at the woman still running alongside them.

“Who are you?” Eddie asks her.

“My name’s Molly Hopkins. He saved my life before collapsing.” She explains breathlessly.

“Did he have a little boy with him?”

Molly looks up at him, her green eyes wide and wet. “No, but he was asking around if anyone’d seen him. Christopher, 8 years old, dressed in a yellow t-shirt and chinos, has CP and red glasses.”

“Oh god.” Eddie chokes.

“They obviously got separated by the waves, Eddie. You can’t blame Buck for this.” Lena says over Eddies shoulder.

“I’m not! I’d never blame this on Buck, but that doesn’t change the fact that our son is still out there somewhere, alone.”

“Our?” Lena echos.

“Buck is Christophers other legal guardian. It’s a long story.”

“Hey, I’m sure he’s fine. Somebody probably has him and is on their way to somewhere safe right now.” Lena tries to comfort him.

“Yeah.” Eddie breathes distractedly. The thought of Christopher out there, crying out for him and Buck flashes across his mind, and he closes his eyes against it and the tears that threaten to fall.

“Let’s just focus on keeping him alive for now, okay?” The 125 paramedic cuts in to say, and helps Eddie climb back down from the stretcher as they come to a stop in a small private room.

Between the four of them, they get Buck on the bed and hooked up to an iv and a heart monitor. Lena leads Molly outside as Eddie and another doctor check Buck over for injuries. He has four lacerations across his face - narrowly missing his eye - and a deep laceration to his right arm that requires stitches.

Eddie holds his breath as he rolls up Bucks left pant leg, preparing for the worst. But, other than a little swelling around the knee from overuse, his leg actually looks fine. Eddie lets out his breath in the form of a relieved sigh.

Soon, Buck is as patched up as can be, and Eddie thanks the doctor as he rushes from the room, onto another patient. Eddie sits next to Bucks bed and takes one of his limp, pale hands between both is his and holds on for dear life.

“You better make it thought this, Buck.” He warns halfheartedly.

It’s only then that he realises that he hadn’t called Bobby yet. Eddie takes one hand away from Bucks and fishes out his cell again, dialling his Captains number. Bobby picks up on the second ring.

‘Eddie?’

“Hey cap. I uh… I found Buck.” Eddie says.

‘Oh god. He’s not dead, is he?’ Cap asks desperately.

“No he’s alive, but he’s in bad shape.” Eddie admits.

Bobby swears colourfully over the line. ‘Okay, I’ll be there as soon as I can.’

“Alright, see you soon Cap.”

Eddie hangs up with a sigh and scrubs his hands down his face. This whole day has been emotionally and physically taxing and he’s definitely feeling it now. He turns back to the bed - back to Buck - who’s still unconscious, but looking a little less gaunt-like. He takes the mans hand in both of his again, and settles back against the hard plastic chair to wait for the cavalry.

He’s not waiting long.

Wishing 10 minutes of his phone call with Bobby, their tent door is being ripped open, and the man himself is all but falling through it, followed closely by Athena, Hen, Chimney, Riley, Maddie and Daniel. Bobby goes straight to Bucks other side and strokes his hair out of his face.

“What happened to him?” Athena asks from where she’s stood at the end of the bed, her hand wrapped around Bucks foot.

“I don’t know, he was brought in like this.” Eddie tells her.

Everyone settles into an uneasy silence for a few long minutes, before Hen sighs.

“Guys, we’re doing no good standing vigil over him.’ She starts. Everyone turns to her, and Eddie’s about to ask what she means before she carries on. ‘Buck is here, safe and sound. But, there are countless others who aren’t. We’re here - we might as well help out.”

“You want us to leave him here alone?” Bobby asks, incredulous.

“He’s not alone. We’ll check up on him constantly.” Chimney nods, obviously on board with bis best friends plan.

“I don’t know…” Athena starts.

“If he was awake right now, what would he rather us do? Sit around and do nothing, or our jobs?” Hen challenges.

“She’s right.’ Daniel speaks up. ‘In the short amount of time I’ve known Buck, I’ve come to know how much he loves his job and how much he loves helping others. He wouldn’t want you guys to stop doing your jobs for him.”

Eddie logically knows he’s right, of course he does. Helping others is in Bucks DNA. But, he can’t stomach the thought of leaving him alone. Then, an idea pops into his head. He stands up, and sees the others all standing too - obviously all agreeing with Hen and Daniel - and heads out of the room. He casts one last look over Bucks face as the door closes. He quickly looks around, and smiles faintly when he sees his goal.

Lena is sat in the waiting room with Molly. They both look up at him and get to their feet.

“Hows Buck?” Lena asks.

“Stable. Can you keep an eye on him for us while we get back to work?’ He asks the woman. ‘Others still need our help and I need to start looking for Christopher.”

“Sure thing. I’m gonna be sticking around here, looking out for my Captain and Bucks room has a good vantage point of the waiting room.” Lena nods.

Eddie claps her on the back lightly. “Thanks, I owe you.”

“Buy me a drink when this is all over, and I’ll call it even.”

“Deal.” Eddie grins, then dashes away to an incoming ambulance.

He helps out where he can, but once he’s scouted the entire building and triage centre outside once and found no sight of Christopher, he circles back to where he saw Bobby last. He finds the man helping treat a woman who’s got a tree branch protruding from her lower abdomen.

“Cap, you okay with me heading out and looking for Christopher?” Eddie asks him quietly.

Bobby looks up at him with a soft smile. “Of course Eddie. Keep us updated.”

Eddie nods and goes to leave the hospital when a hand grabs his shoulder. He spins quickly, to find a panting and panicking Lena. He grabs both of her shoulders in his hands and practically holds her up.

“Whoah, hey, whats wrong?” He demands.

“Buck’s gone.’ She gasps. ‘I left to get a glass of water, and when I came back, he was gone.”

The blood drains from Eddie’s face. Bobby stands up from the now stable woman and pulls out his phone to speed dial Athena. Eddie does the same for Hen, and soon, the rest of the gang is crowding around them.

“Okay guys, we all know he’s gone back out there to look for Christopher, so we should all split up and look too.” Bobby announces.

They all pair up - Hen and Chimney, Maddie and Daniel, Bobby and Athena and Eddie and Riley. Lena offers to stay behind and let them know if Buck or Christopher end up back at the hospital. Eddie eyes her weirdly.

