Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After the awful the horrific treatment the 118 did, Evelyn knew she needed help. After sending her sister to live in Oahu with Steve and Danny, she’d be alone again. Blamed for breaking up her and Chimney, Evelyn saw his behaviour and knew it wouldn’t end well. Before it could get bad she begged Maddie to leave, to live in Oahu maybe finally give Danny a chance.

She’d made sure to keep her up to date with her life, lying about a lot of things and they begged her to come visit. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to, or that she didn’t want to leave. Her requests were blocked, they promised to stop if she just told them where Maddie was. Evelyn never did, just stayed silent. Did her job, was forced to work a shift which resulted in her being crushed by a firetruck.

Luckily her sister didn’t find out, she begged them to remove it because of the pain. Eddie and Bobby went over her head and told them to save it. So now her leg hurt every single day, she tried to quit the fire department but couldn’t. So they’d berate her and bully her everyday when she’d fall or tremble from pain.

Evelyn did rehab, did everything in her power to get better.. it never worked. While she could afford getting an amputation and was highly recommended. She had no support system, Maddie had no idea, Steve started picking up that she looked thinner in calls. She played it off saying she was on a diet.

Maddie was thriving in Oahu, Danny and her had a son of their own. Matthew Williams. He was a few months old, she desperately wanted to meet him but kept making my excuses. Maddie couldn’t come to her because Evelyn made her promise she wouldn’t when she left.

She could do it, take the shit. Her contract ended soon, she’d have to meet with the chief personally to renew it so that’s when she’d finally be free.

Unfortunately, things never worked out the way you want.

Chapter Text

Evelyn was having a semi good day with her leg, the only person who was nice to her was Hen. Who understood why Evelyn never told her where Maddie was or about her life. She’d slip her cortisone shots for leg to make it easier or cream, never telling anyone else.

Evelyn was doing her chores when she felt a hard kick to her bad leg making her double over and hit her face on the side. Hen was out training a new paramedic so no one would help her. Then she felt another kick in the ribs, finally the obvious shouts of Chimney.

“YOU KEPT HER FROM ME! NOW SHES HAD A FUCKING BABY?! SHE SHOULD BE WITH ME!” Chimney screamed as he kept practically jumping on her head, while everyone else watched.

Either in horror or amusement, her entire body was on fire. Finally he stopped and grabbed her by her hair revealing her broken and bloody face. While they’d hurt her before, with locker checks and tripping her.. this was worse.

“Tell me where she is or I’ll fucking kill you.” Chimney spat out.

“K-kill me th-then. You’re j-just l-like d-do-ug.” Evelyn gasped out and before she could react he slammed her into the counter and it all went black.

She came back around a few minutes later, her body killing. Her eye was swollen shut, then she felt hands in her and moved away.

“Hey Evy it’s just me. You’re okay.” Hen smiled, she was the only one who respected that she hated being called buck.

“What happened to her?!” The new paramedic shouted.

Then the lies started pouring out, saying someone came in while she was upstairs and attacked her. Hem almost brought it until Ravi exploded.

“No! I just had to drag Howard Han off of her! I came in after hearing her scream and beg him to stop! Everyone else stood around and watched, you know I didn’t understand why she sent Maddie away. Now I do!” Ravi screamed, Chimney lunged for him but he was quicker and Chimney fell flat on his face.

“Listen it’s just a misunderstand-“ Bobby was cut off by his wife, Chief Alonzo in tow.

“A MISSUNDERSTANDING?! You call beating a fellow firefighter a misunderstanding?!” Athena bellowed.

That when Hen confront Alonzo.

“If you’d just let her quit! Take leave! She would’ve been okay! You’re equally to blame!” No one had ever seen hen this mad.

“Firefighter Wilson, I’ve not recieved any requests from Firefighter Buckley.. Captain Nash? Care to explain?!” Alonzo  roared

Evelyn barely remembered what was said, just being loaded into an ambulance, she begged them not to call her sister. So they didn’t.

Chapter Text

Evelyn woke up a few days later; Athena, Karen, Hen, Micheal, David, Harry, May and Denny all asleep at her bedside. They must of heard her as they all whipped their head up.

“Hey baby, you’re okay. Got a lot of.. 15 ribs have either been broken or fractured, your lung was slightly punctured, your nose is broken, orbital fracture, skull fracture, broken wrist is 3 places. I’m so sorry, I didn’t know how bad it was I’m so sorry.” Athena cried.

“W-want bug.” Evelyn asked yet again.

”I’ll find him baby I promise, I’m going to do everything I can to find them. I’m so sorry.” Athena kissed the top of her head.

“ ’S, okay. N-not your f-fault. Had to. Protect, Maddie. Need to get out of LA.” Evelyn said and Athena nodded.

“I know, that’s why I’ve cleared it with the doctor. Well all travel with you, if that’s okay? Wherever you wanna go.” Athena promised.

“Your lives are here.” Evelyn pointed out.

“Our lives are with you, that’s where we belong. Mom’s divorcing Bobby, Hen quit, the entire 118 who was there have been arrested. Wherever you go, we follow.” May said squeezing her hand.

“Wanna go home, Oahu.” Evelyn croaked out and they nodded.

“You need to call Maddie, tell her baby.” Athena pleaded and she nodded.

“C-can you? Please?” Evelyn asked before she fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Maddie was currently sitting in Steve’s living room playing with Matty and laughing with the Ohana Evelyn gave her when her phone rang. She saw it was Evelyn and something felt wrong.

“Babe? What’s wrong?” Danny asked and she shook her head and answered on speaker.

“Evy? Everything okay?” Maddie asked trying to keep her voice calm.

‘It’s Athena baby, no. Everything’s not okay, Evelyn’s.. she’s hurt. Bad.’ Athena said and Maddie broke, everyone hearts fell out of their chests.

“What happened! Was she caught in a fire? Is she going to be okay?” Maddie begged.

‘Are you sitting down? You should sit down if not, make sure that baby is away he doesn’t need to see his mommy break.’ Athena said and one of them put him in the pack n play with the older kids watching him.

“Please Athena.”

‘Well, after Evelyn got you away. Well things got bad, she was getting abused by everyone in the station apart from Hen. She’d tried to transfer out, take time off, Hen would try and get her on the ambulance but.. Bobby blocked it. Then.. as you know the firetruck explosion made matters worse-‘ Maddie cut her off.

“What explosion?” Maddie asked looking around the room to everyone who shrugged.

‘Oh my baby, she really did shield you from everything. A couple of weeks after you left, a kid was going around targeting people leaving bombs on their doorsteps. Bobby was at the top of his hit list along with me, he rigged the firetruck. Evelyn was covering a shift, it threw wveryone out including her but then.. it crushed her. Landed on her left leg, she begged the doctor to remove it once she got to the hospital. Eddie and Bobby had everyone convinced it was just pain talking, so the doctors saved it… if that’s what you want to call it.

It was a hack job, she’s in pain everyday. Can’t stand for more than a few hours, her doctors signed her off from work but Bobby as it turns out forged her return to work papers. It’s all coming out now, we had no idea. But uh.. the next few months as she recovered were pretty rough. When she came back to work, the abuse got worse; locker checks, forced to work in demanding rescues. All the complaints were never filed.’ Athena finished and Maddie was actually sick.

“Y-you said she’s hurt.. w-was it because of her leg? D-did it.. I.” Maddie couldn’t get the words out.

‘No. It wasn’t because of her leg, Chimney found out you had a baby. Rhen he lost it, he beat her Maddie. Black and blue, she died we barely managed to get her back she begged not to call you. 15 ribs have either been broken or fractured, her lung was slightly punctured, her nose is broken, orbital fracture, skull fracture, broken wrist is 3 places. She suffered a pulmonary embolism, she’s been in a coma for 3 days, she finally woke up today. Worst part is.. the entire 118 with the exception or Hen and Ravi who weren’t there watched. Her leg.. it needs to be removed there’s too much damaged, if she keeps it she’ll never walk again. By the footage it appears he gave her an option.’ Athena was crying now.

“W-what option?” Maddie gasped out Danny pulled her into his arms while she held Steve’s hand.

‘Tell him who the father was and where you were, or he’d kill her. She told him to kill her. I’m not telling you this to hurt you, this is why Evelyn didn’t want you to know but.. she wants to come home.’ Athena finished and Maddie was broken.

Inconsolable, she was gasping at every breath, the rest of the Ohana crying too.

“C-can I see her? C-can you video call?” Maddie begged.

When the video request came through Maddie hit it so fast on the iPad instead of her phone, Athena smiled a she looked a wreck. Then flippped the camera, Evelyn was covered in bandages head to foot. They couldn’t even recognise her, they all had to swallow the bile un their throats maybe puked again.

“Sh-shes so broken.. he broke her because of me. My baby sister saved me again, I’m coming there.” Maddie informed Athena.

‘No you’re not, you will not break a promise to your sister. We’re bringing her home, we’re securing medical transport. David and Hen will be watching her the entire flight, she’s got a house down there. She bought it when she handed in her resignation, the 118 will pay for their crimes.’ Athena informered her.

“Hello Athena right? I’m Commander  Steve McGarrett I can secure the transport, just tell me when.” Steve said taking the phone getting a nod from Joe who was already making calls.

‘Thank you Commander, I do have one question. Does anyone know someone called ‘Bug’? It’s the one name she kept saying and begging for, we asked her if she meant Maddie just incase it was childhood nickname. But she demanded we wouldn’t call Maddie just kept saying “Bug, will keep me safe. I need bug.” So if you know who that is id recommend bringing them.’ Athena finished and Steve cried again.

“I’m bug, I don’t know why. She’s always just called me it, I’ll be on the first flight out.” Steve said and they heard her waking up again.

“Where’s bug?” Evelyn croaked, opening one of her eyes.

“I’ve got him on the phone baby.” Athena smiled walking over.

“Y-you found him.” They saw Evelyn smile.

‘Evy? I’m here, I’m getting a flight okay? I’ll be there really soon.’ Steve promised, Athena flipped the camera and they saw her smile.

“You’re a good bug. Maddie hate me?” Evelyn asked.

‘No! I could never hate you, never ever. You protected me and u should’ve been protecting you. I’m the big sister.’ Maddie cried.

“Protected me, whole life. M-my turn. Kept, you. Safe n Matty. I’d Do it again. D-deserved.. to live you life. Free. No, pain. J-just h-happy.” Evelyn said and started coughing.

Athena backed off as Hen put on an oxygen mask, her breathing settled and she waved the phone back over.

‘Rest Evy, bug is getting ready.’ Maddie promised.

“J-Joey? C-come? T-too?” Evelyn gasped out.

“Evelyn you need to rest okay, if he can’t you’ll see them all in a few days I promise baby.” Athena kissed her head and Evelyn smiled.

‘Me and Joe will come, be there tonight our flight leaves in 4 hours. Rest Evy.’ Steve said and Athena promised to keep them updated then hung up.

After seeing Evelyn so broken and hurt it destroyed them in a way they never expected. It was like someone stomped on their heart.

“It’s not your fault Maddie. None of this, Evelyn just loves so deeply. Athena’s sent her new address, along with where to pick up the keys. Why don’t you get it all ready for her?” Steve suggested, she wanted to believe him but couldn’t.

