Work Text:
Buck bops his head to the music as he places the pot back on the stove to reheat his homemade sauce while he lets the spaghetti drain.
At the beginning of living alone, Buck had been a disaster in the kitchen.
He would burn toast, overcook his pasta into a soggy mess or give up and order takeout to save himself time and effort.
Growing up, his parents were never there, and when they were, they would never act nurturing or caring towards Buck. Buck wasn’t stupid, he had known that they had never wanted him, hence the reason he had learnt to survive on his own with the help of his big sister Maddie.
But then she had left him alone to chase her dreams of college with her new husband. Buck had been forced to learn basic cooking skills like instant noodles, porridge, pizza and microwave meals.
Then when he perfected easy meals, he began to cook more advanced meals that were tasty and felt homemade and discovered a love for cooking.
It had been a struggle but he had made the decision to settle down and stop job hopping and looking for a life to make him feel alive and wanted. Eventually, after long hours of studying and working, Buck got a job as a paediatric nurse and he turned his life around.
He started taking cooking lessons and he stopped sleeping with every person who gave him a second of attention.
He became Buck 2.0.
At the start, Buck was going to join the LA firefighter department to get a sense of belonging and usefulness in himself, knowing that saving people every day would have to make him feel loved and needed.
Then something, or well, someone had changed his mind.
He had been sitting on the train from El Paso, Mexico, a small boy and his mother sat in the same compartment. The train ride was a long one and the boy's mother must have been exhausted because she had fallen asleep.
Buck wasn’t judging, her son had been asleep at the time and he wouldn’t expect her to stay awake overnight, but her son had woken up and she had not. She had clearly been run down and before falling asleep, Buck had watched her help him find a comfortable position that he could rest in.
Buck wasn’t the most informed on medical conditions back then, but he had seen the tiny walking frame attached to the folded stroller. He had made a guess, that he now knows was correct, that the boy had some condition like cerebral palsy.
Buck thinks the kid was probably two years old then.
Buck being Buck, had smiled and waved at the kid, pulling a silly face to make him laugh.
When he had giggled shyly around his pacifier, his eyes scrunching up through big, red glasses, Buck had felt a warmth inside of him.
Making a child laugh and knowing he had caused them joy made Buck feel better than any other strategy he had tried. The boy had been shy but energetic and brave, probably too brave Buck realises looking back.
He had introduced himself as Christopher, his voice lispy and mumbled from his young age. Buck had introduced himself as Even, not yet going by Buck, and had allowed the boy to ask him different questions about himself and the world to pass the time.
Buck knew a lot of fun facts and silly jokes, so they didn't have to worry about being bored.
Christopher was a cute kid, and Buck didn’t mind entertaining him for the train ride if it meant his mother got some needed rest.
At one point, the kid had clearly been in pain, his face scrunching up from sitting too long and his head drooping and flopping to the side, his body arching up. Buck had carefully helped him adjust his position, leaning him so he was resting against his mother’s side again.
Buck couldn’t remember a time when he was more cautious, wanting to protect the fragile body from more pain. Buck thinks it had worked, or at least, Christopher’s face had relaxed and he had smiled again.
They had only talked for about an hour more before she had woken, the train ride ending as she rushed to the exit.
That interaction had sparked something and Buck had begun looking into work that involved helping children, his idea of becoming a firefighter changing.
Now, four years later Buck had gotten his associate degree in nursing and his paediatric nursing certification. Buck loves his job and he wouldn’t change it for the world, not regretting his career choice.
It was a role where he still got to help people feel safe and keep them alive, but where Buck also had the opportunity to change children’s lives for the better.
Buck steps away from the kitchen, planning to sit on his phone to pass the time before his attention is caught by his bookshelf. It’s messy and unorganised, books and trinkets shoved in places they fit.
He beelines for it, his mind running a million miles as he creates different plans and images in his mind.
Buck sets to work, pulling everything out and beginning to place everything in a better spot.
Once he has finished, Buck takes a step back, admiring his work proudly.
He did good.
A loud, shrill sound fills the air, startling Buck and forcing him to come back to his surroundings. Thick smoke has risen to the ceiling, the smell of fire and burnt food filling his senses.
Buck panics, throwing his body to the ground and crawling forward to the kitchen.
Stupid, he berates himself, so fucking stupid. How could he get distracted while cooking?
Buck surveys his kitchen, wincing when he sees the charred cabinets and fire rising from the pot on the stove. He blindly reaches for the fire extinguisher, spraying white foam at the flame in hope of dowsing it.
It doesn’t take long before the fire is out and Buck slumps down to the floor when the adrenaline rushes out of him. He knows he should go downstairs and wait with his neighbours, but he already knows where the fire was and it’s out now.
Buck shakes his head at his own recklessness, his eyes watering painfully from the smoke and his chest becoming tight. Buck lifts his T-shirt to cover his nose and mouth, coughing roughly from the smoke in his chest. He begins to crawl over to his door, not wanting to risk breathing in more smoke.
All of a sudden, there is a loud pounding at his door, a deep voice shouting, “LAFD, we’re coming in,” before his door is slammed open.
Buck blinks once, but his vision does not clear completely. A figure rushes for the kitchen where the smoke is thickest and the other falls to the ground in front of Buck with a bag.
“Hey there, I’m firefighter Diaz,” the man introduces himself as he checks over Buck and does his job, “I’m going to help you, okay?”
Buck thinks he may nod, but he is too focused on the man’s face to remember.
He’s gorgeous, is all Buck can think about, even with Buck’s distorted vision.
“-ame?” hands clap in front of his face, making him blink, leaning back. Diaz moves closer in concern, “can you hear me? What’s your name sir?”
“‘M Buck,” he groans before falling into a loud coughing fit, curling in on himself as he holds his chest. Diaz does something to his mask in his hand and Buck has no energy to fight off his help. “Sorry.”
Buck can see the man's face twist like he's fighting laughter before he turns serious.
He's so pretty.
“Alright, Buck. I’m going to put this mask on your face, okay? It’s going to give you oxygen and help you breathe better, especially after that coughing fit.”
Fresh air suddenly fills his lungs, startling Buck from his disorientated state. His eyes scan the room before settling back on Diaz, raking over his features.
Diaz continues to check Buck over before turning his attention back to Bucks’ face. “Alright, you've got some nasty smoke inhalation, so I’m going to help you get downstairs so we can get you some more help.”