“You was all up for heading back out there a few hours ago. What changed?” He asks her.

“Its cold and wet and my ribs really freaking hurt. I know I’m gonna Abe no good out there.” She shrugs dejectedly. ‘Plus, I can keep an eye and ear out for Coop while I’m here.”

Eddie nods, and moves to catch up with his departing search party. Each pair take a nearby section of the city to search, and head off with their radios and phones on loud. Eddie and Riley search in companionable silence - their friendship isn’t built on a need to fill the silences.

Every small group of people they come across makes Eddies heart leap in hope, but Buck and Christopher are never with them. Each time, Riley pats his back comfortingly. They’ve just left a small group after directing them to the hospital when Eddies resolve starts to crack. Anything could’ve happened to Christopher today, and for all he knows, Buck made it 10 minutes away from the hospital and collapsed again and is lying somewhere, close to death and-

“Hey Eddie!’ Riley grips his forearms and shakes him gently. ‘They’re gonna be okay, man.”

“We don’t know that.’ Eddie chokes out. ‘My son and best friend could very well be dead right now, and I don’t know what I’ll do without either of them.”

Riley pulls him in for a tight hug. “I refuse to believe either of them is dead right now. But, if they are, you know you have all of us right? I know it’s not of much comfort, but you have a family and support system around you who will be by your side if the worst does happen.”

Eddie takes a deep, shuddering breath, and nods his head. His father always taught him; there is no use getting upset over the ‘what ifs’ in life. Buck and Christopher - unless he sees otherwise - are still alive and waiting for him.

As though summoned, Eddies phone starts to ring in his pocket. He pulls it out with shaking hands and answers it, putting it on speaker for Riley.

“Hello?” He calls quietly.

’We got both of them.’ Hens voice tells him.

“W-what?” Eddie mumbles. Hope blooms in his chest.

’Buck found Christopher and we found them. We’re on 17th street.’

“We’re like 5 streets away from there!” Riley states.

Eddie wastes no time. He doesn’t even bother to hang up as he sprints towards 17th street as fast as he can, Riley hot on his heels. They turn into the street, and Eddie skids to a stop at the sight.

Buck is sat on a bench with Christopher curled up in his arms as they both chat away to Hen and Chimney, like nothing is amis. Chimney catches sight of Eddie and Riley first, and he leans down to whisper something to the two of them. Bucks head snaps in Eddies direction, as does Christophers, and they both call out for him.

That’s all Eddie needs to move again. He rushes over to them and pulls Buck and Christopher in for a tightest of hugs, sobbing in relief. Eddies legs go to jelly from the adrenaline crash and he falls to his knees in front of his boys, burying his face in their tangled bodies.

“I was so worried about you both.” He admits thickly.

“We’re okay daddy.” Christopher chirps, happy as a clam as always.

Eddie lets out a strangled laugh as he pulls his son into his lap and holds on for dear life. Christopher indulges him - he’s apparently getting too old for dad cuddles right now - and hugs Eddie back just as tight. Buck sinks to the floor beside them and wraps his long arms around both of them.

“I’m so sorry Eddie.” He whispers wetly.

Eddie lifts his head to catch bucks red-rimmed eyes with his own. “Don’t you dare be sorry. None of what happened today is your fault.”

“But-“

“You guys can argue about this another time. Right now, we need to get these guts to the hospital.” Riley states gently.

Eddie nods, and slowly clambers t his feet. He Kees Christopher securely in his arms as Chimney and Riley flank Buck to help him on the walk. Hen heads off in front of them with her kit slung over he shoulder and her phone pressed to her ear.

“Daddy? Are you okay?” Christopher asks.

“Of course I’m okay. You and Buck are safe.” Eddie tells him.

“Daddy Bucky saved me. When the water first hit us, he swam us over to a fire truck and got us on top of it and out of the water.” He states.

“Oh yeah?” Eddie chuckles. Of course Buck managed to find a ladder truck to take refuge on.

“Yep! And he helped lots of other people onto it too and he asked a lady to look after me so he could save more.”

“What happened after that?” Eddie dares ask.

“The truck moved and I fell off into the water.’ Christopher admits quietly. Eddie’s heart aches. ‘I heard Daddy Bucky yell for me but I couldn’t call back. Then I found a surfboard to hold onto and it kept me out of the water.”

“I’m glad you did.”

“I went to the spot Daddy Bucky told me to wait in if we got separated and he came for me.”

“He sure did. He’ll always come for you buddy, you know that right?”

“I know daddy.” Christopher nods and gets settled against his chest again. Eddie smiles and kisses his wet hair.

It’s a long, slow walk back to the field hospital, but Eddie has his son in his arms and his best friend by his side. He doesn’t care. Finally, they approach it, and find the rest of their search party waiting anxiously. Eddie’s eyes zero in on Athena, who’s coated in blood. She catches him looking and snorts.

“It’s not mine.” She assures him.

She and Bobby rush over to buck and take him from Chimney and Riley to hug him. Maddie holds her arms out for Christopher, who squirms around and happily moves over to her. Daniel ruffles his hair lovingly as they chat away with him, with Maddie performing some basic check ups on him. Eddie turns his attention on his best friend again, to see him already staring.

Eddie strides over and pulls him in for a crushing hug. Buck yelps in surprise, but hugs him back just as tight.

“Thank you. For keeping him safe and finding him.”

“I lost him, Eddie.” Buck argues and tries to pull away from the hug. Eddie just holds on tighter.

“No, you saved him. That’s how he remembers it.”

“I never should’ve lost him in the first place.” Buck spits in self deprecation.

“You were caught in a natural disaster Buck. Don’t beat yourself up too much.” Eddie scolds him.

“But-“

“Nope. I’m not listening. You saved our son, you kept his safe and brought him home to us.”

“Technically you did.”

“Technically you should shut your mouth listen to me.’ Eddie pulls back and raises an eyebrow. He clamps one hand down on Bucks shoulder and makes sure he’s looking at him as he says his next words. ‘Buck. There is nobody in this world I trust with our son, more than you.”

Bucks face breaks out into a tiny smile. It’s nothing compared to his usual megawatt ones, but it’s a start, so Eddie will take the win. Buck tilts forwards and rests his forehead against Eddies.

“I would do anything for that boy.” He whispers.

“I know you would. Including sneaking out of a hospital to find him.”