“I’ll get in touch with a good ortho surgeon for her leg, get the best doctors for her once she lands.” Malia said going to make calls.

“I found all the footage, the fire truck, tsnumai and the.. attack.” Chin swallowed.

With a nod he hooked it up to the TV, they watched how she screamed and cried under the fire truck. How Athena tackled the kid, instantly going to her side holding her hand. Then watched as she rescued person and after person in the tsunami, Maddie pointed out Chris.

He hesitated for a second, then with a silent nod he put on the attack.

Evelyn was minding her own business, a head phone in. As she wiped down the counters then chimney waved everyone up silently. The kicked her leg so hard, she fell and whacked her face. The protected her head and chimney jumped and kicked her all over shouting and screaming at her.

Pulling up her by her face, hearing him give her the options. Then her telling him that he was just like Doug and to just kill her. Then he smashed her face into the counter, her body went limp as he jumped onto her skull. Then a firefighter appeared and tackled him to the ground punching him hard, instantly going over the Evelyn checking her pulse.

Then began CPR, shouting at anyone to help. That’s when Hen appeared and helped him, she came back around gasping. Then Ravi got up when they lied saying she was attacked by an intruder.

They watched as she was taken into an ambulance, then Athena knocking out Bobby with one punch. Police flooding the station, fighting all the firefighter except Ravi who was helping the police. SWAT was called and they were smoked out of the building, eventually everyone was outside in handcuffs.

Including Chief Alonzo who fought Eddie, the video cut off after several plolice bussrs picked up the firefighters.

Steve was sick, they all were into bags or bins.

“When Athena said they watched… I didn’t want to believe it. If that kid had.. He killed her, my baby sister died protecting me and her nephew. When Evelyn first told me to go.. I thought she was overthinking and overreacting. I think he’s worse than doug.. she saved me.” Maddie cried out.

“Now we save her, come on son. She needs her bug.” Joe grasped his shoulder.

Chapter Text

After landing in LA they guys instantly went to the hospital, Maddie had made a group chat so Athena could keep them updated. As soon as they messaged to say they were on their way Athena sent a picture of Evelyn with a tube down her neck.

‘Her heart is struggling to keep up, keeps having nightmares so they’ve put her in a medical induced coma. To just let her body rest and recover.’

They all thanked her for the update and just asked for anything information. Most of the time the group chat was used to talk about funny memories of Evelyn. Also bets on why she calls Steve Bug.

Athena welcomed Steve with open arms, literally pulling him down into a hug. The rest of the family doing the same, Harry and Denny had lots of questions for them about the Navy.

“Auntie Evy promised if we ever met you, we could ask anything! Apart from if you killed people, she said that was rude.” Harry said and they all laughed a little.

“You can ask whatever you want except that, we’ll listen to auntie evy huh?” Joe smiled.

They were patient and listened to all her questions, Carla came by with Chris to give his Bucky a get well card. She didn’t mind the kids calling her Bucky and Tia came by. Stating that Chris would go live with his Tia instead of Eddie, according to them the entire family cut ties with him.

They all loved Evelyn, would come see pepa to hear her stories of her late husband, learning recipes so she could cook for Chris. Eddie had a tendency to drink so either Carla or Evelyn had him. There was talk of Evelyn getting custody of Chris once she was stable.

Eventually Micheal and David took the kids back to his house, with Karen, Hen and Denny. While Athena, Joe and Steve sat at her bed, updating everyone hourly.

“She looks awful, it’s weird not seeing her laughing and smiling. Talking about random things like how fossils were made or why the sea looks different everywhere.” Steve sat next to her and held her hand, that’s when her heart rate finally went stable.

“Do you think she knows I’m here?” Steve asked looking at her numbers finally going back to normal.

“Maybe, when she heard your voice on the call the same thing happened. She knows when she’s safe.” Athena smiled.

“Just wished she’d called, told anyone. I’m not blaming her, she hid it so well. Just wish I saw it.” Steve breathed out.

“I was right here and didn’t see it, she never let in. Hen just thought they were teasing and being mean, never heard what they said or saw what they did. My soon to be Ex-Husband told me they were just in a little fight. Telling me that he was telling her to limit herself instead he was pushing her so hard. They’ve all been put in suspension except Ravi and Hen who quit on the spot, the rest will more than likely be fired and her records, prison time or probation. She served didn’t she?” Athena finally finished and they nodded.

“Yeah, she was our medic. Plus worked in intelligence, it’s how she got her medical degree. Saved my life more times than I can count, sit by my bed and hold my hand. Or in my bed.” Steve laughed at the memory.

“She do that for everyone?” Athena asked.

“No, I’ve known her 10 years. Enlisted when she turned 17, came to our team at 18. She served for about 4 then went into the reserves. Left around the same time I did, a month before actually, she left to go help her sister. They lived in Oahu for about a year until Evelyn was offered a position to train at LAFD. After completing her training and her probation year she sent Maddie back to Oahu. No one really knew why, apparently they had an agreement. Evelyn could veto anyone and so could Maddie, she did that to chimney and begged her to stay away. As far as we know he was hurt by the break up.. didn’t know it was that bad. 3 years.. god what she must’ve been through.” Steve rubbed her hand with his thumb.

“Never got together, seem perfect for each other.” Athena said.

“I outranked her, plus she was barely 20 and I was 30. When she moved to Oahu, we danced around it for a while. Then they left again, Maddie came back and I was hoping she would too. As far as I was aware she was happy and thriving, didn’t want to take that from her.” Steve explained.

“I think if this had taught us anything, life’s too short. When she’s better.. think you should stop dancing around it. I don’t think she’ll remember the ambulance ride over, according to Hen you were all she talked about. Delirious with pain, just kept saying she’d be safe as soon as bug got there. We looked through her stuff to figure it out but there wasn’t anything. Your numbers saved under Stevie, then when she woke up the first time she asked again. Then when she woke up yesterday which you saw again.” Athena explained.

“I’ll keep her safe, even if I have to kill them with my barehands. Getting that phone call, I hate to say it but I think it was worse than hearing my dad die.” Steve said and Joe squeezed his shoulder.

They spoke about Evelyn and their own lives pretty much all day and night, along with calling the Ohana with updates.

Steve told them to move to Oahu, that he’d help them find a good realtor and good schools. They all agreed in the group chat.

Chapter Text

They spent the next few days just living at the hospital, mainly in waiting rooms as they kept operating on her. What happened broke the internet, everyone was so mad. Reporting their own stories with Evelyn saying how she saved their lives.

When Evelyn was in surgery Athena heard two distinctive voices and got hi blocking their path.

“You’re not welcome here! Get out right now!” Athena shouted and Joe and Steve stood up.

“We just want to talk to her, come on you see how out of hand this has gotten right? I’m not allowed in my own home! Eddie lost custody of his son, his entire family disowned him! We can’t walk down the street Athena! I don’t care who these people are we’re talking to her, then I’m coming home.” Bobby demanded, still sporting the black eye.

“For years she thought she was better than everyone! You know what that fucking.. who’re did? Lead me on..thought she was better than me?! Could do better than me.. compared me to her fake boy-friend… Stevie, should’ve been grateful someone like me wanted a whiny, talkative, lying, no good for noth-“ Steve cut him off punching him.

“I swear to god say one more thing about her I fucking dare you! Get the fuck out of here or I will put you in a fucking morgue!” Steve shouted and Athena took a step back.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?!” Bobby roared as Joe stood infront of Athena.

“Get away from them now. As my son said, we’ll put you in morgue. I’m commander Joe White and this is my Son Commander Steven McGarrett, Navy SEAL. Back the fuck up now, you’re not allowed near her.” Joe shouted.

Apparently the firefighters didn’t care and charged at the SEALs, didn’t take long for the SEAL to beat the fuck out of them. Not stopping no matter how much anyone shouted.

After being tasered,  dragged off and sedated. Athena bent down to the two firefighters gasping.

“Should’ve let them kill you, if my daughter dies I’ll tell them where to find you.” Athena promised and the firefighters were taken away on gurneys.

Joe and Steve weren’t charged, Steve was more pissed off he wasn’t there when Evelyn came out of surgery. After he never left her bedside, even on the flight back to Oahu. Nothing was getting him away from her.

Chapter Text

The next time Evelyn woke up the room was emptier, 3 people in there now. Athena, Joe and Steve. Steve was sleeping next to her bed holding her hand, while Joe and Athena slept on the couch.

She lightly squeezed Steve’s hand and he shit up, looking at her.

“Hey bug.” Evelyn smiled, she felt better.

“Hey baby, how you feeling?” Steve asked as he stroked her hair.

“Better? What day is it?” Evelyn asked as Joe and Athena stood up.

“Friday, you’ve been asleep for about 8 days. The doctors recommended it, so your health better for the flight. Your numbers looked good last night so they lowered the sedation.” Steve told her.

“You been there the whole time?” Evelyn asked finally able to see ish.

“Yeah couldn’t get him out even with a bulldozer. You’re eyesight, you’ll likely need glasses, you’d  been cleared for transport. Maddies at home waiting for you to wake up.” Athena smiled and that’s when Evelyn took in her surroundings.

“I’m in Oahu?” Evelyn asked.

“Yeah, figured to just let you sleep during the flight, you in any pain?” Joe asked and she shook her head.

“My leg.. it doesn’t hurt.” Evelyn said and looked down.

“It’s gone. It’s finally gone.” Evelyn cried in relief and Steve kissed her head.

“Yeah, we got the best turns out she was on holiday here. What happened to you kind of, went viral. Media for wind of it, but it uh got you the best of the best Doctors.  They flew all the way to LA, then came with us to Oahu where we met your ortho surgeon. You’ve been here for about 5 days. Dr Torres, she said your leg was a mess. It was a miracle you could stand at all, she checked to see if she could save it but within 20 minutes she explained it couldn’t be saved and shouldn’t have been. Plastic surgeon has been by to repair your.. face, made sure you wouldn’t have any permanent damage. Your heart is fine so are you lungs been checked over, thoroughly. You can be discharged in a day or two.” Steve finished and she nodded.

“Micheal has also made your house full accessible, it was pretty accessible before but now there’s no limits. Kono went around the entire house in a wheelchair, even went as far as army crawling in the floor.” Athena said and Evelyn laughed finally.

“Of course she did. Let me guess, top tier security?” Evelyn looked at Joe.

“You bet your ass, Maddies going to come by okay? You want us to stay?” Joe asked and she shook her head.

“Go, get some sleep. You too bug, maybe shave you look like you’ve been to war. You too Joey, go be human. Wait.. did you guys kill any of them?” Evelyn asked.

“No, I mean Steve and Joe beat the fuck out of Eddie and Bobby when they turned up at the hospital. Violating the restraining order we got for you but everyone is still breathing.” Athena said.

“Whose fault is that? Shouldn’t have tasered us.” Steve crossed his arms, Evelyn laughed.

“You got tasered! Oh god, how many did it take to hold you down?” Evelyn laughed.

“Not many.” Steve grumbled

“8, it took 8 men, 3 tasers then finally he was sedated. He wasn’t charged, neither of them were Joe was just as bad.” Athena snitched and she looked at him.

“Oh he took just about the same amount of force, luckily Sam Hana an old SEAL buddy vouched for them. With your time in the Navy it was given over to NCIS, they’re facing federal punishment.” Athena said and she nodded.