Buck shakes his head, trying to lift the mask off, “no, no. I’m fine, I’m feeling much better thank you. You’ve helped me plenty, brown eyes.”
Diaz huffs a laugh, raising his brow before he shakes his head in refusal “sorry, Buck, no can do. You still need to get a proper check up and we need to get you out of this apartment asap.”
Buck tries not to pout, but he doesn't think he succeeds.
The other firefighter comes back in, immediately filling Diaz in on the situation.
“What did you find, Chimney?” Diaz asks.
“Looks like a normal cooking incident, pot charred and contents caught on fire. Not a lot of damage to the surrounding area, but clear signs that he was able to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher,” he explains. “Forgot to turn off the stove, but hey, an attempt was made,” the new man, Chimney apparently, jokes.
There has to be a story behind that name.
They both look at him, and Buck sheepishly ducks his head. “Whoops?”
Diaz sighs, before continuing to help him stand. “While it worked this time, next time we'd prefer that you only try to extinguish the problem if it does not cause risk or harm to yourself. If you had caught it in the beginning stages, yes a fire extinguisher helps the situation, but you left it too late and the smoke had already filled the room, making it a hazard to your safety to stay and try and be a hero.”
“Sorry,” Buck murmurs like a scolded child and allows himself to be led downstairs, leaning heavily on Diaz for support. “It was an accident. I got distracted and forgot I was cooking. I won’t do it again, promise.”
Diaz smiles gently, his hand squeezing Buck’s waist. “No harm this time, to you or your neighbours. Just be more mindful and aware of your surroundings in the future, Buck.”
Buck nods rapidly, swaying dangerously in Diaz’s grip when it makes him dizzy and lightheaded. He coughs again, at the tightness in his chest, trying to expel the feeling.
“Woah, woah, woah. Lets not do that again, you’re still injured and in need of medical attention. Let's not make it worse,” he teases, but he holds Buck tighter despite his teasing words.
“Right, sorry man.”
They make it outside, Buck’s neighbours still standing around in different arrays of undress and chatting in small groups, clearly trying to figure out who caused the alarm to go off.
Buck ducks his head to hide in Diaz’s chest, embarrassment filling him at the result of his stupid mistake.
Diaz laughs at him but he doesn't make Buck move away, helping hide him. Buck’s stomach swoops at the sound, wanting to hear it again and again.
Buck is placed in the ambulance, paramedics immediately getting to work and Diaz exits the ambulance, pausing and turning to face Buck.
“Stay out of trouble, Buck, I would hate to see a pretty face like yours in trouble again,” he says, his eyes twinkling in amusement before he leaves without giving Buck a chance to respond.
Buck stares after him until the door closes and he is whisked off to the hospital, sighing sadly at his missed opportunity, knowing he has never seen a man so pretty before in his life.
Despite Diaz’s playful warning, Buck can’t help but hope to see the man again, even for a minute. Not that Buck wants anyone to be hurt or in danger, he’s not that selfish, but if a funny little incident were to occur or he finds a cat stuck in a tree, he won’t be too mad at the chance.
Maybe next time, because it’s Buck; of course there will be a next time, he will get lucky.
Maybe.
Hopefully.
It’s been two weeks since Buck’s mishap, and he has been cautious and paranoid every time he uses the hotel kitchen, refusing to leave anything unattended for a second.
He has been staying in a hotel for the time being while his place is fixed and cleared for safety. His apartment will be ready for him to go back to in two days.
He would love to say he has forgotten about firefighter Diaz and moved on with his life but that would be a lie.
Buck’s head has been torturing him with images and flashes of their meeting. He wants to see him again even though he barely knows the man.
It’s not a constant thing, Buck can easily go hours without thinking of him. But it happens enough that Buck wants to let it go, knowing he won't ever be lucky enough to see him again.
That's why he is currently in the hotel elevator, dressed in pants that hug his hips and ass and a tight button-up that defines his muscles. He left a few buttons open and spent an hour on his hair before he was satisfied enough to leave.
He has plans to head out to a bar, drink a few beers and maybe find someone to spend the night with. Buck has toned down his one night stands dramatically over the years, but a man has needs and Buck needs to get laid.
The elevator comes to an abrupt halt, a loud screeching noise filling the air.
It shakes, and Buck has to hold onto the railing so he doesn't fall on his ass.
"It's okay, you've got this, Buck," he tells himself. "No need to panic."
Buck sucks in a nervous breath, reaching over to press the buttons on the panel to try and get it moving; not wanting to move and risk the elevator falling.
Nothing works.
Buck groans in annoyance, pouting.
“This is just my luck,” he grumbles. “Of course this would happen to me tonight. It’s like the world is set on me not getting the man or the action.”
Buck scans the wall, finds the emergency phone and hits the call button, praying for a response.
A crackling sound happens and Buck waits with bated breath.
“Hi there, this is Mindy from reception,” a chirpy voice sounds in the small space. “What seems to be the problem?”
“Umm, hi. I’m currently in elevator three and it seems to have broken down, is there a way to get it working again?” Buck responds.
“Oh no,” she cries worriedly and Buck can imagine her clutching her chest dramatically, “hmm, let me see what I can do for you, sir.”
Buck thinks he can hear her clinking away on her computer as he waits, tapping his fingers anxiously on his thigh.
Buck’s not claustrophobic, but most people would feel nervous about being stuck mid-air in a machine that could drop you to your death at any time.
“Okay,” she says. “It looks like there was a problem with the wiring, and something sparked causing the lift to do an emergency stop.”
“Alright, thank you,” Buck nods to himself, ”so how do I get out of here?”
“Oh,” she pauses as if she hadn't thought that far ahead.
“Unfortunately there is nothing we can do to fix it anytime soon as it's late,” Buck’s heart drops. “But, I have called the fire station to come and help you out in the meantime.”
There’s that at least.
Buck doesn’t know what he would have done if he was made to stay there all night. He has a habit of getting inside his head and working himself up, and this would have made him full-blown panic.
“Thank you for your help.”
“No problem, sir. You hang tight and stay right there,” she giggles at her own joke.
“Yes, because there’s nowhere else I could go,” he deadpans.
Buck presses the button again before she can respond or apologise, hoping it will end the call for him.
Now all he has to do is wait.