Buck pulls back with a sheepish smile. “Including, but not limited to.”

Eddie rolls his eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Says you.”

“Yeah, but you love me.” Eddie winks.

“Yeah. I do.” Buck whispers.

Before Eddie can even process what he’d said, Bucks eyes roll back and he goes limp. Eddie just about has enough time to catch him before he smacks his head against the pavement. He screams for help, which comes in the form of his crew and Lena.

“What happened?” Bobby demands.

“Adrenaline crash, probably.” Hen suggests.

In a flurry of movement, they get Buck on a cot and get him hooked up to another iv. Just like before, they all gather around his bed, but this time Christopher curls up next to him as he succumbs to sleep. Eddie lets out a breath that he’s been holding all day.

Both of his boys are here and safe and they’re both going to be okay. That’s all he cares about. Anything else can be dealt with at a later date. Such as Bucks apparent love confession. Eddies still not 100% sure it actually happened, but god does he hope it was. plus, he doesn’t even know if Buck will remember saying it.

Only time will tell.

Chapter Text

Ignoring the man you live with, work with, are raising a son with and are subsequently in love with is no mean feat, but Buck somehow manages.

He’d barely spoken three words to Eddie directly in the week and a half since the tsunami.

He knows the older man has noticed - it’s hard not to - but Buck cannot bring himself to talk to him, and hear his polite rejection. The ‘thanks but no thanks’ speech. He’d literally rather be crushed by another ladder truck than that.

Also, going back to work just days after surviving a tsunami against your dad/boss’s wishes is no mean feat, either. Dad had put up fight after fight when Buck said that he didn’t need a ‘few weeks off to rest and process’ or whatever his dad was gently - read forcefully - asking of him. But Buck refused to back down. The city and its people need all of its first responders more than ever right now, and Buck sure as hell wasn’t going to let them down.

After three days, dad had relented and let Buck back on the rig, where he belongs. And he refuses to talk to Eddie unless strictly necessary. Like right now for example. The 118 has been called in to assist a 3 alarm fire at an apartment building.

“Okay. Evan, Eddie - I need you guys to head up to the fifth floor and clear it. Chimney - you and I will take the fourth floor. Time is of the essence here and, unless someone is in dire need of medical assistance, get everyone shipped off to the paramedics on the ground. Hen - you help triage.”

“Got it Cap.” Everyone echos, and heads to their respective posts.

Buck follows Eddie up the stairs to the fifth floor in complete silence. The flames on the second floor are being contained by the 125, so the only thing Buck and Eddie have to worry about is smoke inhalation, which is prevented by their masks. They knock on and call out at every single door they come across - herding the small unaware family from 506 towards the stairs with blankets covering their mouths.

“So, are you going to blank me for the rest of our lives, or are we actually going to talk about what you said?” Eddie suddenly asks as they move down the corridor.

Buck sighs. He can hear the frustration in the older mans voice, and it kills him to know he’s the reason for that. But, he physically cannot take the emotional blow of Eddies rejection. So -

“The first one. Definitely the first one.” Buck nods, not looking over his shoulder to where Eddie is stood.

He hears Eddie sigh and curse under his breath, but he doesn’t say anything more. They finish their floor in an awkward silence, and, when they finally make it back to the ground floor and out of the building, Eddie storms off towards to where Hen is stood without another word or a look back. Bucks hearts aches.

Buck senses someone’s eyes on him before he sees anyone. And then, Chimney appears on his left side.

“Still not talking to Eddie, huh?” He asks, popping a bubble in his gum.

“Nope.” Buck confirms.

“You ever going to talk to him again?”

“Nope.”

“You gonna tell me why?”

“Nope.”

“Are you going to answer a question with anything other than nope?”

“Nope.” Buck smirks.

“So I’m guessing you don’t want an Oreo?”

Buck snaps his head towards the older man, to see him sliding a fun sized packet of Oreo’s from his pocket.

“I never said that.”

“Sure you didn’t, kid.” Chimney smirks, and offers the packet to Buck.

The two of them stand to the side, eating their Oreo’s in companionable silence. So, of course Chimney has to go and ruin it.

“You need to just talk to him, Buck. Listen to what he has to say.” He says gently.

“No, I don’t need to listen to him telling me that he doesn’t love me back. I wont do that to myself.”

“Why are you so convinced that he doesn’t love you back?” Chimney sighs.

“I just know.”

“You guys nearly kissed the night of the tsunami, and the day of Chris’s adoption! He’s attracted to you, Buck.” Chimney sighs.

“He might be attracted to me - I mean, who isn’t.’ Buck winks. ‘But attraction and love are two very different things. I’ve never been lucky in love and I refuse to jeopardise my friendship with Eddie over my feelings.”

Chimney opens his mouth to argue, but raises an eyebrow, before snapping his mouth shut and shrugging. “Alright, I tried. I still think you’re an idiot, but I wont push you anymore.”

Chimney walks away shaking his head, and Buck looks on. Dad catches his eye and raises one brow, to which Buck shrugs at and climbs back onto the ladder truck.

The ride back to the firehouse is tense and silent, but Buck sicks to his guns. He is a firm believe of ignoring a problem until it goes away, and that’s exactly what he plans on doing. The rest of the shift passes without another attempt at talking from Eddie, so Buck takes it as a win. The awkwardness will go away with time, he’s sure of it.

Buck hops into his jeep at the end of that day, and watches as Eddie climbs into his own truck. Buck pulls out and expects Eddie to follow him all the way home so they can relieve Carla, but the older man turns in the opposite direction of their house, making Buck frown.

“Eh, he probably needs some time alone.” Buck tells himself, and carries on home.

Chris cheers when Buck walks into the living room, but it switches to a small frown when he realises Eddie isn’t also there.

“Where’s daddy?” He asks Buck.

“He went out with a friend after work.” Buck lies easily.

“Oh. Will he be home in time for a bedtime story?”

“I’m sure he will be, bud.” Buck smiles.

He isn’t.

Buck tackles bath and bedtime by himself, and reads two books - complete with silly voices and all - to cheer Chris up. The little boy falls asleep with a frown on his face, and Buck feels a wave of anger towards Eddie sweep over him. Sure, he and Eddie aren’t in a good place right now, but their son always comes first.