“I didn’t even see it coming, I was in pain every single day. So was constantly distracted, I hardly even remember. Don’t even remember calling you guys, surprised I know my name. No brain damage right?” Evelyn asked and they nodded.

“Your memory will be a bit hazy for a while, you’re going to be okay though. Physically, mentally.. well yeah.” Joe said.

“I’m not seeing a therapist.” Evelyn stated and her heart rate went up, Steve sat down ans held her hand.

“Maddie told us, he’s next on my hit list. We figured maybe a woman and on the phone maybe? Like FaceTime?” Steve suggested and her heart rate started to lower, it was facinatiing because while her heart reacted her face and body remained neutral.

“I can do that? Uh.. would you uh.. screen them first?” Evelyn asks and they all nodded.

They spoke for a little longer, waiting for Maddie. After almost 2 weeks after the assault Evelyn was looking a lot better, the bruises were almost gone. She understood why they put her to sleep because the pain was excruciating.

Maddie walked in and cried at the sight of her sister, they convinced Maddie to not stay all the time as Evelyn wouldn’t want that.

“I’m okay Mads, come here.” Evelyn waved her over and Maddie practically ran.

“I’m so happy to see your awake, I’m so sorry. How are you feeling? Does anything hurt?” Maddie asked cupping and kept kissing her sisters head.

“Mads, I swear I’m okay. Honestly I think I slept through the worst of it, really want to get out of this bed. I’m sore, whoa! Not in pain, sore from being so still. What colour did you paint my house? I know you painted it, so tell me what am I going to be traumatised to. Are all the rooms different colours?” Evelyn laughed wincing a little but waving them off.

“They’re all different colours; you’re front room is Mocha cream with white boarding, you’re bedroom is sage green, the bathroom is like Matt black with the original marble, kitchen is a blush pink, the spare rooms are either, duck egg, cream and grey. I’ve filled your kitchen with all your favourites, got your favourite bedding, Steve will be moving int with you until you’re completely mobile.” Maddie informed her and she just nodded.

“God I’ve missed this, didn’t realise how much I would. Used to drive me insane, now. It’s like heaven.” Evelyn smiled, while Maddie looked confused the others had left after Evelyn kept waving them off.

“Missed what?” Maddie questioned.

“You being my Moo, just being who I need even when I don’t think I do. So yeah, I’ve missed my big sister so much. I’m sorry it’s been so long, I should’ve just left but.. i couldn’t. I don’t know why, maybe obligation?” Evelyn shrugged, that’s when Maddie got in the bed next to her.

“Either way, you got here and I’m so proud of you. I wish you didn’t have to go through any of it. I really do, I’m so glad you’re here. Matty is desperate for some auntie snuggles.” Maddie said and she smiled.

“Oh so am I, how are you really? How are you all dealing with this and please don’t lie to me.” Evelyn asked and Maddie took a breath.

“Do you remember Athena calling us?.. no didn’t think you would. A few days before Steve kept saying something felt wrong, we all felt it. Knew you were probably sleeping, as you had a 48hr shift. Then when the phone rang.. I immediately knew sowmtbjtn was wrong. When she told me everything.. the bombing, tsunami.. what they did to you. I puked, so many times. I watched all of the videos Evy, we all did, over and over again. I don’t know why, didn’t make me feel any better. Danny, has been my rock but it was hurting him too, you’re his friend too. We both broke down, thinking about how close we came to losing you. Everyone’s been put on leave for 2 months baring literal terrorist attacks no one’s working. Steve.. he’s trying so hard to keep it together. But it broke him knowing he couldn’t help you, especially when he found out you were begging for him.” Maddie explained.

“I remember this dream, it was like I was standing right infront of you. You were outside, cooking in pretty sure all of you. Everyone else was blurry and Steve was right there, kind of like an out of body experience. Just kept shouting for him to come, his name never came out of my mouth just ‘Bug’. I remember the pain.. it was like I was on fire, there’s was nothing but pain. It wasn’t a fight so no adrenaline, when uh.. when we lived here. I got these god awful cramps and had a nightmare, no idea how Steve heard it. But uh, he came in my room with hot cocoa, a heat pad, painkillers and just laid there with me. Promising that he’d keep me safe and take the pain away, that’s all I wanted in that moment. It’s such a little thing but I think it’s one of my favourite memories ever.” Evelyn laughed and she had noticed Steve and the others hadn’t left just stood in the door way.

Steve just smiled at the memory.

Flashback.

Evelyn had been acting off all day, he knew she was on her period. She hated the smell of eggs when she was, no idea why. She went to bed early as expected, Maddie went over to Danny’s. Steve was just about to go to bed when he heard gasping, then the obvious sounds of crying and groaning.

Evelyn was obviously trying to keep it down, so he went back down stairs and got her some stuff to help. Coming back to her room and sitting on the bed next to her, after placing the hot cocoa down, water and pain pills.

“Bug?” Evelyn whispered, as he helped her sit up.

“Yeah it’s just me, here take these… perfect drink this.. and here.” Steve smiled as he gave her the pills, water and placed the heating pad on her belly.

“Did I wake you up?” Evelyn asked no idea what time it was.

“No, I haven’t gone to bed yet. You wanna watch something? I’ll even watch Harry Potter with you.” Steve said pulling her into his arms and handing over the hot cocoa.

“This is why your my ‘bug’. Yeah let’s watch the first one. Thank you Stevie.” Evelyn smiled and he kissed her head.

“You’re going to tell me why you call me that one day. Also I accept but I draw the line at ‘Stevie’ thank you very much.” Steve said and she shook her head and laughed.

“Whatever you say bug.” Evelyn replied and they settled into watching the movie

End of FlashBack.

Eventually they left the hospital to let the Buckley sisters talk, HPD was covering her room just incase. Most of the 118 were out on bail and their pictures were everywhere, would be alerted if they stepped foot on the island. Just can never be too careful.

Maddie spoke to her sisters about happier times, filled her in on all of Steve’s crazy behaviour. Left out how Catherine kept trying to get him back, she got them some food and they just sat together like no time had passed.

It was home.

Chapter Text

Evelyn was finally discharged from hospital, the kids had decided if she was going to be in a wheelchair chair for a while it had to look good. So they decorated it, a lot. It was basically like a unicorn threw up on it, she didn’t care.

When they got back to her one story, 4 bedroom 3 bath house. A welcome party was waiting for her, she kissed and hugged all the kids and finally got to give her nephew a cuddle. Who was more interested in her lips and nose, he was only 4 months old.

He kept pulling at her glasses too, she got them pretty quickly. They were square and sage green, it was her favourite colour. She was totally in love with him, had to wipe here eyes underneath the glasses.

“He’s perfect. When are you giving me another?” Evelyn asked casually making them all laugh.

“Danny said no. So it’s him you’ve gotta convince.” Maddie snitched and Evelyn glared at him.

“Hey! I didn’t say no, just said we shojfk wait a little bit that’s all!” Danny held up his hands.

“You’ll give her all the babies she wants Daniel, all. Of. The. Babies. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my sister, nothing. Remember that.” Evelyn smirked, she was right though and they all knew it.

Evelyn gave up her Naval Career and medicine in order to keep Maddie safe, killed Doug because she knew it’d destroy Maddie it was self defence but yeah. Took years of abuse to keep her sister away from Chimney, literally laid her life on the line for her.

“Maddie you want another 10? Maybe my entire bank accounts, the deed to my soul? You can have it all. Your sister scares me.” Danny said and everyone laughed.

“Or better yet Evy, you fcould just give me a niece or a nephew.” Maddie smirked.

“Hmm, I could do that. Should wait until I’m standing in two legs tho.. come one! That’s was funny, don’t look at me like that ik. On my last leg!” Evelyn laughed making jokes because of course.

“Seriously? Amputee jokes already?” Steve laughed.

“I mean… hey bug what do you call an amputee trying to do karate?” Evelyn’s smirked.

“I really don’t know.” Steve rubbed his hand over his face.

“Partial arts.” Evelyn burst out laughing making all the kids giggle and Matty too.

It was his fear proper giggle.

“Oh my god you made him laugh! Like proper ly laugh! Do another!” Maddie said beaming.

“Maddie, seriously. Why don’t you try walking a mile in my shoe.” Evelyn just kept telling jokes make eveeyine laugh.

Matty’s laugh was absolutely adorable, the adults were in stitches it should be that funny but it really was.

“Hey at least I can skip on leg days?” Evelyn finally finished.

“You know you still have one leg left right Evy?” May asked and she looked down.

“Huh, at least I didn’t misplace that one.” Evelyn smirked.

“You’ve gotta stop! I’m going to pass out!” Lou said.

“Evy can I ask you a question?” Grace asked and she nodded.

“Yes, whatever you want.” Thinking it was about her leg.

“Why do you call uncle Steve ‘bug’ he says he doesn’t know. Neither does Danno, Kono, Chin, Lou or Mama.” Grace said and Maddies face lit up and her eyes were full of tears.

“Mama?” Danny asked.

“Mama Maddie. She doesn’t know either right?” Grace said casually.

“I’m just loving that I’m getting all the firsts! I must be a good luck charm. Matty said mama! Mama.” Evelyn smirked and Danny waved her off until Matty actually banked it.

“Did he just?! Are you serious!?” Danny was so excited.

“Evelyn is scarily in tune with kids, so back to Graces question.” Maddie made sure Grace wasn’t ignored.

“You caught onto that huh? Uh.. it’s just something I’ve pretty much always call him.” Evelyn shrugged, as Steve lifted her out of her chair and into the couch.

“I mean, the first year we knew each other you didn’t and then one day you just started calling me it. She shouted at anyone else who tried to use the nickname but never told us what it meant.” Steve pointed out putting a blanket over her.

“So why? Pleaseeee.” Grace begged and everyone else was begging too.

“Wait is it appropriate to tell around kids?” Renee quickly stepped in.

“Yeah it is, uhm. Okay so I have a complete and total irrational fear of thunderstorms. I don’t know why, just.. I can’t stand them. At the time I was still the new guy, also the only girl on the team. Anyways, I was in the med tent with Steve, for god knows what. I was going through his vitals or whatever then I saw the lightning. I froze, my whole body just like shut down, then the thunder crashed. Steve was trying to get through to me, I just stood there, not breathing not moving. So he got out of bed bless his heart, we all know Steve doesn’t do hospitals. Hates them, the amount of times I’ve had to strap him to a gurney.. god. Anyways, he’s still trying to get my attention, holding his ribs but everytime the thunder crashed it was like.. I don’t even know. So this big tough SEAL, everyone is afraid of by the way. Pulls me into him, walks us to the bed and just held me in the bed until the storm passed. I was obviously embarrassed, while he just smiled the next day he pretended nothing happened and we went back to normal. So I call him bug, because under all of that armour he’s just a cuddly love bug. Made sure to always check the weather and stayed near if there was a thunderstorm. I can handle everything but storms.. yeah no. The team never said anything didn’t even bat an eye, I’d got back to normal after so yeah. That’s the ‘bug’ story, meet your expectations?” Evelyn’s finished and they all stared at Steve who shrugged.

“You held her through a thunderstorm?” Danny smiled.