* * * * * * * *
“LAFD, don’t worry we’re going to get you out of there, sir,” a woman’s voice calls suddenly and Buck startles from where he had been playing candy crush on his phone.
He has been in the elevator for an hour and fifteen minutes now and all he wants to do is get out. He doesn't even want to go to the bar anymore, all energy and need drained out of him.
“Thank you,” he shouts in embarrassment. “Sorry for the trouble.”
“That’s what we’re here for, sir,” someone tells him. "It's hardly your fault the elevator broke down with you inside."
He can hear murmured voices talking strategy before he can feel the lift move slightly, the doors being pried open slightly to let a rush of fresh air in. He can see a man, older than firefighter Diaz, with a badge on his shirt that Buck thinks means he’s the captain.
The captain meets his eyes, his hands working with the machine to open the door more inch by inch.
“Hi, kid, I’m Captain Bobby Nash of the 118,” he introduces himself, “just give us a minute to pry this door open and you’ll be free soon. Paramedic Henrietta Wilson will be waiting out here in case of any injury occurrence. We will do our best to do this smoothly without any injury or added danger, just try to stay back while we work.”
Buck nods, staying with his back against the wall. The old Buck would have tried to help and risked himself for no reason, but the new Buck is trying to take more care of himself.
Ha.
Bobby is speaking to him as he works, telling him what he is doing and how it is looking out there. It helps to calm Buck's nerves, knowing he is in good hands.
"You doing okay in there, kid?" Bobby asks. "We're almost done out here."
Buck nods, then answers verbally just in case. "I'm fine. I wasn't injured and it hasn't been too long, just hoping to be out of here before I, y'know, fall to my death."
Bobby laughs, "sounds fair, kid. I don't think anyone in their right mind would be happy about being trapped. Or at the possibility of falling to their death."
The doors finally open after an hour and a half of Buck being trapped. A hand that does not belong to Bobby is reaching in for Buck to grab. He does so blindly, allowing himself to be pulled knowing that he needs to be quick in his exit.
Buck stumbles out, smiling gratefully and looking to see who had rescued him.
Firefighter Diaz is standing before him, his hand still gripping Buck’s tightly in his own.
Of course it was him, who else would be there to see his embarrassing situation other than the hot guy he likes?
“Buck,” he greets, smiling wider. "Fancy seeing you again."
Diaz remembering his name, knowing that he was memorable, makes Buck flush.
Buck gulps roughly, nodding back. “Firefighter Diaz. Thank you for rescuing me again.”
“It’s Eddie,” he blurts, blinking roughly at his own abruptness but Buck just laughs. "My name, I mean. Diaz is still my last name."
Eddie, Buck admires, nice name, it suits him.
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie.
At least he finally has a proper name to put to his fantasies.
Eddie Diaz, Buck wouldn’t be mad to have the name Evan Diaz.
Or maybe it would be Eddie Buckley.
Eddie and Evan Buckley-Diaz.
Eddie and Evan Diaz-Buckley.
All sound like good options for their future.
“Okay then, thank you, Eddie. And your team of course,” Buck says, tacking on the end bit at the last second.
Eddie bites his lip, his confidence coming back strong. “I thought I told you to stay out of trouble?”
Buck pouts, “hey!” he protests, “it wasn’t my fault this time. I had no control over the lift breaking down and forcing me to become stuck in there.”
Eddie laughs, squeezing Buck’s hand reassuringly. “I know, I’m just teasing.”
Eddie pauses, before he eyes Buck pointedly, “you sure you didn’t plan this so you could see me again?
You're all dressed up, looking far too pretty to be going to bed this early.”
Buck can feel his face burning, and he has to fight the urge to flee at the blatant display of attraction and flirting. Buck has always been confident when it comes to women, but men have always made him nervous and giddy inside, making him shy and unable to put on his best moves.
“While it is nice to see you, I can promise you I did not compromise the elevator or my life and safety so you could rescue me. And no, I wasn't heading to bed, I had plans to go out to a bar and have a few drinks. Not that that's happening anymore, I'm too worn out to try and chat people up.”
“Shame,” Eddie murmurs quietly before smirking, "too bad about that then. Guess it's not my lucky day, after all. Although you staying home from wasted, touchy people may be."
Buck swallows, his eyes widening at the intent behind Eddie's words.
Did he mean that it was a shame Buck was too tired to flirt with him or because he hadn't planned this just to see him again? Buck questions himself. And was he jealous of Buck trying to hook up with other people? His voice had been a bit rough when he had heard Buck's plans and he seemed strangely pleased that Buck had decided to stay in.
Captain Nash comes over and interrupts their conversation before Buck can respond, causing Eddie to abruptly drop his hand and step back as if burnt.
“How are you doing, sir?” Bobby questions kindly.
Buck tries to smile, but his stomach is twisting from Eddie’s abrupt dismissal and the confusing conversation they had just had. “I’m good, no harm done. Thank you for helping me out of there.”
Bobby nods, “no problem, mister…?”
“Oh, right,” Buck says sheepishly. “Evan Buckley, sir.”
“No problem, mister Buckley. If you don’t need anything else, we will leave you to it now,” Bobby states, waiting for Buck's all good before turning and giving Eddie a look.
"Don't be too long, Eddie," he says. "We will be in the truck."
Eddie sighs but nods, not otherwise acknowledging Bobby as he leaves them alone again.
“I have to get back to work,” he explains, looking put out at the words.
“Try to stay out of trouble for real,” he instructs sternly, but there's a hint of something else there too.
Buck nods absently in agreement, despite knowing it’s impossible for him to stay out of trouble.
“Goodbye, Buck.”
“Bye, Eddie,” Buck says forlornly as Eddie leaves the building with his team, with no way for Buck to contact him or see him again.
At least he said goodbye this time.
“911 what’s your emergency?”
“Yeah um, I don’t really know what service to call for but there's this guy in the park and he’s being chased by a wild turkey or something? You’d better send someone quick, the bird looks pretty mad at the guy.”
Buck laughs a bit too hysterically at the call for help, but he doesn’t stop running. He knows he’s being watched and probably filmed right now, he can see the bystanders gathering and parents holding their children behind them.
He can’t say exactly how he ended up in this situation, or where the turkey came from, but he’s too busy running to care.