Buck snatches his phone up from the kitchen island on his way out from Chris’ room, his anger only increasing at the lack of missed calls or texts from Eddie. So, he phones him. It goes straight to voicemail. So Buck leaves one.

“Hey Eddie. Nice one for missing bedtime, Christopher missed you if you were wondering. Don’t bother coming home tonight, stay wherever you are because it’s clearly more important than your son.” Buck growls before hanging up.

He hadn’t meant to say any of that - he can’t kick Eddie out of his own house - but he’s just so angry. What could possibly be more important than Chris?

Buck locks the doors and heads off to bed, still angry. Eddie doesn’t call back.

Chris wakes up periodically throughout the night with nightmares of the tsunami, something that Buck and Eddie had agreed to tackle together. But, this time, Buck’s all on his own. He climbs into the bed with Chris and holds him through the nightmares and the tears - reminding him so much of when Chris first came to live with him. Eventually, they both fall back asleep in the small boys bed.

Eddie doesn’t come home.

•

Chris is, understandingly, upset in the morning when he realises Eddie still isn’t home. Buck feels a pang of guilt - he had after all told Eddie not to come back after all - but he pushes it aside. Eddie only has himself to blame.

So, Buck gets Chris ready for school and fed - breakfast burritos are always a winner in their house - while also getting himself ready for work. He gets Chris to school on time, and heads to the firehouse. Dad and Hen are the only ones there, and they both notice Bucks bad mood the second he walks through the bay.

Dad all but drags Buck up the stairs tad soon as he’s dressed in his uniform, and Hen sets about making them some coffee. The three of them settle around the table, with dad and Hen looking at Buck expectantly.

“I’m mad at Eddie.” He sighs.

“Why? I thought you weren’t even talking to him.” Hen hedges.

“I’m not, but he didn’t come home last night. He missed bath and bedtime.”

“That doesn’t sound like Eddie.” Dad frowns.

“That’s what I thought. So, I called him, but it went straight through to voicemail. And, I was pretty angry with him so I uh - I told him not to come home after telling him how upset Chris was.”

“And what happened?” Dad asks.

“He didn’t come home. I thought, if he really cared about Chris, he would ignore me and be there but he didn’t and I had to deal with Chris’s nightmares alone last night. It’ taken both of us to calm him down recently because of the tsunami, but I managed on my own. He was really sad this morning because his daddy wasn’t there.”

“Yikes.” Hen pulls a face and leans back in her chair.

“Cap, you got a phone call in your office.” Riley hollers across the loft.

Dad sighs as he stands. He places a comforting hand on Bucks back and he moves over to his office.

“Do you think I’m overreacting?” Buck asks Hen.

“To what, exactly?” She asks slowly.

“Everything.” Buck sighs.

“Well… I do think you should just talk to Eddie about what you said after the tsunami.’ Hen starts cautiously. ‘You might not have ruined your friendship with your confession, but you’ll never know if you don’t talk about it. As for his little disappearing act last night? Definitely not. Christopher is the number one priority for both of you. Nothing should get in the way of that, even arguments.”

“That’s what I thought. Like, no matter what happens between Eddie and me, I would never put it above Chris’s needs. Even if I never speak to Eddie again, you can bet your ass that I will be there for every bath and bedtime that I can.”

“You need to just talk to him. Even if it’s only about what happened last night.” Hen suggests.

“You’re right.’ Buck nods. ‘I’ll talk to him when he comes in.”

“That’s going to be hard.’ Dads voice sounds. Buck spins in his seat to see him walking back over to the table with a frown. ‘Eddie called out today.”

“What the fuck?’ Buck whispers. ‘Did he say why?”

“Not exactly.’ Dad grimaces. ‘He said he couldn’t come in because he was ‘feeling a little sore from last night’, whatever that means.”

Bucks jaw drops. “He missed bath and bedtime for a fucking hook up?” He roars.

“We don’t know that for sure.” Hen defends halfheartedly.

“Then what else could it be?” Buck demands.

Hen’s mouth works open and closed a few times, before she snaps it shut completely. “I have no idea.” She admits.

“I’m gonna fucking kill him.” Buck vows.

Before anything more can be said, the alarms go off and everyone is piling into the ladder truck and ambulance. The day passes without so much as a text from Eddie, and Buck can feels his temper rising with every passing minute.

Everyone in the house gives him a wide berth, end even their patients eye him cautiously. Finally, the 8 hours are over and Buck’s pretty sure he breaks every speed limit to get home as fast as he can.

Carla and Chris are the only ones waiting for him.

“Where’s Eddie?” He asks Carla while Chris watches cartoons.

“He went out half an hour ago.” Carla tells him.

“Did he say where he was going?”

“Nope, just that you shouldn’t expect him home tonight again.”

Buck lets out an involuntary growl of anger. “I’m gonna kill him.”

“What’s going on?” Carla asks with a frown.

Buck lets out a deep sigh as he leads the woman through to the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee. He spills everything to the woman, including what he said on the night of the tsunami and what Eddie had told Bobby over the phone.

“You really think he’s hooking up with someone instead of putting Christopher to bed? That doesn’t-“

“Sound like Eddie, I know. But, it’s the only logical explanation I’ve got.” Buck sighs and scrubs a hand over his face.

Carla places a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Buckaroo.”

“Thanks.’ Buck smiles at her. ‘You can head on home now if you want, I’ve got it here.”

“If you’re sure…”

“I’m sure. Head home to Howard before he orders another take out for dinner.”

Carla cracks a smile at that. “Well okay then. But remember, I’m only a phone call away.”

Buck engulfs the short woman in a tight hug and thanks her. He sees her out to her car, waving with a laugh when she sounds her horn as she drives away. Buck then lowers his hand with a sigh and shuts the door.

“Daddy Bucky?” Chris ask from the couch.

Buck moves over to join him. “Yeah bud?”

“What’s wrong with you and daddy?”

Buck sighs again. “We had a little fight, but we’re working on it, alright? Don’t worry about us.”

“Do you still love each other?”

“Of course we do, Chris. We just need some time apart right now. Everything will go back to normal soon, I promise.”

Chris looks entirely unconvinced, but he doesn’t call Buck out. Instead, he nods and snuggles closer to Bucks side as he finishes his film - Finding Dory.

“It reminds me of you.” Chris tells Buck after a while of silence, nodding towards the screen.

“How so, bud?”

“Just keep swimming, remember?”