“I mean.. it was the least I could do. The injury by the way was a bullet to my chest and spleen. Never seen her like that before honestly kind of terrifying, so yeah. It’s not a big deal.” Steve shrugged and they all raised an eyebrow.

“Oh right because you’d do that for anyone right?” Lou said and he opened is mouth and closed it instantly.

“What about the time you went a week eating mushroom mres because they sent her ones she was allergic to?” Joe asked.

“You hate mushrooms! They make you sick!” Danny shouted and Evelyn looked at him.

“You ate food that made you feel sick for me?” Evelyn asked and again he shrugged.

“I mean you would’ve died so.” Steve brushed off.

“Anyone else could’ve swapped with her but you said fancied mushroom so took them so Evy wouldn’t feel bad.” Joe pointed out.

“What else have you been doing for me?” Evelyn asked sitting up.

“Nothing.” Steve said too quickly.

“Brah, you’re not convincing anyone.” Chin said and Steve groaned.

“I mean, there was this one time Steve got reprimanded. After saving me, can’t say much but uh I hit my head pretty hard and fell into the ravine. Steve pulled me out.” Evelyn’s said and Steve didn’t comment.

“He broke formation, while yes leave no man behind.. he should’ve let someone else get you. He was second in command so yeah, he dove in after you we all knew he would. He fought the current, pulled you out, got your heart staring again. Then walked 10 clicks to get you to safety while carrying you, it was unknown territory and no back up.” Joe explained and she looked at him.

“I also swam 2 miles to get her back to safety against the current luckily she got caught in a tree kinda. Evys an excellent swimming just you know, not unconscious, climbed 201 feet, with her and my gear. I’d do it again.” Steve said casually and she just stared at him.

“Jesus. You all played it off, like it was nothing. Huh guess I was right. My bug does keep me safe.” Evelyn’s smiled.

“You’re telling me you never got together? I don’t buy it.” May crossed her arms.

“Okay, easiest way to explain this is the truth. She was one of the very few women who served with the SEALs she worked damn hard to get to where she was. Yes the Navy is getting better but the amount of hassle woman get already, accused of sleeping their way in. Stuff like that, some women do and it gives everyone else a bad name. So I didn’t cross the lines, plus I was a her superior, also a bit older so yeah. Plus she would’ve been moved to a different unit, where we could keep her safe. I think it was an unspoken agreement, the team never would’ve said anything. Was it worth the risk, yes but again no. It could’ve destroyed her career, reputation and gotten her killed with another team. So no, we were never together.” Steve explained and they were shocked at the pure honesty.

“That’s.. selfless. You really are a love bug huh?” Danny said in amazement.

“That’s my name, get your own.” Evelyn laughed.

“Uh I know why you hate thunderstorms. I can tell you in private or uh now?” Maddie said butting her lip.

“Uh no go ahead, they’ve seen me at my worst I don’t mind.” Evelyn said as Steve pulled her into him.

“As a kid.. you hated loud noises. You don’t know, so uh during bad storms. Dad would tie you to a chair, then put you outside in them. You’d come back pale as a ghost, non verbal for weeks. I started taking you away to hotels whenever I knew one was coming. Blast your favourite songs and make sure you couldn’t see anything outside.” Maddie explained and they all looked sick.

“Huh, now that makes sense. Guess that’s why I can’t move during them now, huh. Phillip really doesn’t disappoint.” Evelyn shrugged.

“Are you okay?” Steve asked and she nodded.

“Wasn’t the worst thing he’s ever done so yeah, when we got bad grades he’d strap in in these chairs and spray us with water. Keep us outside in the water, for hours, I mean it sucked but yeah it is what it is. Mainly me because well they kinda hated me, then throw me in the pool tied to s chair to make me figure out how to get out. It’s why conditioning training was a breeze, realistically I should hate water. But, Maddie taught me that it made me stronger. Always made sure to put me in a warm bath afterwards to show me how safe water could be.” Evelyn explained.

“So my hit list is growing more and more each day. Danno you wanna get in on this?” Steve asked, that’s when Grace piped up maybe it wasn’t the best conversation to have inform of a 8 year old.

“Your parents didn’t love you?” Grace asked.

“Uh, no. They loved, what we could do for them but not us. We have an older brother, Graham. I was born to save his life, when I did.. well they didn’t really care about us anymore. They only wanted boys, tried to make sure I was a boy. Obviously didn’t work, some people are just evil. The second I could I left, met amazing people and built a life.” Evelyn explained and she nodded.

“You’ve never mentioned an older brother, i understand why you don’t talk about your parents but why not your brother?” Athena pointed out.

“Our father couldn’t spray us both at the same tike continuously. Graham helped, you’d think he’d be nicer to Evy because she saved his life. But no, he was awful to her, so yeah we don’t talk to him. He was just as bad, maybe worse.” Maddie said and they looked disgusted.

“Another name Steven, I recon we could bang on the listen in a weekend. Actually we’d have to time it, too many deaths looks suspicious.” Danny tried to made light of it.

“Do we get to know who’s on this hit list?” Evelyn’s asked.

“I wait almost a decade to know why I’m called ‘bug’ so be patient.” Steve pointed out making them all laugh.

The Ohana spent time getting to know a Steve only Evelyn had ever seen, seeing how much he did for her was kind of amazing. After a few hours of everyone being around she was getting tired, she was also still in pain. Everyone could tell so said their goodbyes, Steve carried her to bed and got in next to her.

He offered pain meds but she waved him off, he made sure to get Malia to check all her incision before she left. Then change them, who was more than happy to do it. He put on Harry Potter and just rubbed her back.

“Were you ever going to tell me about all the times you saved me?” Evelyn asked.

“I uh don’t know.. didn’t want you to ever feel guilty I was happy to do it. I am happy to do it, it’s you. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” Steve kissed her head.

“Mmm, you’re perfect. So you were in love with me huh.. all that time. Don’t even deny it, only do that for people you love. I get why you never made a move on me I guess, still would’ve been nice to know.” Evelyn told him.

“Was going to tell you but you were so excited about becoming a firefighter. Wish I did, could’ve kept you safe, happy.” Steve sadly said.

“You did, the second I needed you. You were there, I’d call and you’d just talk to me for hours. No matter the time of day or night, I knew If I xalled you would’ve dropped everything to get to me. So you did, that day. If I knew, he knew I would’ve called. Just got caught off guard. It happens, you’re my bug.” Evelyn sighed into his embrace.

“Always, also I wasn’t in love with you. I still am, doesn’t just go. We survived hell together, felt weird not having you by my side in Five-0 patching me up. Maybe when you’re doing better I can get you set up there, can be our medic? Don’t have to come in the field.” Steve offered and she sat up.

“Really? Yeah, I’d love that. And I love you too, 10 years of pining huh? Well at least we made it here, before you turned senile.” Evelyn teased and he gasped.

“Excuse me, I’m not even 40 yet!” Steve bit back.

“Mmm, you’re closer to 50 than you are 20. You’re senile darling. You’re old dear, don’t worry I’ll get you a cane with grenades all over it.” Evelyn kissed his cheek.

“Well thank you, I mean how generous of you. Will I be allowed to stay home or am I going into a retirement home?” Steve asked.

“Meh, depends. Maybe I’ll put you out of your misery, you’re not allowed to die until I’m old and senile by the way. So either I lose my mind early, otherwise imma perform som science experiment to keep you alive.” Evelyn informed him and he hummed.

“What about kids? Ever thought about having them?” Steve asked.

“I’m not opposed to kids, just not right now. Maybe in a year, it’s it like I’m very desirable right now. Covered in scar-“ Steve cut her off by kissing her, she let him instantly.

“I’ve always wanted to do that, not shut you up. Just have a way to stop you from being an idiot, also kiss you. I love you, scars and all. Pretty sure you’ve seen 90% of my scar-“ Evelyn stopped him.

“You’ve got more?! How bad we talking, yes I love you either way but no one better or done a hack job on my bug. Yeah I’ll be your medic.” Evelyn said and he laughed.

“As I was saying, you’ve seen me at my worst. Saved my life so many times, yes it was literally you job but there’s nothing that could change how I feel about you. I l don’t care, once you’re healed I’ll show you how much I want you. Don’t even try and persuade me.. Doctor said no strenuous activity, soon I promise. Sleep Evy, I’ll be right here.” Steve promised and she nodded into his neck.

It didn’t take her long to fall asleep, he’d usually play with her curls but Kono came by after she showered in the hospital and braided her hair. So he gently rubbed soothing circles on her back, he finally got her and now he couldn’t let her go.

Chapter Text

While Evelyn knew she was safe, that no one there would hurt her. It didn’t take away the trauma, when she’d flinch if someone moved too quickly. Puke if she smelt certain foods, Steve was patient. They all were, telling her to stop apologising.

Maddie was pretty much the only one who knew how to move around her, she’d lived ir herself so understood. So when Evelyn would nap she’d give them tips, like keeping change in their pockets so she could hear them coming, wear lighter colours.

She’d just gotten her new cast fitted, when she came home the kids were playing and laughing. When Denny accidentally dropped a glass, Evelyn didn’t flinch just told him where to find the paper towels. Steve kissed her head and she looked confused but smiled.

They’d figured out her safe foods and drinks,  Mac and Cheese was a firm no, anything with rice was safe so they did it a lot. By her medical records she’d lost at least 30 lbs, she was tiny as is 5’2 and now 90lbs. Her relationship with food was a rocky one, she explained how they’d constantly put mushrooms or Nuts in the food at the station. Or lace the stuff she brought from home with it, so she just snacked.

But after being home for 3 weeks she was making progress, lots of it. Evelyn hated the fact she kept getting triggered, it drove her insane.

“I understand I have to be patient! It’s not fair! I came back from fucking war with less trauma!” Evelyn exclaimed, she kept trying to start fights with Steve but he never engaged.

“Yeah, well you were at another war. Just a different one, psychologically warfare is the worst kind. Physical injurties heal and go, mental ones kind of just stick around.” Steve explained and she groaned and then what none of them expected was for her to throw a cup against the wall.

She froze after, just staring at the water dripping from the wall. Instead of being mad Steve got up, grabbed another glass and handed it to her.

“I know you can throw harder than that, it didn’t even smash.” Steve baited her, they’d been waiting for her breakdown.

It seemed like it was finally going to come.

“You want me, to smash this cup? Are you insane?” Evelyn asked sitting in her chair holding the glass.

“The kids are at school, Matty is sleeping. Go for it.” Steve said.

“Why?” Evelyn’s asked.

“It made you feel better didn’t it?.. exactly so either throw the glass or go sle-“ Evelyn throw the glass.

“I’m sick of sleeping!” Evelyn shouted, Steve handed her another glass.

“I’m sick of everyone walking around on eggshells waiting for me to explode! I’m sick of waiting for the next shove that isn’t coming! I’m sick of not being able to eat!” Evelyn kept breaking and smashing glasses as she shouted at no one.

It went on like this, her shouting and smashing glasses.

“I just wanna feel like me again.” Evelyn cried.

She finally broke down, the kitchen covered in smashed glass. All her feelings out, she’d kept saying she was fine but they all knew better.

They could see the weight lifted off her shoulders, Steve just got her out of her chair and walked to the couch and held her as she cried.

“M sorry.” Evelyn cried as he rubbed her back.