It doesn’t take long before the fire truck comes, and Buck would huff about this not being considered enough for the light and sirens but he’s too busy tripping over a stick when he sees Eddie climb out of the truck.
Luckily he is able to catch himself before he stacks it, knowing he would have been bird food if he had landed in the turkey's range.
He can hear the laughter, pouting a bit at Eddie finding him in a life-threatening situation funny.
“This is a first, Buckley,” Eddie shouts. “Of course this would be you.”
“What’d you do to piss off the bird, Buck?” Chimney calls, clutching his stomach.
Buck risks a glance back at Eddie and widens his eyes dramatically at the sight of Eddie with a massive gun. Buck jumps onto a park table, hoping there will be safety on higher ground.
“Please don’t kill the bird,” he calls desperately. “He’s just a bit angry, he doesn’t deserve to die for me!”
Eddie sends him an exasperated look and pulls the trigger anyway, releasing a net that comes down and encloses around the turkey. “We’re not going to kill the bird, Buck.”
Buck slumps in relief, falling to his knees on the table.
He pants heavily, heaving for breaths after non-stop running.
Chimney helps the animal rescue people get the turkey to safety while Eddie comes over to check on Buck.
“What happened, Buck?” Eddie shakes his head, looking amused.
Buck pouts, “I don’t know, I was just running in the park like I usually do when I heard a scream. I turned to help, and then suddenly there was this massive bird in front of me, inching closer like it was its dinner."
Eddie hums placatingly, “sure, Buck.”
“It’s true,” Buck defends, affronted. “Why would I lie?”
“Maybe you did something to piss off the turkey? Or maybe-” Eddie leans closer to whisper in his ear making Buck freeze, his breath hitching in anticipation. “Maybe you released the turkey in an act of heroics, trying to be a good person and free a caged animal?”
Eddie pulls away, smirking.
The accusation makes Buck gasp, “what? No way, this isn’t my fault. I mean yeah I don't like how animals are captured and exploited for money and I only ever buy free-range eggs because the thought of a chicken being held in a tiny cage for its entire life is horrible, but I would never do that.”
Eddie laughs suddenly, leaning against Buck as he shakes. “I’m kidding, Buck. I know you didn’t do this, I’m just playing with you.”
“Oh.”
Buck bites his lip before a small laugh escapes him. Then he’s laughing with Eddie, feeling a bit embarrassed but able to find the humour in the situation.
When they finally calm down, Chimney walks over looking amused.
“Hey, Buck. Should’ve known this would be you with how often we’ve had to come out and rescue you recently,” he teases, but Buck knows it’s not malicious.
Buck rolls his eyes playfully with a shrug. “Just trying to make your job a bit more interesting.”
“Okay, well animal control is taking the bird, so if everything’s all good we should head back to the station,” Chimney says to Eddie.
Eddie nods, turning to face Buck. “You’re all good, no bird injuries we don’t know about?”
“No,” Buck sighs. “The bird didn’t touch me, just a bit exhausted and thirsty. At least this was my workout done for the day.”
Eddie nods in understanding, gesturing for Buck to follow him back to the truck.
He pulls out a water bottle, handing it over with a smile. Buck takes it gratefully, skulling the whole thing in one go, a small trickle escaping the side of his mouth and rolling down the curve of his neck.
When he pulls back, Eddie is watching him, his eyes hooded.
Eddie clears his throat awkwardly, before doing a quick routine check just to make sure.
“As you said, you're all good, Buck. Try to take it easy and get some rest.”
“Bye, Buck,” Chimney calls with a laugh, “try to stay away from birds from now on.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Buck agrees. “Thank you for this, even if it was a stupid call.”
Eddie nods easily, “better safe than sorry. Take care, Buck, or at least try to.”
“Bye, Eddie.”
Then they get in the truck, taking off as Buck heads to his own jeep, deciding to cut his run short.
He’d run enough for one day.
“- for coming. He’s right there, he's completely stuck, man. I didn’t know how else to get him down,” the man is explaining, guiding the help in Buck’s direction.
Buck looks down with a sigh, waving sheepishly. “Hi?”
Bobby steps closer, eyes assessing the situation. “Hello again, Buck. What happened this time?”
It’s surprising to Buck that he remembers him. He hadn’t thought his calls were that memorable compared to the hundreds of crazy or bad calls they would have received and responded to.
Maybe Eddie talks about him?
“Well, it really wasn’t my fault this time-” Buck tries, and Bobby looks up with a raised eyebrow. “No really, I was trying to expand on my hobbies and my sister suggested rock climbing because I used to do lots of bungee jumping and skydiving and she thought this would be the safer option to get an adrenaline rush.”
Bobby nods, “uh-huh.”
“So here I was, completely fine and climbing up the wall with my harness when suddenly the rope got stuck and repelled me backwards. I don’t really know how I got so twisted up,” Buck says thoughtfully, “but my legs are tangled in the rope somehow.”
The manager nods, looking anxious at the thought of trouble. “He should have just drifted slowly to the floor after letting go, there isn’t a reason he should be this tangled up.”
“Okay,” Bobby sighs. “We’re going to get you down from there, Buck. First I want to know if you're in any pain or if you have any known injuries?”
“Umm,” Buck squints in thought. “I'm a bit lightheaded from being upside down, and I know I'll be dizzy when I get down. My legs are a bit tingly and numb from being stuck, I think they’re just losing circulation and going to sleep though. I did hit my hip when I was repealed but it’s just a bit sore, doesn't feel serious.”
Bobby nods before turning back to where Hen and Chimney are setting up equipment. “Okay, Hen and Chim, you're going to be on triage, checking on Buck’s injuries and numbness when we get him down. I’ll be spotting and making sure the rope or harness doesn't snap,” he stops and shouts out.
“Eddie, get in here with the ladder.”
“Coming, Cap,” Eddie shouts back.
Damn, Buck thought he was lucky and Eddie wouldn’t have to see him in this compromising position.
But, Buck reminds himself approvingly, on the other hand, this means he gets to see Eddie again.
“I will be helping Eddie make sure Buck doesn’t fall,” Bobby finishes his instructions.
Eddie walks in, carrying the ladder easily. Buck watches his muscles bulging through his top, biting his lip at the attractive display of strength.
Eddie sets the ladder up before stepping back and turning to face his Captain for instruction.