Bucks heart flops over in his chest. He does remember. He remembers telling Chris that during the tsunami. Buck closes his eyes, and scenes from that day play out across the lids.

Buck grips Christophers shirt in his hand as tight as he can. The boy is all but hanging over the railing - the only thing keeping him safe from the water. Or so Buck thought.

He barely remembers what they were talking about. Career options, Buck thinks. It all seems so long ago now.

All he vividly remembers is looking over the railing and seeing that wave headed straight for them.

He’s never felt fear quite like it. And the overwhelming need to protect Christopher shouldn’t have taken him by surprise, but it did.

Before Chris can utter another word, Buck’s fight of flight instincts kick in and he rips Chris up off the bench and runs. The pain in his leg was nothing compared to the fear of something happening to his little boy.

Logically, he knows that he cannot outrun a tsunami. Not when he’s this close to the impact zone. So, he does the best thing he can think of - he get Chris tucked away in a small booth along the pier and barely manages to leap over to join Chris when that first wave hits. And then came the second wave.

He’ll never forget the force of the waves as they hit Chris and him. He’ll never forget the feeling of Chris being ripped from his arms. He’ll never forget the feeling he got when he realised Chris was missing.

When he emerges from the water, his lungs are burning but the second he catches his breath, he’s screaming out for Chris.

The overwhelming feeling of relief when he found Chris was nothing like he’s ever felt. If only he knew how short lived it would be.

“Daddy Bucky?”

Buck’s head snaps over to Chris and gives the boy a smile.

“Yeah kid?”

“Is daddy in the army again?”

Buck frowns. “What makes you ask that?”

“Because he came home hurt earlier, and he came home hurt when he was in the army.”

Buck’s heart freezes in his chest. Eddie was hurt?

“No baby, he’s not in the army again, I promise. He probably got hurt at work.” Buck lies smoothly.

Chris nods with a relieved sigh, accepting Buck’s explanation, and settles down again, giggling along to the movie. Buck wraps his arm around Chris as his mind once again wanders back to the tsunami, when he realised his son was gone again and he nearly lost this forever.

He turns his back for one second. One second is all it takes for his whole world to collapse again.

The woman he’d left in charge of Chris isn’t even looking in the direction he once was in. All Buck sees is the boys shoes as he falls off the ladder truck, and he doesn’t hesitate to jump in after him and begin searching.

Hours.

Buck searches for hours and hours, screaming for Chris and asking anyone he finds if they’d seen his little boy. If anything happens to him, Buck would never forgive himself.

He doesn’t remember how he gets to the hospital. One second he’s searching for Chris, and his head goes a little fuzzy. The next he knows, he’s waking up on a hospital bed, attached to a heart monitor and an IV.

He’s alone in the room, with nurses and first responders rushing past the open door without so much as a look in. So, he carefully unhooks himself from everything without raises alarm and sneaks out of the room. He’s not doing Chris any good lying in a comfortable and dry bed.

He manages to slip out of the hospital without getting anyone’s attention, and jogs down the stairs. He catches sight of Eddie across the parking lot - that’s been set up with extra beds and a triage centre - and freezes.

He can’t face the man. He’s lost their son.

Buck turns in the opposite direction and all but runs away, back towards the beach.

He searches around for what feels like hours again, calling out for Chris over and over, his panic ticking up the longer he’s out there.

He’s about ready to collapse again, the fatigue getting to him, when he sees something up ahead. A group of people.

With his hope stretched as thin as his consciousness, Buck tries one last time to find Chris. He heads towards the group and looks between them all.

Stood at the back, is a young woman cradling a little boy. A little boy in chinos and white converse and a yellow striped shirt.

“C- Chris?” Buck whispers hoarsely.

“Daddy Bucky?”

The response is muffled, but it’s undoubtedly Chris. Buck nearly collapses again, but from relief. His son is alive and here.

Buck takes Chris from the woman’s arms and sinks to the bench beside them, sobbing in relief when Chris turns and wraps his arms around Buck’s shoulders with a grin.

“Chris, oh my god. You’re safe. You’re actually safe.” Buck cries.

“I knew you’d come for me Daddy Bucky.” Chris chirps happily in his ear.

“I will always come for you Chris. No matter what.” Buck vows.

The group heads off in the direction of the hospital, but Buck stays where he is for a moment. Relishing in the feeling of Chris in his arms. Everything is settled again, and Buck can finally breathe.

He’s not sure how long he stays there, sat on that wooden bench and hugging Chris, but when he finally looks up, it’s to the sound of his name being called.

“Buck? Is that you?”

Hen.

Buck calls out to the woman, who all but runs to his side. She falls to her knees next to Buck, and Chimney falls on his other side, their faces shining with relief.

“You scared the hell out of us, kid.” Chimney scolds him lightly as he rummages through his kit.

“I’m sorry guys. If I knew there was a tsunami warning, I never would’ve taken Chris to the pier.” Buck tells them.

“We know that, Buck. We’re taking about you disappearing from the hospital.” Chimney sighs.

Buck ducks his head. “I’m not gonna apologise for that. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for Chris.”

“We know Buck.’ Hen smiles. ‘Why don’t you let Chim look you both over while I phone the others? Everyone’s out looking for you guys.”

Buck nods, but he doesn’t look away from Chris. He don’t think he ever will again.

Chris once again pulls Buck from his memories, this time with a yawn. Buck smiles softly and pulls him into his arms.

“Bedtime.” He announces.

“I need a bath.” Chris says sleepily.

“You can shower in the morning. Right now, we’re going to snuggle up in my bed, read some stories and go to sleep.”

“I’m staying in your bed tonight?” Chris lights up.

“You sure are. Just for tonight, though.” Buck smiles.

“Okay daddy Bucky.” Chris grins.

True to his word, Buck takes Chris to his room and they get snuggled up under the duvet in their pyjamas. Buck reads three chapters of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Chris’s favourite - before they settle down for the night.

Chris has two more nightmares, but they’re easily handled, which Buck is immensely grateful for.

Eddie doesn’t come home again.

•

When Buck arrives at work after the school run the next morning, the first thing he notices is Eddie’s truck. Buck gets inside the building, and finds the man laughing with Riley and Martin like nothings wrong.

Buck storms over to the three of them and gets right in Eddie’s face, baring witness to the older mans shock.

“What the hell is your game, man?” Buck demands.