“You have nothing to be sorry for okay? The glasses can be replaced, you feel any better?” Steve asked and she nodded.

“Don’t feel like I’m drowning anymore. Thank you for pulling me out.. again.” Evelyn said and they all looked relieved.

“That’s good, I’ll always pull you out. No matter what.” Steve promised, she ended up falling asleep in his arms.

Danny and Lou cleaned up all the smashed glass in the kitchen, everyone was just grateful it finally happened.

After her breakdown, Evelyn started smiling, laughing, eating and playing with the kids more. While she did interact with them it was forced but now she actively played with them. Her leg was healed, they’d start getting her prosthetic fitted soon.

Like was going really good, it was finally settled.

Then came the court summons.

Chapter Text

They all knew it was coming, most of the 118 went for the deal. While Chimney, Eddie, Bobby and Tommy wanted to fight it in court, which meant Evelyn would have to recount everything they did. The kids were in the garden when Evelyn pulled out a box she asked Athena to get from her house.

No one opened it, or looked inside, so when they lawyer sat in her living room and she brought it out everyone was curious.

“This proves everything, medical records backing injuries, copies of every complaint I filed, transfer requests, time off request, denied medical leave, forged return to work. Whatever you needs it in there, along with copies of videos of them physically or verbally abusing me. I obtained all legally as it was a shared public space, it’s all been verified by a video expert.” Evelyn said opening the box and handing over a massive binder along with a USB stick.

“Wow, this is some.. you’re very prepared.” Oliver commented.

“Yep. Also proof of them intentionally putting peanut oil or mushrooms in my food and drinks.” Evelyn mentioned and they all stares at her.

“Dr Buckley, I have to ask. If you had all of this evidence, why didn’t you go to the higher ups. It’s what the prosecution er will ask.” Oliver said and she took a breath.

“Because when I went there after I was dismissed, when Dr Wells assaulted me. They also dismissed me and didn’t believe me, just called me a slut. So yeah forgive me for not trusting the system, I got this all incase of my death. Can’t argue with clear evidence, pretty convinced I’d die on a call from his incompetence. I mean he made me come back to work 2 weeks after I got my cast off. While Eddie got 6 months paid after his ex-wife left him, yeah she’s not dead. Why would I trust a system that failed me, over and over again?” Evelyn asked showing no emotion, then continued.

“Before you ask, why I didn’t just leave. They’d be a man down, that puts civilians at risk, they could’ve chosen another target. Couldn’t keep him away from Maddie if I didn’t know what he knew either, I could handle it so I did. I knew Hen would’ve dragged me out, quit on the spot, my Ohana more than likely would’ve rigged the place to explode. So yeah I took it, now I’m taking everything they took from me. I will be suing the fire dept, I went down every single legal route. Followed all the protocols, procedures.. I did everything right. They failed.” Evelyn’s finished and Oliver nodded.

“Okay, let’s do it. First case will be you against Han. We also need to discuss your legal names, your parents have been called as witnesses for the defence team.” Oliver explained and she nodded.

“Wait.. legal names? Your name isn’t Evelyn? Yours isn’t Maddie?” Danny calmed butted in.

“No it’s not. We changed them legally when we left, mines Èlodie Dubois and Maddies is Margot Dubois.” Evelyn’s pronounced their names with a French accent.

“As in the DUBOIS Family?” Athena question and they nodded.

“Yes, this is why we changed our names because of that reaction. Plus our father was French our mother was American, Graham aka Gaston, fully embraces it. We call him Graham because he hated it. So what are my parents using, I’m not surprised they called them to testify against Evelyn.” Maddie shrugged.

“You’re French.. okay. Uh, it’s not a problem just a surprise.” Steve said and she shot him a look that said ‘later’.

“To testify about her character as a child, we will be calling on your old SEAL mates. Along with your commander, the governor, lots of officials. So don’t even worry about that, they’ll ask why you ‘lied’ which you didn’t. If Captain Nash actually looked into your file he would’ve seen it. The next week we’ll prepare your testimony, the trial starts in 2 weeks. Thank you for all of this, it’ll help. Even if this gets thrown out I can request the original files.” Oliver explained, he said goodbyes and told her how strong she was.

When he left the felt the mood shift, the Buckley sisters looked furious.

“Ne stresse pas, on savait que ça pouvait arriver. Maman et Papa essaieront probablement de nous trouver en premier. Tu es prêt ? (Don't stress, we knew this could happen. Mom and Dad will probably try to find us first. Are you ready?)” Maddie asked in fluent french, while everyone just stared.

“Oui, je suppose. J'aimerais juste pouvoir les éviter. Prépare-toi à tout pour leur visite. Tu vois de quoi je parle, non? (Yeah, I guess. I just wish I could avoid them. Be prepared for anything when they come. You know what I mean, right?)” Evelyn replied.

“Uh, could we possibly request you talk in English?” Athena asked and the sisters looked at each other.

“Sure, questions?” Evelyn’s asked bluntly.

“Another request, could you turn off that SEAL persona you got going on over there?” Hen asked and she laughed a little.

“I’m good just hate my parents and talking about my childhood, not in robot mode just wasted too much energy on them. Ask away.” Evelyn smiled and they saw the glint in her eyes again.

“Were you ever going to tell us about your uh names?” Danny asked.

“Not sure, kind of never came up. Èlodie and Margot died the day we left, built new lives and identities you know? Were not just the beauty queens, models, cooks or just musicians. Here I’ll uh show you.” Evelyn said grabbing the remote.

She typed in their names and a French pageant name, that’s when they saw a 4 year old Evelyn and 7 year old Maddie. With so much make up on, in frilly bright orange and red outfits. They watched as they had to do their talents, do a little speech etc.

They won the Family one, then as individuals.

“Oh, my. That’s.. a lot.” Athena said.

“Well yeah, should’ve seen us at regionals or dancing. We both started as toddlers, stopped at 11. We did dance, singing, music lessons, academic studies too. On top of any duties a woman had to carry out, I love dancing, singing and music. Until they sucked the fun out of it, losing wasn’t an option. They never hit us because they couldn’t risk damaging our perfect bodies or faces. So they used other methods, we won every single competition and it wasn’t even enough.” Maddie explained.

“Being a Dubois requires, perfection, resilience, success, strength and modesty. Anything else! Is a disgrace to our name I built!” Evelyn, imitated their father’s voice and accent.

“So that’s why we left the family name behind, we weren’t welcome to it. So why keep it?” Evelyn said back to her normal voice.

“They’re just mad that la mémé, left us everything.” Maddie smirked.

“Everything?” Athena raised an eyebrow.

“She was uh.. very comfortable. We spent any time we could with her, she loved us more than anything. She always wanted daughters, only got sons but loved them anyways. So when we came along she doted on us, so yeah. She left us her entire estate, all her assets gave us our freedom. Made sure we were set for life.” Evelyn smiled.

“Do you have any other questions?” Evelyn asked.

“You thought you were going to die?” Hen questioned.

“I wanted to be prepared for anything, court is going to be hell.” Evelyn rubbed her hands over her face.

“It’s going to be okay, no matter what.” Steve promised and she gave a bitter laugh.

“Yeah sure, because I’ve got to sit there and watch as a lawyer tears apart my life. My sisters life, while my parents testify against me! Yeah it’s going to be great, Fanfuckingtastic.. they were offered 3 years probation as long as they did counselling and Chimney 6 years for attempted murder! Eligible for parole in 4! They were handed their freedom, instead they want to break me in a court room. Make me relive it all, this isn’t about justice. It’s humiliation, I refused to testify, they had enough fucking evidence but no. I’m being force to. So no Steven it’s not going to be all okay.” Evelyn cried, the worst part is she was right, then continued.

“I’m not, mad at you okay? I didn’t mean to snap I just.. I hate this. I want to sue, I want to take them to court it just.. I want to destroy them. They have to pay you know.. I just.” Evelyn kept crying and as always Steve pulled her into his lap.

“You’re strong enough, even if you’re aren’t lay it on us. Also stop apologising okay, we get it. We all do, you’re right it’s not fair or right. I’m sorry you have to do this, the positive note.. a trial means Oliver will destroy them. He seems like a shark.” Steve said and she laughed a little.

“He is, think he’s calling in the big guns too. Everyone wasn’t a a piece of this action, plus he gets to be in Oahu for work so he loves it.” Evelyn smiled.

Once Evelyn had calmed down they went through all the paperwork the lawyer had dropped off. Oliver was calling them as a character witness on Evelyn’s behalf, along with how Evelyn’s recovery was going.

It would be a long and hard trial that was for sure.

Chapter Text

Today, Evelyn would spend it alone. They’d all been called into work on an important case, since her return someone had always been with her. Mainly Steve, he offered to just let Danny cover but she knew being codependent wouldn’t help.

Athena had gotten a job within HPD, Hen had gone back to being a paramedic, the kids loved their new school, Micheal was finishing up moving his business to the island, David got a position at the hospital with Maddie and Karen worked at a science institute.

So Evelyn was really alone today, they all promised to check in with her hourly. It wasn’t necessary she was completely healed, it’s been weeks since she came back so apart from still have a cast and her amputation. Which was completely healed, she was fine. The cast would come off this week, she’d still get headaches mainly migraines but it was manageable in her own.

So after Steve left she got a nice hot bath, with the hand rails she could get in and out. Then pretty much laid in bed all day binge watching shows, she hadn’t realised she left her phone on charge. Or accidentally tripped the alarm when she bumped into one of the hidden panic alarms.

So it was definitely a surprise seeing Five-0 guns at the ready along with Athena.

“Bug? What the fuck are you doing?!” Evelyn asked as they checked her room.

“What am I? Where’s your phone! I’ve been calling you!” Steve said and he cupped her face and started checking her all over.

“It was dead. Bug, what’s going on?” Evelyn asked, getting worried too.

“Did you hit a panic button?” Kono asked.

“Why would I hit a panic button?! No! Why would I.. oh. Okay that explains the guns, you thought, they came for me the first chance I was alone. I wasn’t answering my phone.. I’m sorry. I’m okay, I promise. I swear bug in fine okay?” Evelyn pulled Steve into her who was literally shaking.

“I thought.. I just. I can’t lose you Evy.” Steve told her and she smiled.

“Okay, get me some clothes and I’m coming to sleep in your office. You’re not going to stop worry and you have work.” Evelyn said, Danny told them to take an hour and to drive over in her car.

When they left Evelyn was just held by Steve, who didn’t even argue for her to stay home and he’d go to work.

“Bug? You okay?” Evelyn asked and he just nodded.

“Just need to be sure you’re here, really here.” Steve said and she nodded.

“Well I am, I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t even realise, please tell me you didn’t break down my door. Just used a key right?” Evelyn asked and he laughed.

“Doors still on its hinges, listen.. you should stay home. I’m okay, you’re okay. You’re safe I can go to work, in 45 minutes. Right now just wanna be here with you.. god Evy that scared the life out of me. There’s a gun in the side of the bed, you point and shoot at anyone who doesn’t announce themselves. I’m sending it to the group chat, you shoot them Evy.” Steve made her promise, she pulled out her pinky and interlocked it with him.

“I promise, wanna tell me about this case? Also why didn’t you just check the cameras?” Evelyn asked and he pulled back slightly.