“Okay, Eddie, you're going to climb up there and assess if we can get him down safely or if we need to cut him down completely. Buck is showing signs of circulation issues and we want to get him down as fast as possible,” Bobby relays.
Eddie sighs at the name, turning to face Buck with a pointed look. “Really, Buck?”
Buck just smiles sheepishly, closing his eyes at the rush of dizziness. “Sorry, Eddie. Just thought I'd hang around for a bit, take in the scenery.”
Eddie climbs up with a huff at Buck's joke, and the first thing he does is check Buck’s vitals, calling back the results. Then he plays around with the rope, checking its ability to move. “He’s pretty stuck in there, Cap. I think we’re going to have to cut him out.”
“Do we really need to cut it?” the manager asks worriedly. “Can’t you just get him down?”
Everyone turns to face him, giving him a clear side-eye. “No,” Eddie says slowly as if he’s stupid. “I just said he’s stuck. The harness has broken and made it so it can’t be lowered normally. So unless you want even more trouble with the health and safety department I'd suggest you let us do our job.”
The guy nods frantically, looking white at the thought of his business being in trouble.
Bobby gets to work setting everything up but Eddie stays up there with Buck, asking him questions and assessing his current state. Buck tells him what he can, but the situation is making it hard for him to think straight.
“I don’t feel so good, Eddie,” he confesses sheepishly.
“That would be because you've been upside down for so long,” he explains, but he looks concerned about Buck anyway. “We’ll get you out in a second. Then we can check you out and see how you're doing.”
“You can check me out any day,” Buck responds immediately, making Eddie laugh.
“I may just take you up on that,” he murmurs suggestively before Bobby is up by them and they begin to get Buck loose, being careful to not let Buck drop to the floor as they cut him free.
The next few minutes are a blur but then Buck is being lowered to the floor, the harness and rope gone. Bobby and Eddie catch him as he sways, gently lowering him to the floor.
As soon as Buck is upright and the blood begins to rush to the rest of his body again, everything tingles painfully from pins and needles and his stomach twists.
Eddie is next to him, holding him up when Buck suddenly realises what’s about to happen to him, making him internally want to cry.
He bends over, making sure it’s the opposite side of Eddie, and vomits.
Buck gags, his stomach heaving. Eddie doesn't seem to care, running a soothing hand up Buck’s back and helping keep him upright. “You’re alright. Let it out, Buck.”
Buck groans, feeling embarrassed. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologise, I can’t imagine anyone would be okay after hanging upside down,” Eddie responds, truly sounding like it’s normal.
Hen comes over and immediately works on his legs and hip while Chimney checks out his head and damage from being upside down, both acting professional and keeping clear of the vomit. Eddie stays by his side, checking his vitals while Bobby speaks with the manager, looking annoyed by his stupidity.
“Doesn't look like you will have any permanent damage from lack of circulation,” Hen explains. “You may feel a bit numb and tingly, but the rope only left some minor burns. If your legs turn blue or you suddenly can’t feel them at all, go straight to emergency. Your hip seems fine, but it’s already leaving a nasty bruise and I’d suggest putting ice on it at home.”
“You're going to feel dizzy and light-headed for a bit, but it should go away soon. Try to get lots of rest and don’t stand up too quickly or you may fall over or blackout. If you do keep blacking out or if you end up with a severe migraine, make sure you get checked out,” Chimney takes over. “There shouldn't be any brain damage and your vitals are stable.”
“So I'm fine?” Buck questions, feeling overwhelmed.
“Relatively,” Hen agrees. “You shouldn’t drive home and I would prefer you stay sitting until the dizziness and nausea is completely gone but I don't think you need any medical attention. Do you have someone who can pick you up or do you need us to ring you an Uber?”
“My sister Maddie will,” Buck informs them, feeling better now that he knows he won’t have another hospital trip in his future. Maddie would probably kill him.
Hen and Chimney pack up, leaving Buck with Eddie. “You feel any better, Buck?”
“Now that I'm on the floor, yeah,” Buck laughs, allowing Eddie to sit him up.
“Okay, before we head out I'm going to help you walk to a chair so you can wait for your ride. This will also give us a look at how you're walking and see if you can stand.”
Buck leans heavily on Eddie as he rises, wobbling a bit before he regains his balance. They take a few steps and Buck sighs in relief when he has no trouble walking.
“Thank you for getting me down,” Buck says.
“No problem, Buck.”
“Eddie, come give me a hand with these ladders so we can get out of here. We have another call waiting,” Bobby calls.
Eddie sighs before calling back, “yes, Cap.”
“Bye, Buck,” Eddie nods, “maybe try to find some less dangerous hobbies, okay?”
Buck frowns childishly but nods, “I’ll try, but danger has a way of finding me. Bye again, Eddie.”
They move and Buck unconsciously watches the way Eddie’s ass sways enticingly and his back muscles ripple from the strain of the ladder. Eddie turns back once, catching Buck staring and winks with a smirk before exiting.
Buck flushes red, but can’t bring himself to regret it.
Once they're gone Buck calls Maddie’s number, mentally preparing himself for her response, knowing she won't be happy he got injured again when this was supposed to be the safer option.
“Hey, Maddie. Now don’t be mad but-”
5.
Buck is currently at an old friend’s apartment, one he had met while doing different construction work. He had been asked to stop by and water their plants while they were away on vacation and Buck had been too nice to say no despite his hectic schedule.
Buck takes off his jacket abruptly, fanning his face to cool down at the intense heat he suddenly feels. The heat had come out of nowhere, but now Buck feels the sweat dripping off his head and soaking through his clothes.
“Why is it so hot?” he asks himself, scanning the room. He bends down, touching the floor before he rips his hand back abruptly at the feel of the boiling tiles.
It makes sense suddenly as the fire alarm rips through the air. Buck looks up, letting the cool water wash over him before he straightens up and heads for the front door, knowing he needs to get out of the building.
Buck opens the door, no flames in sight, and he can see doors flying open as people rush to get out of the building. Buck rushes forward, helping people where he can and making sure everyone he sees gets out.
He helps an elderly lady down the stairs and makes sure someone is guiding the very pregnant lady before they escape the burning building, inhaling the fresh air in desperate gulps.
Buck glances around at the large crowd forming, glad to see so many people have made it out unharmed.
People seem to be doing a headcount, checking on their neighbours and asking questions about people unaccounted for.