“Excuse me?” Eddie snaps back.

Buck shoves his shoulder harshly. “What the hell is more important than getting your son asleep?”

“What’s it go to do with you?” Eddie growls and shoves Buck back.

Before Buck can retaliate, dad steps between them and places a palm on each of their chests.

“Cool it off!’ He demands. ‘I know you guys are going through some personal stuff right now, but you leave that at the doors, you hear me?”

“Loud and clear.’ Buck states, then turns to glare daggers at Eddie. ‘You obviously don’t give a shit about your son so find yourself somewhere else to live. He doesn’t need a half assed father in his life.”

Eddie ducks around dads arm and grabs Buck by the front of his uniform to get right in Buck’s face.

“Don’t you dare tell me what I feel for my son!’ He roars. ‘I love that kid more than life itself.”

“Then where the hell have you been?” Buck counters.

“Street fighting!” Eddie bellows.

Buck falters for a moment. “... What?”

“I’ve been so angry recently and Lena offered me a place to vent it out, and things got out of hand.” Eddie admits, the anger leaving him completely.

“Who the hell is Lena?” Buck asks.

“You’ve been fighting illegally?” Dad asks Eddie.

“Yeah.” Eddie whispers, ducking his head in shame.

“Eddie-“

“I know, I fucked up. I didn’t mean to get in this deep, but with everything that’s been going on between Buck and I recently, I just couldn’t stop.”

“You’re blaming this on me?” Buck scoffs indignantly.

“No! It’s my way of dealing with everything. You won’t talk to me, but I’ve never really been good with words myself, so.. yeah.” Eddie shrugs.

Buck takes a deep calming breath. This isn’t how he expected his day to go. He’s missed Eddie so much recently, and he had no idea how much him not talking to the older man had affected him. So, he decides to hold out an olive branch.

“If we sit down and talk about everything, will you stop the fighting?” He asks Eddie.

“I can try.’ Eddie looks up at him with hopeful eyes. ‘But I might need some help. It’s like I’m addicted to the high that comes from winning.”

“I’ll help you.’ Buck promises. ‘You helped me through my recovery, I’ll help you through yours.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I got your back, remember.” Buck smiles.

“And I’ve got yours.” Eddie smiles back at him tentatively.

Buck gives into temptation, and wraps around the older man for a hug.

“I’ve missed you.” He whispers in Eddie’s ear.

“I’ve missed you too. So much.” Eddie sniffles, clinging onto Buck tightly.

“Why don’t you guys go somewhere private to talk everything over?” Dads voice cuts in.

Buck pulls away from Eddie to look at him. “Where? This whole place is open plan.”

“The storage closet.” Hen suggests, a twinkle in her eye.

Before either of them can confirm or deny her suggestion, the woman is shoving Buck and Eddie over to their equipment cupboard that’s barely big enough for one of them to fit in comfortably. She manages to squeeze them both inside - using their shock to do so - and closes the door tightly.

The click of the lock echos in the tiny room.

“I’m sorry for ignoring you.” Buck sighs, breaking the silence.

“Why did you do it in the first place? Why didn’t you just talk to me?” Eddie asks.

“I couldn’t. I couldn’t handle you giving me the whole ‘I love you as a friend and nothing more’ talk. I’d never get over it.’ Buck admits quietly. ‘But, Chris comes first. We can’t raise him if I’m not talking to you.”

“How do you know that’s what I’m going to say?” Eddie asks, equally as quietly.

“Because that’s what they all say.”

“Not me.”

Buck finally looks away from the door to Eddie, to find the older man already staring, nothing but sincerity in his warm brown eyes. “What?”

“If you’d have just talked to me after the tsunami, all of this could’ve been avoided. I love you too, Buck. And not just as a friend.”

Buck couldn’t believe his ears. Eddie loves him? What the fuck? Just to be sure, he repeats that out loud.

“What the fuck?”

Eddie lets out a soft chuckle. “What the fuck, indeed. But it’s true - I love you Buck. I’m not sure when it changed from platonic to romantic, but it did. And I’m not changing it back. I want to be with you.”

“This isn’t some practical joke, is it? You really mean that?” Buck asks, uncharacteristically shy.

Eddie steps closer to him and cups his face in his palms. “I really mean it.”

“Seriously?”

“I’m as serious as a pulmonary embolism, Buck.” He winks.

“Those are pretty serious.” Buck whispers.

Both men step forward at once, and their noses brush. Eddie closes the gap, and seals his lips over Bucks in an incredibly soft kiss.

Buck’s not sure what he was expecting from his first kiss with Eddie - he’d fantasised quite a bit, but never in detail - but the overwhelming feeling of home and right wasn’t it. He was expecting butterflies, his heart beating a million miles a minute, all of that. But, his heart is slow and steady in his chest. Almost as if it’s saying to his brain ‘I’ve been here for a while, I was just waiting for you to catch up.’ with an eye roll.

Eddies lips are soft and a little chapped and he tastes as perfect as he looks. Bucks eyes slip closed as he presses further into the other mans presence. Eddies arms wind around his neck and pull him even closer as Bucks arms slide around his waist, and Buck has to smile at the fact that Eddie fits in his arms perfectly. Like he was made to be there.

He feels Eddies own lips curl into a smile, and their kiss is broken. They stand there, smiles and bodies pressed together for an unknown amount of time, just holding each other, and the world settles around Buck. Everything clicks into place. This is where he belongs. With Eddie, in his arms.

“I’m an idiot.” Buck whispers, breaking the silence.

“That was never up for debate.” Eddie teases.

Buck laughs as he untangles himself from the man and pinches his side playfully. “You know what I mean.”

“Yeah I do.’ Eddie smiles. ‘But, you did what you thought you had to to protect your feelings. I understand that.”

“But, if I’d have listened to literally everyone and just talked to you, we could’ve been doing this for weeks now!”

Eddie shrugs. “We can make up for lost time.”

“Is that so?” Buck grins and raises an eyebrow.

“Definitely. But, not in a locked storage room at work with our entire family listening in on us.” Eddie raises his voice towards the end of his sentence and looks at the door meaningfully.

“Busted.” Chimneys voice comes from the other side.

The lock clicks, and suddenly, the door flies open. Dad, Athena, Hen and Chimney are all stood on the other side, all grinning unashamedly at them.