“Cameras? There’s cameras in here?” Steve asked looking around.

“Not in the bedrooms or bathrooms, the rest of the house yeah. Including motions sensors on all the windows and doors, I’m safe.” Evelyn said and took Steve’s phone logging into the security system.

He could see the entire house, with the exception of their bedroom. They laid there until Steve had to go to work, he made sure she was fast asleep.

Then finally left.

Evelyn woke up Steve less but her phone next to the bed, on FaceTime. To Steve, who was already smiling when she answered it, they spoke for a little bit he explained he just needed that extra guarantee she was safe. Which made sense, luckily she woke up before they had to leave.

Steve told her he loved her then ended the call.

They managed to wrap up the case by 3am, it was an awful person. He was going around blowing up places, not to kill anyone but injure as many as possible. Steve was dead on his feet, announced himself, jumped in a shower when he got home after locking up the house. Then crawled into bed, instinctively pulling Evelyn close.

“Night bug, I love you.” Evelyn mumbled.

“I love you too, go back to sleep Evy.” Steve kissed her head.

That’s what she did.

Chapter Text

It was just a normal day at Evelyn’s house, they all hung out there because well it was the biggest house. Also where she felt safest, they did get her out and she even went to the Palace, along with Kames, the hospital. But it was just easier to hang out of hers.

It’d been a pretty awful day, raining like crazy, the kids were in one of the rooms she’d turned into a game room for them. With a little section for Matty to play with his toys safely, they took did have camera.

Evelyn had been using her crutches to get around, one had been modified for her broke arm. She was sick of sitting all the time, they’d all checked the weather over and over again. To make sure there wasn’t a storm coming.

There’s wasn’t supposed to be.

“You know there’s something about the rain that’s just peaceful don’t you think?” Even asked leaning against the kitchen counter.

“Oh sure, like pneumonia or the flu. It’s wonderful! Better than this for forsaken heat then yet.. it’s still fucking hot!” Danny’s rant began.

Everyone was laughing and smiling, then it all changed. The second the first flash appeared, Evelyn luckily had moved to sit on the kitchen counter. As she wanted a better view of the rain unfortunately.

“Danny! I’m telling you it doesn’t get any bet-“ Evelyn stopped the second she saw the flash, dropped her mug straight in the floor when the thunder roared.

“Shit!” Steve ran over to Evelyn who was frozen in place, all colour drained for her face.

Avoiding the ceramic that had smashed on the floor he tried to get Evelyn eyes on him.

“Hey, Evy? It’s okay, you’re inside. Come on, I got you.” Steve said and he scooped her off the counter, then carried her to the living room.

Evelyn couldn’t speak or think, just frozen. Feeling the thunder, crash through her body, the lightning kight out the house. Then warmth, gentle love. It was her bug, wrapping her in a blanket as he held her in the couch.

“It’s nearly over, just keep your eyes closed. You’re safe.” Steve promised as she trembled.

Everyone watched as the trembling began to calm down, the kids came to check on their Auntie Evy. As they all knew how much she hated thunderstorms, when it was finally over. She passed out in his arms, breathing steadily, no more trembling or hitching breathing.

“Okay.. that was terrifying to watch.” Lou pointed out.

“Yeah it’s not nice to feel either, just don’t make a big deal about it when she wakes up. She hates it so much, no matter how concerned you are just. Don’t mention it, she’ll be okay when she wakes up just embarrassed.” Steve explained and they all nodded talking it in.

“Yeah I can see it, cuddle bug. Definitely suits you.” Danny smirked.

“Oh shut up Danno.” Steve tried to hide his smile.

It didn’t take Evelyn long to wake back up, she barely needed nap anymore. She instantly went to apologise and Steve put a finger over her mouth.

“Don’t even think about apologising, I will ban Harry Potter for a month. I despise that little wizard so I will do it!” Steve said and she laughed.

“You wouldn’t dare to do that, I’ll give the name ‘Bug’ to someone else!” Evelyn argue back.

“Oh really? I’ll just put all the good coffee and snacks on the top shelves.” Steve smirked.

“I’ll hide your favourite tops, then your guns. Fight me Stevie.” Evelyn challenged.

“How many times?! I accept ‘Bug’ never ever Stevie!” Steve argued and this went on for about 35 minutes.

Evelyn got the others to back her, well tried. They decided against it when they started threatening to leave booby traps.

“God it’s like being back on base camp! You two knock it off.” Joe laughed.

“Awh, Joey loves me more.” Evelyn said and Steve just stared at her.

“Where the hell did you get that from?! He most certainly does not, do you Joe?” Steve sat up a bit.

“I am not getting involved. Like I said before, almost 1000 times. I hate you both equally.” Joe replied and everyone just laughed at him.

“He does tho, I mean who else gets to call him Joey. Nuh uh.. he said we had to stop, pissed of Joey isn’t a guy I wanna deal with.” Evelyn pointed out and Steve just groaned.

“Oh you two were made for each other.” Maddie said and it was the best thing she could ever say.

Under Steve’s advice no one mentioned it, she really did just go back to normal after. It was awful to watch, seeing her shit down like that.

It didn’t matter because she always had her Bug.

Chapter Text

The day had finally come, she had to testify to everything the 118 put her through, it was the first time she showed her face outside of Oahu. The media had been looking for her to get a statement, so when she landed.. well it was chaos.

Putting her cap on, hood up, glasses and tried to get through the medics circus.

‘Is it true that you were abused in fire house 118 for close the 3 years?’

‘How is your recovery going?’

‘What do you have to say to those who hurt you?’

‘Has there been any further attempts to your life?’

‘What happened for it to finally come out?’

‘Is it true you were denied treatment?’

‘Why did you just quit?’

‘Is it true you tried to quit?’

‘What do you expect to happen after the trial?’

‘Dr Buckley! Is it true you’re the youngest “Dubois”?’

‘How does it feel to be back home?’ That comment stopped Evelyn.

She turned in her chair and pulled down the microphone.

“LA is no longer my home, I’m not sure it ever was. Sure as hell wasn’t welcomed.” Evelyn said, with that more questions came but she turned and rolled away.

The Ohana surrounded her as she kept her head down, Athena ended up pushing her. Finally they were in the safety of the courthouse, they’d secured her a room to stay in until she was called up.

She took off her hoodie and removed the blanket to reveal her dress, it was a simple button down Navy Blue dress, short sleeve and it came down to her knees. While everyone else wore their formal uniform except Maddie, David, Karen, Micheal and Renee who wore suits.

Everyone looked good, that’s when a knock came at the door. It was adriana and..

“Chris!” Evelyn shouted and he came over hugging her tightly.

“Oh I’ve missed you baby, are you beinf good for your TIA?” Evelyn asked smiling.

“Y-yes! L-love tias house! Said w-we might.. move to Oahu! Tío g-got j-ob there!” Chris beamed and Evelyn’s eyes brightened and looked at adriana and her husband.

“It was supposed to be a surprise but uh.. we wanted Chris close to family. Tia Pepa agreed to move there too, while the rest of the family stays in El Paso. That way he gets to stay close to you.” Adriana smiled hesitant if she was still allowed to hug Evelyn.

“Come here.” Evelyn held her arms open a dna Adriana ran into them and melted into the hug sobbing.

“Dios, extrañé mucho a mi hermana, lo siento mucho. Por favor, perdóname por no saber qué te estaba pasando. Si lo supe, lo siento mucho. (God, I've missed my sister, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me for not knowing what was happening to you. If I did, I'm so sorry.)” Adriana begged and Evelyn just smiled.

“Yo también te extrañé. No hay nada que perdonar. Fuiste y siempre serás mi familia. Eres una madre increíble para Chris. Nunca dejé de quererte. Los Díaz se me han metido en el corazón. Con la excepción de tu hermano. (I missed you too. There's nothing to forgive. You were and always will be my family. You're an incredible mother to Chris. I never stopped loving you. The Diazes just have a way of burrowing into my heart. With the exception of your brother.)” Evelyn told her and Adriana kissed her check, then finally pulled away.

“How many languages can you speak brah?!” Chin broke the silence.

“13. I’m a smart cookie what can I say, I was to go to translator. At the 118 and in the SEALs I pick them up pretty quickly, Chris isn’t staying for the trial right?” Evelyn questioned.

“No, Carla is taking him. The rest of our family is in the courtroom waiting, all on your side. Just figured we’d sneak in and see you.” Adriana said and she nodded.

Carla came by and got Chris and hugged Evelyn too, finally it was time for her to go in.

It really was time to make them pay, no matter how much it hurt.

Chapter Text

Going into the courtroom, was also a media frenzy. She was helped into the stand by a bailiff who just picked her up and put here there. Her entire family front row smiling at her as she took the honour and sat down.

The defences lawyer was first, Chimney sat there smirking wearing his LAFD uniform.

“Miss Buckley-“ Evelyn cut her off immediately.

“Dr. It’s Dr Buckley. If you’re going to address me, use my correct title. I think you’re getting off to a bad start already.” Evelyn pointed out.

“For someone so traumatised you surely do have quite a spit fire.”

“Objection!”

“Withdrawn. Dr Buckley, you worked with Firefighter Han for a year before the issues began to rise?” Bianca asked.

“I did.”

“Right, so what changed? I mean breaking up him and your sister, it made sense that man was upset. He loved her, just wanting to know about her welling being surely isn’t too much to ask for?” Bianca walked closely to the jurors.

“Sure, if that was the case. However it wasn’t, he was acting obsessively. I told Maddie to get away while she still could.”

“You killed your sisters first husband correct?” Bianca asked.

“Objection! Relevance?” Oliver argued.

“I’ll allow it, please answer Doctor.” The judge said.

“In self defence yes, after he broken in the attacked myself and my sister in our home. Yes I shot and killed his as it was my right to defend myself in my home. I served my country in order to keep those rights, so yes I did kill him. You can find all of the footage and the proof from the various police interrogations including the Naval one.” Evelyn answered calmly and Oliver gave her a small nod.

It was clear the lawyer was prepared for that answer.

“So you killed another man in cold blood-“ Evelyn stopped her.

“Self defence. Learn your terms your a lawyer.. act like one.” Evelyn bit back and even the judge had to cover a laugh with a cough.

“Self defence or not, you still killed another man for your sister. It seems a little like you two are close, perhaps too close. What gave you the right to break up Firefighter Han and Miss Buckley.” Bianca asked.

“I’m not entirely sure how this pertains to Firefighter Han killing me, I think that also answers your question. I was trained to see the signs, I saw the signs, worst case scrub was wrong and they’d reconnect. But I wasn’t wrong, he would’ve done to her what he did to me. Except no one would’ve saved her, so yes. I told MY sister to leave, she was not his wife, she was not his anything. She followed my advice and got the hell out here, I was not losing my sister to him. Even if meant losing myself.” Evelyn answered.

“Anyone else would find that admirable, I find that obsessive. Firefighter Han did not kill yiu, as you’re sitting here right now.” Bianca tried.