The fire brigade hasn't arrived yet, but Buck can hear the distant sirens.
“Help!” a desperate voice screams suddenly, causing Buck to whip around.
“Please, you have to help me! My- my baby is in there. Please, I can't- I can't. Not without- please somebody help my baby, she's all I have left,” the woman sobs brokenly, trying to fight off the hands that are pulling away from the building.
Buck feels his heart stop, watching as the broken mother cries, collapsing to the ground as heart-wrenching sobs escape her. People gather around her, looking sad and sorry, but no one tries to help.
Buck rushes over, falling down in front of her, gaining her attention. “What happened? Where is your baby?”
She reaches out desperately, gripping Buck's shirt, “she’s inside on the fourth floor. I tried to save her, but I couldn't find her. Please you have to save her, she’s only three. Oh god, she must be so, so scared.”
“What’s your daughter's name?” Buck asks hurriedly.
“Maisie,” she sobs, “oh, my precious Maisie. We're in apartment 59, please help her.”
Buck swallows roughly, looking up at the building. Smoke is billowing out of the windows, angry flames nipping at the edges.
Without responding Buck stands and runs away from the crowd, towards the disaster. He can’t remember ever running faster as he crashes through the front door.
Buck holds his arm over his face to avoid breathing in smoke, taking four steps at a time as he makes his way to the fourth floor.
Buck had started on the fourth floor, where his friend’s apartment was located, and if the heat was any tell, then the fire originated on the third floor.
Buck slams into apartment 59’s door, his shoulder breaking through and forcing the door to open.
“Maisie?” he shouts.
“Maisie, I’m here to help you. Your mommy sent me,” he tries again.
Nothing.
Flames are in the apartment already, and Buck has to dodge a piece of burning wood as he steps in. Smoke is thick in the air, making it hard for Buck to see or breathe clearly.
“Maisie, please. Are you in here?”
There is a slight crash and what sounds like a scared whimper, forcing Buck to head in the direction of the noise.
Buck opens the door, ignoring the burning pain of the door handle. At first glance, Buck can’t see anyone, but then he notices a small foot poking out from under the bed.
Buck sighs in relief, bending down and poking his head under the bed as a small, trembling frame comes into view.
“Hey, Maisie,” Buck says softly, “my name is Bucky. Your mommy’s pretty worried about you right now, and she asked me to help you find her. Do you think you could come out so we can go to mommy?”
Her hesitance is clear, but her eyes suddenly look into his eyes despite the darkness, “mommy?”
“That’s right, Maisie. Mommy’s outside waiting for you, can you come with me so we can make mommy feel better?” Buck questions.
She crawls backwards, her body sliding out until she is kneeling before Buck. Buck is glad to see that she has no obvious injuries and she doesn’t appear to be in pain.
She sobs once before she throws herself forward into Buck’s chest. She cries loudly, her body wracked with terrified cries as Buck holds her close.
He can feel the heat radiating off her and he knows he needs to get her help before she becomes severely dehydrated and her lungs fill with smoke.
He stands, wrapping his jacket around her and holding her head into his chest to avoid further smoke inhalation and burns. “I know you’re scared, but you are being so brave, Maisie. Mommy will be so happy to see you, I promise I will get you out of here, just a little bit longer.”
Buck walks out of the room, inhaling sharply when he notices that the room is now filled with flames, the path to the door blocked.
Trying to find another exit strategy, Buck has the sense to check the windows. He finds one unlocked, but the drop is high enough to kill and there is no ladder or pipe to climb down while holding Maisie.
Now that he is at the window, he can see that the fire truck has arrived, firemen surrounding the area with hoses and thick suits to fight the fire, as paramedics check over patients.
Buck waves his free hand, shouting desperately for anyone to hear him. “Help! Up here, please help!”
Heads spin, trying to find the call. “Help, we’re stuck on the fourth floor and our exit is blocked with fire, we need help getting out! We’re up here!”
People begin to notice them, pointing and shouting in their direction as the firemen get to work calling out orders and setting up the rescue ladder. The people who saw Buck rush in the building to save Maisie cheer and clap loud enough that Buck can hear.
Buck can see two figures climbing the ladder and then Eddie is in front of him, his face covered in protective gear, but Buck would recognise him anywhere.
“Buck?” he shouts frantically, his frame freezing in worry. “What are you doing here?”
“Please, you have to help her. She’s dehydrated and she needs medical attention,” Buck says, ignoring Eddie’s questions.
Eddie takes notice of the small child in his arms, his attention focused on the job once more.
Eddie takes her and Buck reluctantly lets the girl go, feeling lost when she cries and reaches for him desperately, not wanting to let go of what she preserves as safe.
"Bucky."
“You’re alright, Maisie,” Buck promises, squeezing her hand tightly in reassurance. “The nice firemen are going to help you feel better and find your mommy.”
“Chim, we’ve got a small female child, around three, with what appears to be smoke inhalation and severe dehydration. No signs of burn injuries and the child appears alert and aware, but scared,” Eddie delays before passing her over to Chimney who immediately makes his way down the ladder to get her help. "Copy that, Eddie."
With Maisie safe, Eddie returns his attention to Buck, looking worried as he asks questions. “What happened, Buck? Are you alright? Any injuries? Any pain?”
Buck rolls his eyes in good nature, feeling far too happy to have Eddie's attention and protectiveness on him. “I'm alright, Eddie. Maybe a bit dehydrated but the fire didn’t touch me. No physical injuries.”
Eddie nods, hands reaching out to grip Buck’s so he can pull him out of the window onto the ladder crane next to him.
Before Buck can make contact, the ground shakes and trembles, creaking dangerously. Buck catches Eddie’s eyes, his own wide with terror as Eddie begins to dive forward.
“Buck!” he shouts desperately, his voice echoing loudly and his fear clear for everyone to hear.
It’s too late, Eddie’s hand narrowly missing Buck’s as the floor falls through, Buck falling back towards the ground with his arm outstretched for Eddie, landing heavily on the broken shards of wood and tile. He groans in pain, gasping sharply as more on the floor above falls on top of him.
“Buck!” Eddie shouts again, but the smoke, burning flames and dust makes it hard to see below or above, meaning neither man can see the other.
Eddie scrambles over the window’s ledge, ignoring the shouts from below and Bobby’s demands to stop over the radio com.