“Did you two finally pull your heads outta your butts and admit that you’re madly in love with one another?” Riley asks.

“We did.” Buck nods bashfully.

“And are you finally together?” Athena asks.

Buck looks over at Eddie, who’s smiling up at him. Buck links their fingers together with a smile of his own and nods.

“Yeah. Yeah we are.” He says, not looking away from Eddie.

“Finally.” Dad, Athena, Hen, Chimney, Riley and Martin sigh. Buck can practically hear Maddie and Daniel sigh it in the distance.

“Yeah yeah I know.” Buck laughs.

“You really should’ve done this at the end of shift.” Chimney suddenly says.

Everyone turns to look at him with raised eyebrows.

“And why’s that?” Eddie asks.

“Because. You now have to wait 12 hours until you can consummate the relationship.” Chimney winks.

Buck feels his face heat up and he ducks his head to hide it. In his peripheral he sees Eddie do the same. he also catches sight of dad and Athena pulling faces at the thought.

“It’s going to be a loooooong shift.” Hen states gleefully.

Chapter Text

The house is silent when Buck unlocks the front door. He steps inside quietly, shushing Eddie when he breathes too loudly, and ventures into the living room on his tip toes.

Chris and Carla are snuggled up on the sofa while Disney+ plays trailers on the screen.

“That’s just too precious.” Eddie whispers behind Buck.

Buck nods with a grin, and fishes his phone out to take a picture. And then, he starts the delicate task of untangling the little boy from his carer.

Chris whines in his sleep, but thankfully doesn’t wake up as Buck shuffles him into his arms and stands back up. Carla blinks open her eyes and gives Buck a sleepy grin.

Buck leaves Eddie to see Carla out for the night and carries Chris through to his room. As he settles Chris down on his bed and tucks him in, Chris loosely grips his wrist.

“Daddy Bucky?” He slurs sleepily.

“Yeah bud, it’s me.” Buck assures him as he brushes a few stray curls from his face.

“Is daddy home?”

“He sure is. You wanna see him before you go back to sleep?”

Chris nods lazily, making Buck chuckle. He stands up from the bed and is about to leave the room to fetch Eddie, when the man appears in the doorway. Buck gestures him over with his head, and Eddie comes over to kneel next to the bed. Chris cheers quietly and wraps his arms around Eddie’s neck.

“Missed you daddy.” He mumbles.

Eddie hugs him back with a soft smile. “I missed you too, kid. I’m sorry I haven’t been here for bedtime recently.”

“Daddy Bucky said you guys were fighting. Have you stopped now?” Chris asks.

“Yeah Chris. We have.” Buck smiles.

“Are you boyfriends now?”

Buck looks at Eddie, his face flushed pink, to see the older man also blushing.

The rest of their shift had, indeed, been long. Their family were relentless in their teasing, and passing around money they owed from the bet they made.

But, between the emergencies and the teasing, he and Eddie managed to finally define what they were.

Boyfriends. For now, at least.

They hadn’t told anyone else, not Maddie or Daniel or Carla. They definitely hadn’t told Chris, either.

“H-how-“

“I know you love each other, but aunt Maddie said you were both too stupid to do something about it.”

Buck splutters indignantly as Eddie barks out a loud laugh.

“Is that so?’ The older man asks. ‘We’ll be having words with aunt Maddie when we see her next. But yes, we are boyfriends, Christopher.”

“Finally.’ Chris sighs dramatically. ‘We’ve been trying to get you guys together forever.”

“What?” Eddie asks eloquently.

“When daddy Bucky got crushed at work, and you both told me you loved each other, me and grandpa Bobby came up with Operation: Parent Trap. It was a plan to get you together and everyone else helped. But it didn’t work. How did you get together?”

Buck and Eddie blink at their son in shock. He knew this whole time? And had been trying to get them together? Buck feels like a right idiot right now.

“We uh- we was arguing and we told each other.” He tells Chris blandly.

“Did you kiss?” Chris asks.

“Yeah Chris, we did.”

“Yuck.” Chris grins.

Buck rolls his eyes. “Are you happy that we’re finally together now?”

“Yes! Daisy in school has two dads and they’re awesome, but you’re going to be even more awesome than them.” Chris declares.

Buck’s hearts swells with love for his little boy. He sits back down on the bed and gathers Chris in for a hug. He feels Eddie join in, and the three of them sit there for a long minute, just holding one another. When they all finally pull away, Chris is sound asleep on Buck’s shoulder. With a smile, he settles him back on the mattress and pulls the covers up to his chin. Both Buck and Eddie kiss his forehead goodnight, and head out of the room.

Buck collapses on the sofa with a groan. Eddie falls down right beside him and Buck instinctively burrows further into the older mans warmth. Eddie’s arm wraps around his shoulder, and they sit in a comfortable silence for god knows how long. Long enough for Buck’s eyes to start drooping.

Eddie shrugs him awake, and he lolls his head to the side to look up at the older man.

“I can’t believe this is actually happening.” Buck whispers.

“Me too. I’ve dreamt of this for a little while now, but I never thought I’d actually get to have it.”

“What do you mean?”

“All of this. The perfect family, the big house, the white picket fence, the dog. Everything.”

“We don’t have a dog.” Buck points out, his face flushed.

“We could get one.’ Eddie grins. ‘But in all seriousness - this is it for me, Buck. You and Christopher are everything I’ve ever wanted. Everything I’ll ever need.”

“You’re all I need, Eddie. I think I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you with Chris, it just took some time for my head to catch up.”

“Me too.” Eddie laughs.

“But now, we’re on the same page. I love you, and I want to be with you for the rest of my life.”

“I want that too. God, you have no idea how much I want that.”

“I think I have some idea.’ Buck winks, and leans in to kiss Eddie. ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that.” He mumbles against the mans lips.

“Its a good job we have the rest of our lives to test that theory.”

“True, but right now, we have an important matter to discuss.”

Eddie pulls away from Buck completely to raise an eyebrow at him. “Is that so?”

“Yup. Who’s giving up his room?”

“Really? That’s your ‘important matter’?” He asks, using finger quotations.

“It sure is. My room is the prime candidate - it overlooks the back yard and the mountains in the distance.”

“But my room is bigger.” Eddie points out.

“It’s not about the size, it’s about what you do with it.” Buck winks cheekily.

“Oh is that right?’ Eddie grins. ‘Is that what you tell yourself?”