“After I was beaten for 7 minutes 37.8 seconds. My heart stopped, for 2 minutes and 47 seconds. He was still kicking me while I laid on the floor, dead. I was dead, if it wasn’t for another firefighter throwing Han off of me. I wouldn’t be sitting here, if he hadn’t worked on getting my heart started with another paramedic, I would’ve never met my nephew. Saw my family again, got to smile, laugh, feel the sun on my face, my last memory would’ve been pain. When my family would come to collect my body they would’ve remembered me as a broken destroyed mess. So yes, he did kill me.” Evelyn voice kept breaking.

“Do you need a break? Doctor?” Bianca smirked.

“Didn’t get one while I was beaten. Don’t need one now.” Evelyn answered.

Bianca went in and kept trying to pick apart her story, saying she provoked Han by comparing him to Doug. Oliver kept objecting, winning against her.

“No further questions your honour, your witness.” Bianca sat down defeated.

Oliver stood up and walked straight in front of the jury.

“Evelyn, tell me about your childhood. The best memories.” Oliver said.

Every single memory included Maddie, not one of her parents.

“So you really love you sister, would do anything to protect her. Even if it meant risking your own life.” Oliver smiled at her.

“Yes, she protected me my entire childhood. It’s what family really is.” Evelyn answered.

“So you were asked what lead to this, however never asked what happened to you during this time. I’d like to present, evidence 4-27b to the jury. These are images and multiple complaints just against Firefighter Han correct? These injurties he caused alone.” Oliver said handing her some of the pictures.

It was of her body covered in bruises by locker checks, after the blood thinners from her first pulmonary embolism. Where her leg had been kicked before, shoulders dislocated.

“Yes.” Evelyn croaked out.

“I’m sorry I know this is hard, we have video footage too. Confirming it was Firefighter Han… many people will wonder. Probably do wonder, you’re a trained SEAL. Why didn’t you fight back, defend yourself?” Oliver asked as he played the every single video of Evelyn either falling to the floor in agony, being locker checked or choking on food that had been laced.

“I couldn’t, standing was torture, walking was hell. Retaliating would’ve caused it to get worse, I did a risk assessment. In.. the condition I was in. Fighting back would’ve done more harm than good, especially if he wasn’t alone. I wanted to go home, even if it meant.. having that done. I took it, as I knew, if I did anything else. I could’ve died. Coming off the blood thinners, I was weaker, in pain, I’m not saying I wouldn’t have won. I woukdve, I was trained to win. Doesn’t mean we both would’ve come out of it alive, I also made a vow to protect and serve. Not hurt or kill, so I swore I wouldn’t do anything. No matter what, angering him.. or his friends. Well you’ll see what he managed to do on his own, also just because I’m a trained SEAL, this doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to break. We break, we’re human. I also didn’t want to risk not beint able to keep my sister safe, fighting back. It wasn’t an option, not a safe one.” Evelyn explained her voice completely destroyed as she wiped her tears.

“Have you watched the footage yourself?” Oliver asked.

“No, I lived it.” Evelyn answered.

“I’m going to play it, to prove Evelyn’s point. The media, the people, may have things to say for her not defending herself. Now you’ll see why, there’s a saying ‘pick you battles’ she did. Right now she’s fighting back, using the skills she learned in the SEALs would’ve ended Firefighter Hans life. Even with everything he did to her.. so honoured her word and vow. Now what does that tell us about the kind of person Evelyn is.” Oliver finished.

The video played and everyone watched, the judge looked visibly sick. While a few members in the audience were, family members of the 118 saw how they all stood and did nothing. When it finished, the court room was in an awful silence.

“Even when given the option, to tell him where her sister was. She could’ve lied, could’ve misled him, could’ve told him but she didn’t. She made a vow, to her sister and kept it till the very end. Now tell me, if that isn’t a fighter. She may not of fought with her fists or body, she did it with her heart. Now, would you want that kind of man near your sister, daughter, mother, children? I don’t, I’m allowed to mention this now as he denied it. Firefighter Han was offered 6 years, with the possibility of parole instead. He chose to watch his survivor break, that’s what she is a survivor.” Oliver finished.

“Thank you.” Evelyn smiled at him.

“No further questions your honour.” Oliver sat down.

“Relive the witness your honour.” Bianca answered.

“We’ll take an hour recess I think we all need it.” The judge banged his gravel.

The bailiff once again helped her down into her chair and got her into the room, while Chimney shouted at her. The judge threatening to hold in contempt if her carried on.

Evelyn sat in the room waiting or her Ohana, she just sat staring out the window. Her heart in pieces.

“Evy?” Steve whispered.

“Bug.” Evelyn cried, Steve ran to her and just pulled her out over chair and held her.

“You did it baby, you did amazing. I’m so proud of you.” Steve kissed her.

The rest of the Ohana went around hugging her, complimenting her bravery. The spent the next hour in the room, when it came time to come back. The judge came in and set up a video feed so she could watch here, while Steve stayed with her.

Everyone went back and took their turn in the hot seat, the trial went on all day. Everyone refusing to take breaks, finally it was over at 7pm, it was unheard of for a trial to go on continuously foot 12 hours.

Chimneys verdict would’ve be given tomorrow.

Chapter Text

After the trial, everyone was dead in their feet. Evelyn had gone mute, just shut down. It was too much, Steve just sat in their hotel bed rubbing her back. Telling her how much he loved her, and how proud he was.

Evelyn was broken, completely codependent on Steve, which didn’t care one bit. No one wanted to eat, they couldn’t eat or sleep. They just sat in their hotel rooms, watching the clock.

By some miracle they all got a few hours of sleep, they got up and ready for the sentencing. Evelyn wanted to go, no she needed to go.

Going back in that courtroom was a weird feeling, apparently it took the jury an hour to come up either a verdict.

“All rise.” The judge said, Steve and Maddie too either side of Evelyn holding her up.

“On the count of Misdemeanour Assault against Firefighter Han, how does the jury find?” The judges asked.

“Guilty.”

“On the charge of Felony Vandalism?”

“Guilty”

“On the charge of Medical Negligence?”

“Guity.”

“On the charge of Attempted Murder, how does the just find the defendant?” The judge asked and after a beat…

“Guilty, we find the defendant guilty on all charges.”

The courthouse erupted into cheers and clapping, the judge allows it for a minute and Evelyn just held onto her sister and Steve.

“I sentence you Howard Han to serve each sentence consecutively, one after the other. Starting with Misdemeanour Assault of a max 12 months. Felony Vandalism 3 years and 10,000 fine. Medical Negligence 4 years. Attempted Murder life in prison addition 15 years for peace officer. You Howard Han, will never see the outside of the prison walls. You should’ve taken the deal.” The judge banged down his hammer and chimney exploded.

“YOU FUCKING BITCH! YOUVE RUINED MT LIFE! ILL KILL YOU ALL!” Chimney was dragged out of the courthouse screaming.

“It’s okay baby, he’s gone. And he’s never ever coming back.” Steve told her and she just collapsed into his arms.

“Thank you, for always just being my ‘bug’.” Evelyn spoke and he kissed her head.

While Chimneys Trial was over, the rest of the 118 who didn’t take the deal would be next. Then, the law suit against the LAFD.

The battle was over, it was just the beginning.

Chapter Text

The next morning was the beginning of the 118 trial. Yet again Evelyn was called to testify, she explained all their treatment and how Bobby abused his power. How they went against her very clear wishes, how they’d body check her, sabotage her food and drinks.

Their lawyer kept trying to object but got no where especially when Oliver pulled out the video footage of them doing it all. The case was a clear slam dunk, she just had to wait for their teams defence to take the stands.

Eddie was up first.

“Firefighter Diaz can you explain your relationship to the plaintiff.” Trevor asked.

“Well, we were colleagues and I thought friends. This has all been blown out of proportion.” Eddie tried.

“I mean it’s not uncommon for a firefighter to go through hazing, while it’s awful, it’s not illegal. After hurting your friend and colleague Howard Han it’s understandable that you’d all want to defend him. It just got a little out of hand, don’t you think?” Trevor said.

“Exactly, we just went too far. We didn’t mean to hurt Buck.” Eddie offered.

“No further questions.” Trevor said and Oliver stood up.

“Firefighter Diaz, is it true that Dr Buckley shot down every single one of your advances. Told you over and over again she wasn’t interested, yet you wouldn’t take the hint and started appearing at her home all hours of the day and night?” Oliver asked.

“No.” Eddie was visibly getting angry.

“Entering evidence 6a through 11G, let me refresh your memory Firefighter Diaz isn’t this you outside my clients apartment complex? Isn’t this all the messages you sent, also using your own son as a bribe. Isn’t this you reacting violently when she tried to get away from you? This doesn’t seem like it got out of hand, or because of your friend. This was deliberate, vengeful, just because my client was not interested.” Oliver finished.

“She thoughT she was better than me! My son loved her more than me! Well I had to show her what happened to a woman who doesn’t follow her role. If she didn’t want to be my wife! Then yeah, she’d see how hard I’d make her fucking life! Stupid fucking bitch!” Eddie shouted as his lawyer tried to get him to shut up.

“Seems you have quite a temper, you hurt her on purpose. You did it to get back at her, you watched as she was beaten almost to death. This isn’t being taken out of proportion, this is justice.” Oliver finished.

Eddie kept getting angrier.

“I hope you lose everything! I hope you get so lonely that you kill yourself! You should’ve fucking died! I will fucking destroy you Buck! You think anyone actually likes you outside of obligation?! No! You think anyone wants to actually spend time with you?! No! Why you’re so good with kids, it’s because you match their maturity! No matter what, you’ll always be the deformed broken girl, who talks too much. You’ll never be anything but the girl who went crying to mommy!” Eddie screamed and then tried to get to her.

“Bailiff seize him!” The judge banged his hammer.

Eddie was tackled to the floor then dragged out of the courtroom, the judge decided to take a recess and let the jurors deliberate against Eddie.

Evelyn didn’t speak the entire journey back to the hotel, Eddie’s words were going around in her head it wasn’t a lie she spoke a lot. Her head was just overloaded, she registered someone talking to her and moving her into their arms.

Then the obvious scent of Steve, it was so grounding.

“Hey you back with me?” Steve asked moving her hair out of her face, Evelyn nodded and looked around the room.

“You always pull me out of my own head bug.” Evelyn said and Steve kissed her head.

“I know, everything he said isn’t true. He’s just a jealous idiot.” Steve point out and she laughed.

As long as she had her bug she’d be okay.

Chapter Text

I’m reading through the story once more and might edit some chapters, the next chapter is going to be mean because why not :)

thank you for all your feedback, love and kudos!

it’s what gives me the motivation to keep writing🩷

Chapter Text

Getting back to the courthouse the next morning they thought they were just going to hear closing arguments. But instead Trevor called Evelyn back up.

She wheeled over to the stand, as she stood on one leg next to the bailiff about to help her. Eddie spoke.

“I told you we’d kill you.” Eddie smirked and before anyone could react the window exploded.

It was a gunshot.

A shooting pain hit her chest or shoulder, she looked down and saw the blood.

“GET DOWN!” The bailiff shouted as he tackled Evelyn to the floor, another bullet flying past her head.

The courthouse went into chaos, while Evelyn just laid there. Her body being covered by the bailiff, everyone was screaming as they tried to escape.

“SEAL Team 6! Find that goddamn sniper! Move! Protect the witness team 4!” Joe ordered and they all moved.

Steve ran to her side, not caring about the bullets. The second he got to her he hit the floor and dragged her, right behind the seat.