“I’m coming, Buck. You’re going to be alright.”
Buck wants to believe Eddie, he really does, but things aren’t looking so great at the moment. His entire body hurts, his legs are currently trapped under rubble, he’s dehydrated, is having trouble breathing and he can feel the burning flames licking at his skin, leaving burns and blisters.
“Eddie?” he croaks out, falling into a hacking coughing fit, his entire body heaving.
Once he starts, it feels like he can’t stop.
“I’m coming, Buck. I promise,” Eddie calls again, carefully lowering himself down to the floor below, being careful to not further break the floor and collapse the building on top of Buck.
As soon as Eddie comes into view, Buck can’t help but relax, knowing Eddie will keep him safe.
“Eddie,” he tries to say, his voice hoarse and broken.
Eddie is quick to take off his own oxygen mask, placing it over Buck’s face. The blast of fresh air feels like a miracle, nothing has ever felt better.
“Eddie, no,” he protests, weakly trying to remove the mask, “you need it.”
Eddie laughs harshly, sounding a bit hysterical as he surveys their surroundings for a way out. “Buck, I’m not the one suffering severe health problems right now, trust me when I say you need it more than me.”
Eddie begins to check Buck over, taking note of his injuries and how the rubble is trapping him. “I’m going to try and free you, okay? It may hurt and I’m sorry if I cause you any pain, but I need to get you safe, Buck.”
Buck nods, not really comprehending the words, his head feeling clouded and hazy. He blinks and suddenly his legs are free and Eddie is hovering over him, trying to get his attention. It’s clear he has been trying for a while if the concerned look is anything to go by, but Buck can’t bring himself to react.
“We need to get out of here, the structure is unstable and the building is still on fire,” Eddie explains, gently helping Buck sit up and lean his weight on him.
Buck stands with great difficulty, knowing he would have collapsed without Eddie’s support. His vision goes dark and he sways, his head spinning.
Eddie’s grip tightens and helps Buck walk towards the door, doing his best to avoid the flickering flames.
Eddie’s suit is designed to protect him, but Buck's civilian clothes don’t do much to protect him, leaving more burn on his skin.
They manage to make it into the hallway at the stairs before Buck’s body gives in and collapses in on itself.
Eddie swoops forward, catching him and lifting him up bridal style before he begins to carry him down the flights of stairs.
Buck isn’t exactly light, he has worked hard to gain his muscles, but Eddie isn’t struggling as much as he would be if he weren’t a firefighter.
“You’re so strong,” Buck mutters deliriously, patting Eddie’s cheek.
Eddie half smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “That’s what years in the army and firefighting business will do for you.”
“Mmhhm,” Buck sighs happily, his eyes fluttering shut, “love me a strong man. So pretty.”
Eddie looks down, noticing Buck’s eyes shut. “Cariño, I need you to keep your eyes open for me, okay?”
Buck hums, his eyes opening briefly before shutting again, and slurs out, “jus’ bit tired, Ed’s. Wake up soon, ‘kay?”
“No, no, no,” Eddie calls desperately. “Buck stay awake, do not go to sleep, do you hear me?”
“Buck?” But Buck can’t find the strength to respond to Eddie's frantic calls of fear and worry, not when sleep feels so good. “Buck wake up!”
“Evan, please,” he begs, his feet going as fast as he possibly can down the stairs.
Buck twitches at the sound of his proper name, burrowing in closer to Eddie, “I be ‘kay.”
Then there is nothing, not more sounds of Eddie’s cries or the burning heat of the fire. Just the quiet, peacefulness of sleep.
* * * * * * * *
Buck wakes to the sound of steady beeping, the tug of an I.V. in his arm and the horrible feeling of something shoved down his nose.
“Buck? Are you waking up?”
Buck groans, opening his eyes before shutting them immediately at the blinding light.
“Shit, sorry,” they say before a chair scrapes backwards and the lights are turned off.
Buck tries again, this time able to keep his eyes open longer despite the burning, stinging feeling.
He looks around blearily, his vision still blurry and his body heavy with the good drugs in his system.
“Eddie?” he calls in confusion, his voice hoarse.
“Hey, Buck,” Eddie laughs roughly, sounding relieved. “Glad to see you awake and talking again. You gave us a big fright there when you became unresponsive.”
Buck blinks in confusion before it all comes rushing back to him. The fire, running back inside to rescue Maisie, the floor collapsing. Eddie must’ve come with him, because he is still in his full uniform, face covered in smoke and his helmet is on the floor next to him.
“Maisie?” he asks desperately, “is she okay?”
“Of course that would be your first concern, Buck,” Eddie huffs, but he sounds fond. “Maisie has a clear medical bill of health. Other than some dehydration and trauma, she is perfectly healthy and safe with her mom, all thanks to you, Buck. You saved her.”
Buck ducks his head sheepishly, “I didn’t do much you wouldn’t have, you guys are the ones who got her out of the building and to her mom, not me.”
“No, Buck,” Eddie disagrees. “You saved her. The floor was crumbling, hence your state, and by the time we would have gotten up to her the floor would have collapsed. We probably wouldn’t have been able to reach her in time if you hadn’t risked your life to save her. Everyone cheered and wanted to know your name so they could thank you. You're Maisie and her mom's hero, they have been trying to thank you ever since she got out. Maisie has been crying out for you.”
“Not,” Eddie empathises the word, “that I am happy you ran back into a burning building and risked your life, Buck. That was stupid and so unsafe, you could have died. You almost did die."
“But everyone made it out okay in the end,” Buck responds, not caring for his own safety if it meant that Maisie and her mother were safe and together again. “So it doesn’t matter.”
“I know I’ve said it before, but it was mostly a joke,” Eddie begins, sounding tired, “but please try to stay out of trouble, Buck. I don’t want you to be hurt again, I don't want to have to pull you out of a collapsing building unless I absolutely have to. Don’t take unnecessary risks on your life.”
“No promises,” Buck jokes before shrinking back into the hospital bed under Eddie’s intense look. “Fine, I promise I’ll try for you.”
“Your life matters as much as anyone’s,” Eddie insists fiercely, “ you are important too, Evan.”
Buck inhales roughly but nods all the same. “I promise I will try, Eddie. I know we have been joking around, but I don't actually want to die yet. Next time we see each other, I promise I won't be in any danger.”