“It is, but I’ve never had to worry about size.”

“Yeah, you are ridiculously tall.” Eddie shrugs.

Buck smacks his shoulder with the back of his hand. “Rude.”

“So are we moving in to your room? What’s going in the other room?”

“Well, it can be a quest room for now, but who knows what the future holds.” Buck shrugs nervously.

Eddie spins to look at him properly, a soft smile on his face. “Are you suggesting that we expand our family?”

“Not right now, obviously. And-and if it’s not what you want, you can totally forget I said anything an -mmph!”

Buck melts against Eddies lips when the man - very forcefully - kisses him.

“I would love to adopt another kid with you, Buck.” Eddie promises against his lips.

“Good. That’s - good.”

“Did I break you?” Eddie snorts.

“Maybe. You should take me to bed and do a thorough check.” Buck purrs.

“Maybe I should.” Eddie’s eyes dilate as Buck watches him, and his breath hitches in his throat.

The next thing he knows, Eddie is gripping his hand and heaving him off the sofa. Buck can’t contain his goofy grin as Eddie all but drags him up the stairs and into his room.

Eddie slams the door behind them, and - well, the rest is history.

•

Six months flash by in the blink of an eye.

Not a lot changes, in regards to Buck and Eddie’s relationship. They’ve always been close, always told each other everything and always been very physical with one another. The kisses and (mind blowing) sex are just bonuses. Eddie had moved all of his personal items and clothes into Bucks room that first weekend, and now Eddie couldn’t imagine not sleeping next to Buck of a night.

As for the rest of the family, quite a bit changes.

Maddie and Chimney revealed their relationship a few months after Buck and Eddie revealed their own and were flourishing together. Hen was involved in an accident with her ambulance that left a young girl dead and Hen guilt ridden. Bobby had a scare with radiation poisoning that sent Buck into a downward spiral of worry over his dads health, but thankfully the older man was given the all clear. Daniel had dipped his toe in the dating pool, and got burned quite spectacularly by a self absorbed girl.

Buck and Eddie’s first Christmas as a couple had actually been the highlight of Eddie’s year, despite working through it. He knew Evan Buckley was a sweetheart - everyone did - bot for him and Athena to pull of their not-so-little surprise dinner without anyone catching on was impressive and a great example of what an amazing man his boyfriend really is.

Michaels diagnosis shook the entire family, but he was dealing with it like a champion. Their family had grown by one member in the form of Chimneys younger half brother Albert. Buck and Eddie have to sit down with Christopher and talk about his limitations after he gets hurt at school, riding a skateboard. At Bucks insistence, Eddie begrudgingly goes back to Christophers school and apologises to his teacher for biting her head off. She waves him off, and even flirts a little with him, much to Bucks chagrin and Eddies amusement.

Poor Maddie had to go through a hostage situation at work and the entire family had to deal with an up-in-arms Buck and Daniel for days afterwards. Eddie himself faces his own life or death situation while rescuing a boy from a well. He got through it physically, but he’s still mentally scarred from that day. And his ears are still ringing from the verbal dressing down Buck had issued him when they got home that night.

Hen decides to venture into the medical field. Buck makes a connection with a retired firefighter and spends the last few days of the mans life with him. Reds death hits Buck hard, but more than anything he’s glad he got to be there for him.

And then, Athena got attacked at work.

Eddie remembers that night vividly. Remembers hearing Athena and the perp struggle over the radio, remembers hearing the gun going off. Buck and Bobby’s faces will forever be scorched into the insides of his eyelids. They’d both looked devastated and heartbroken and all Eddie could do was hold Bucks hand and hope that it comforted him.

The relief upon finding Athena alive and the perp the one with the bullet in them was short lived when they all got a good look at her. She was in rough shape, but she was a fighter. Buck and Bobby rode with her in the ambulance ti the hospital, and the rest of them promised to meet them there afterwards. She was awake and laughing when everyone arrived, and seeing Buck laugh with her eased something inside Eddies chest.

Currently, they’re all gathered in the Grant-Nash household for May’s graduation party. There’s a lighthearted atmosphere all around, and Eddies grateful for it. The train derailment had taken it out of them, and they all deserved some down time surrounded by loved one.

The two years Eddie has been in LA have been… interesting to say the least, and there are a few things that Eddie would have liked to have been different, but ultimately, they lead him to where he is now. Happy and in love and in the most stable, loving relationship of his life with the most amazing son and family around him.

Bucks arms wind around Eddie’s waist, pulling him out from his head.

“What’re you thinking about?” He asks, his lips brushing Eddies ear.

“How crazy these past few years have been.” Eddie says vaguely.

“You could say that again.” Buck snorts.

“But, I’m also thinking about how happy I am. how happy you and Christopher and the 118 make me.”

“You and Chris make me the happiest man alive. I am so glad I met Chris that day at the gas station, because he has certainly changed my life for the better. I couldn’t imagine it without him and you in it anymore. I don’t want to.”

“You wont ever have to. I’m with you until the end of the line.”

“Did - did you just quote Captain America?” Buck snorts.

“I sure did.”

“God I love you.’ Buck smiles and kisses him sweetly. ‘And I’m with you until the end of the line, too. But just so you know, there are no stops along the way.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.’ Eddie promises Buck and kisses him again. ‘I wonder what’s next for us.”

“The rest of our lives.” Buck hugs him a little closer, and Eddie goes willingly.

Just then, the back door slides open, and the faint sounds of the song currently being played pools out into the garden, making Eddie snort. He hums along to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) as he sways Buck from side to side.

“Very appropriate.” He muses, and laughs as Buck twirls him.

“Can you guys stop being disgustingly cute and get your asses in this family picture please?” May’s exasperated voice breaks them apart.

Buck and Eddie turn to see her - and the rest of their family - looking at them expectantly. With pink cheeks, the couple shuffle over to where everyone is gathered in front of the camera and find their place next to Bobby and Athena easily. They all grin as one of May’s friends takes the picture.

With the photo op over, everyone disperses to different places around the house, but Eddie stays where he is, overlooking his family. His eyes eventually find Buck and Christopher, who’re writing May a message on her board, and Eddie goes to join them. Both his boys lean in and kiss his cheeks when he gets to them, and Eddie’s heart has never felt fuller. Bucks hand slips into his and squeezes lightly.

This will be an everlasting love, indeed