“Stay with me baby, stay with me.” Steve begged as himself and Maddie held pressure to the wounds.

Her eyes were so glassy, her head was bleeding heaving so was the left side of her chest just under her collarbone. They couldn’t get her out, bullets were still flying in.

“B-bug. ‘S o-kay.” Evelyn spluttered out.

“Shh, don’t talk. I’m going to get you out of here okay, you’re going to be okay.” Steve promised wiping his eyes.

“Just hold on baby bear, just hold on.” Maddie cried and Evelyn smiled.

“M-mis-sed th-th-at. N-ame. L-love, you moos, l-love y-you bug.” Evelyn smiled and then closed her eyes.

“No! Wake up! Come back, you’re a fighter! Fuck this let’s move!” Steve said dragging up her limp body as his old seal team acted as a human shield.

They ran out into the corridor where another man ran to them, immediately pointing their guns at him.

“I’m a trauma surgeon! Army trauma surgeon! I went to my truck to get supplies, you want her to survive the hospital trip?! Give her to me now, find somewhere safe for me to work!” Owen demanded.

After a moment of hesitation Steve handed her over, the team determined the chambers the best place as it was bullet proof. Another army doc followed him, by the sounds of it her name was Teddy.

They got her down on the floor where TV started cutting away her clothes, they poured some kind powder into her shoulder. While Teddy listened to her heart, started saying things like ‘muffled heart sounds’.

“We need to get her to hospital within the next 17 minutes, can you do that for me Commander?” Owen asked.

“Yes. Why do I recognise you?” Steve asked as Owen picked Evelyn up.

“I operated on Evelyn with my wife, we never met. Just in passing, we’ve been here the entire trial, the rest of our team asked us to keep them updated.” Owen said running to an unmarked black car Joe had somehow gotten them.

The rest of the Ohana went in similar cars, the gunfire had died down. According the DEVGRU, they’d taken down one of the snipers. There were 6 shooters, Steve drove with Danny in the front and another member of their team.

They got to the hospital in record time, where swat was waiting to guide them in.

“Please save her.” Steve pleaded and Owen nodded as they got Evelyn on a gurney and ran straight to the OR.

SWAT covered every single exit, an old friend from the Navy came and sat eight Steve handing him some clothes.

“She’s one hell of a fighter, your girl. If anyone would survive, it’s her.” Hondo squeezed his shoulder.

When Steve came back from changing out of the clothes covered in Evelyn blood the entire Ohana was sitting in the heavily guarded room. They looked traumatised, they were.

“Her last words were that she loved us. I don’t think I’d survive losing her, she has to make it right?” Steve wiped his eyes.

“Yeah.. she has to.” Maddie swallowed the lump in her throat.

No one spoke, just waited for her doctors.

She had to survive, she had to make it.

Right?

Chapter Text

They sat in the room for what felt like decades, another surgeon had flown in to work on her brain. Where the bullet had entered and exited the side of her head, a piece of her skull was imbedded in her brain. Causing a bleed.

Her heart was torn, her lung was damaged, her shoulder place had been split from where the bullet had exited. Well part of it, as it turns out they used something called an ‘erupter’ which was a bullet that split into fragments on impact. So it travelled into her blood stream, tearing her apart from the inside.

After 14 hours of intense surgery, they’d managed to get all the fragments. Repaid her heart, lungs, brain and ribs. She was alive but with the damage they didn’t know what kind of quality of life she’d have.

The doctors explained that the next 72 hours were crucial and they’d be watching over her carefully.

“Does she- does she have any brain function?” Steve asked.

“Yes she does, we’ve checked a few times but we won’t know exactly what kind of damage was caused until she wakes up.” Derek Shepard explained his sister standing next to him.

“You mean if she wakes up.” Maddies voice was broken.

“Not if, when. As doctors we refrain from making promises, however I’ve never seen someone fight so hard for their life.” Amelia Shepard smiled.

They went onto explain what to expect, they speculated that Evelyn would more than likely suffer with migraines and fatigue the rest of her life. Possible difficulties concentrating or making decisions, it seemed by her scans she had a TBI.

They al knew what that meant, the possibilities and challenges she’d face.

Seizures, confusion, nausea, memory issues and vision problems. If she survived it would be one hell of an uphill climb.

Steve stayed by her bed the entire time, just like her first time in the hospital. Joe and Athena joined him and sometimes Maddie, it’s been 11 days since the attack in the courthouse. Eddie was charged with attempted murder, given similar sentence to Chimney. Along with the rest of 118 who didn’t take the deal, given a minimum of 10 years for an accessory to attempted murder. While Chimney and Eddie for life sentences.

By day 15 something changed.

Chapter Text

When Evelyn woke up, all she could hear was the constant sounds of beeping. Someone holding her hand, the obvious sound of hospital antiseptic, the led lights that she could see throw her closed eyes, the scratchy feeling of the bandages and gauze on her skin and head.

When she opened her eyes she had to squint it was so bright in there, Steve was sleeping, he looked exhausted even in his sleep. Moving her head slightly, she saw the rear of her Ohana, in a massive private room. It’s not like she couldn’t afford it, she could just about see the clock and it said 8:30 she thinks.

Everyone was sleeping but she knew, if she didn’t do anything soon she’d more than likely fall asleep again. So with all her strength she squeezed Steve’s hand, not registering ir maybe thinking kr was a muscle spasm she did ir 3 more times.

That got his attention. His head shot up.

“Evy?” Steve asked and she smiled and nodded.

Everyone else woke up too, smiling and welcoming her back. Lou slipped out and get the doctor while Steve just smiled at her.

Amelia shepherd and her brother walked in smiling.

“Was wondering when you’d join us, so we need to do a few tests okay? So if you can follow my finger… okay can you feel that… and that… right can you tell me your name?” Amelia asked after they finished their tests.

She knew her name but the words couldn’t form, so she just stared at Amelia. All their hearts breaking.

“Can you recognise anyone in this room?” Derek asked and she nodded.

“Do you know where you are?” Another nod.

“Can you tell me who this is?” Amelia asked pointing at Steve.

With her fingers she used them to spell out.

B.U.G

Everyone looked relieved and laughed.

“That’s right, can you not speak?” Derek asked, she looked around the room and found her sister.

Then waved her over, she was the only one she knew who could also sign.

‘The words are there just can’t get them out, i understand you all. Can hear you all, it’s fucking bright in here too.’ Evelyn signed to Maddie who laughed.

“She’s saying she can understand everything, the words just aren’t coming out. She also said it’s too bright in here.” Maddie explained.

“Okay that’s not unexpected, so your motor skills are intact, your speech may come back or it may not. We can get you with a speech therapist, you heard and lungs have been repaired. You’re going to be okay.” Amelia smiled and she nodded.

“Well we can all learn sign, that’s not a problem.” Athena soothed and she smile at her.

‘If not I might be able to write. Don’t know.’ Evelyn’s signed, everyone looked to Maddie.

“She said she might be able to write if not, just isn’t sure if she can.” Maddie translated.

“We’ll be getting you out of bed today. Right now, now this is protocol and it’s probably going to hurt alot. It’s just out of the bed into the chair, Dereks going to help me and Joe is going to make sure your husband doesn’t kill me.” Amelia smiled and she nodded without correcting her.

Steve had been referred to as her husband the last two weeks, they just stopped correcting people.

Once Amelia made sure her gown was done up, she helped Evelyn sit up, which was hell. Then carefully guided her to the edge of the bed with Derek, with a nod they got her up and she screamed but they kept going until she was in the chair. Joe and Danny had to practically pin Steve to the chair.

After doing another quick neuro assessment they determined she was okay. Evelyn was swearing and breathing heavy, Teddy came by to check her heart and it was okay. She still had a tube down her nose from where they’d been feeding her and would’ve remove it until she passed the swallow study.

Getting her back into the bed wasn’t as hard. Still painful but she did it, she asked when she could go home. And they swore in 2 days.

Which came and went like nothing, she was back to normal except still not speaking. She asked for no party, just wanted to be home so that’s what they did.

“Welcome home Evy.” Steve said rolling her into the house, she smiled at him.

He got her settled on the couch, while her motor skills were intact she was still weak. She didn’t ask about the trial once so no one mentioned it either. He put on her show she was currently watching, it was just Rick and Morty but still. Got her a milkshake in her Stanley cup and sat next to her, not touching but near.

Constantly doting on her, Evelyn loved Steve but he was driving her insane. She understood that he was going through something too so just let him.

But when he offered to quit Five-0.. yeah she wasn’t having that.

‘No’ Evelyn signed.

“Evelyn, I’m barely at work anymore. You can’t be left alone either.” Steve replied trying to perused her, she picked up the iPad and started typing.

‘I can be left alone, you just refuse to let me be alone. I’m fine Steven. Yes I get it was awful for everyone okay? But you’re not giving up your career so you can watch my every move. It’s not healthy.’ Evelyn typed out, he read it and raised an eyebrow.

“So me wanting to keep you alive and safe isn’t okay? I watched as a bullet ripped through your body! You said goodbye to me Evelyn, I watched as they did test after test on you. Make sure you weren’t brain dead, begging you’d wake up!” Steve pointed out.

‘I know, you need help Steven. What you went through. It was awful, talk to someone, anyone. Me! I don’t care but going on like this, isn’t okay. You built that task force from the ground up, you’re not quitting.’ Evelyn told him.

“So you just get to decide that, I am Evelyn.” Steve told her and she really didn’t want to do this.

‘If you quit, I’m leaving you. We’re done. I will not watch you lose something you worked so hard to build. Become a shell of yourself, so those are your options. Go back to work on Monday or I’m leaving.’ Evelyn took a breath then handed over the tablet.

Steve stared at it.. then looked up at her. Searching for anything that she was bluffing, she wasn’t. Either way this would destroy them, she was crying but meant every word she wrote.

“Evy.. you can’t. You’d actually leave me?” Steve tried to stop the tears from falling.

‘To save us, yes. Something awful happened but I’m not losing you over it. The person you are, I won’t do it.’

“C-can we compromise?” Steve asked and she nodded.

“Half days? Couple hours in the morning, 2 days a week.” Steve offered and she smiled.

‘Half days 3 days a week, you’re also going to go out with your team one night a week. I don’t care what you do but you need to spend time with them. Not with me but just them, they’ve been to hell and back with us. They miss their friend Steve.’ Evelyn said, everyone had also noticed she’d stopped calling him ‘bug’.

“2 half days and a night out.” Steve asked and she sighed but nodded.

‘I’m sorry, you can be mad all you want but you know it’s would’ve destroyed us don’t you?’ Evelyn asked and he nodded, she’d also stopped letting everyone touch her.

Only when absolutely necessary, other than that she didn’t really allow it. The shepherds told the Ohana that her moods might change and her personality. So where she used to be tactile, she might not be anymore.

It wasn’t the case, she just needed a break.

But right now, she needed her bug. She did everything in her power, then finally got out the words.

“B-b-ug.” Evelyn smiled and held open her arms and her pulled her into him so fast.

“You spoke baby, you did it.” Steve kissed her head so proud of her.

“B-e o-kay.” Evelyn got out.

“Yeah, you’re going to be okay. So are we.” Steve promised, then she kissed him.

Everything really was going to be okay.