Eddie rolls his eyes playfully, but he looks relieved. “That’s all I ask.”
“Now,” he sighs, ”I should probably get back, my captain gave me the okay to stay with you, but my shift isn’t over yet. I already know I'm going to get reprimanded for disobeying his orders, but I would do it a thousand times to keep you safe, Evan.”
“Oh,” Buck pouts slightly despite the warm, gooey feeling in his stomach at Eddie's confession. “Thank you for staying with me, it means a lot that you were here when I woke up.”
Eddie smiles, “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
“Bye Buck, I’ll see you somewhere safe,” he demands. “No more danger.”
Buck laughs, “no more danger. Bye Eddie.”
Eddie leaves and then Buck’s room is too busy for him to be able to be sad about his absence. Maddie comes in, hovering and being overprotective and then Maisie and her mother come to visit.
Maisie clings to him, refusing to let go of him. Buck knows how it can be with children, he understands that he is currently someone safe who protected her and now she feels attached.
Her mom cries loudly, her thankfulness loud and clear as she begs for a way to pay him back.
Buck tries to refuse, not wanting anything for saving a child, but she won’t leave until he gives in.
In the end, they come up with a solution that suits them both.
From now on Buck will be Maisie’s paediatrician, that way he can keep an eye on her and ensure she is okay and Maisie can continue to feel safe and secure. If they had parted ways forever now, there was a chance it would have made her fear worse when she was already vulnerable.
They leave eventually, Buck eventually learning Maisie's mother's name is Phillipa. Then Buck’s doctor comes in and gives him an update on his condition, telling him he will be discharged in a few days once his breathing is clear and the blisters have popped.
He has lots of bruising and cuts on his back, second-degree burns, smoke inhalation, dehydration, a severe concussion and a dislocated ankle.
It could have been worse, and Buck won’t complain that that is all of his injuries.
Buck would prefer to be at home or able to work immediately, but if he is going to follow through on his promise then he will need to do as he is told.
For Eddie.
Oh fuck, Buck groans to himself suddenly, sitting up in his bed despite his injuries, what was he going to tell his friend?
The night had started out good, great even. Buck had gone to a western themed bar with some friends, not to get laid, because that had ended up with Buck stuck in the elevator last time, just to let loose and have fun.
He’d only had three drinks, just enough to feel it without being drunk, when Buck had spotted the mechanical bull. He’d felt the rush of adrenaline in his veins and knew he had to do it.
Back at his bar in Peru, there had been one and Buck had been the champion, breaking the record for the longest time staying on as an amateur.
It had started off exactly like he remembered and Buck was able to stay on as the patrons cheered and whistled for him. And then his foot had gotten stuck, jerking him forward and causing his shirt to get caught in the bull’s mechanism.
Somehow it had jammed it in a way that made it so the bull couldn't be manually turned off and with Buck’s foot stuck, it meant he couldn’t even be thrown off without risking breaking his ankle.
His shirt had been torn off, revealing his toned stomach and abs that were glistening with sweat from exertion, making people cheer louder in appreciation.
Someone had called for help, probably a bartender, when they had begun to realise that the Bull wasn’t stopping and that Buck’s foot was stuck. Buck was doing okay so far, able to hold on and let the bull move, but he knew it wouldn’t be long until he became tired and unable to stay on.
There’s a loud wolf whistle suddenly and then Hen is in his view, “looking good, Buckley.”
Buck smirks playfully, tilting his cowboy hat. “Why thank you, ma’am.”
That’s when he notices Eddie next to her, his mouth open slightly and his eyes dark and hooded as he watches Buck’s strong thighs grip the saddle and his abs ripple under the light. The intense look makes Buck squirm, feeling more attractive just from Eddie’s heated look than he was by the entire bar staring.
It makes Buck want to show off, and he does, letting go of the bull to grab the cowboy hat with both hands and using just his thighs to keep himself on, throwing his head back suggestively to show off his throat and chest.
When he looks back, Eddie is still staring, not having moved. Good.
He tosses the hat, smirking when it lands crookedly on Eddie’s head. It suits him perfectly and Buck is already imagining doing dirty things to him while he is wearing just the cowboy hat.
Hen nudges Eddie with a knowing look making him blink and close his mouth, absently wiping his mouth for drool. “Think you can work long enough to help the poor kid get off?”
The innuendo makes them both blush, avoiding eye contact suddenly before Eddie nods.
He glances around, seeming to only just realise the crowd of admirers Buck has drawn with his riding skills. “Okay, show’s over,” he calls loudly, sounding annoyed. “Get back to your night and let us work, no need to stare.”
Some try to protest, looking put out at having to leave. “But he’s so hot,” one girl calls desperately, “can’t I just stay and get his number after?”
Girls and guys nod in agreement but Eddie shuts them down, looking angrily hot. It does something to Buck, knowing that he is able to make Eddie jealous, it means he may even like Buck back.
“No.”
He barks the words sternly, no room for discussion. “Scram.”
“Hey, cowboy,” Eddie drawls with a thick accent, his look of anger dropping as he steps closer and takes a look at the power panel. “How you holding up?”
“Oh you know,” Buck shrugs carelessly. “I’m pretty used to riding things, this hasn’t been too hard.”
“Mmm, I can tell. You look like you’ve had a lot of practice riding,” Eddie responds, seemingly by accident if his wide-eyed look of disbelief is anything to go by. “I mean- I- I can just tell you’ve ridden one of these before. From Texas and all that.”
Buck fights the urge to laugh at Eddie’s stumble, not wanting to scare him off.
“I know what you mean,” he says instead. “I used to do this for work, entertainment at the bar and all that.”
Eddie nods, still working on the power. “Okay, brace yourself and do not let go, I’m about to turn the power off so we can get your foot free.”
Buck grips the saddle with both hands for the first time all night, nodding that he is ready.
The stop is jarring and sudden, no slow down, it just comes to a complete stop.
Buck is thrown forward, his chest colliding with the bull’s head but he manages to keep his tight grip. Eddie steps over the rope barricade with Hen and begins to make sure his ankle is broken or injured in a way that would affect how they remove his leg.
“Nothing seems broken,” Eddie thankfully relays. “I’m going to get your foot out now and then we can get you off this thing.”
Once Buck is back on the floor, the change is level and no movement making him stumble, then they lead him over to a table where Hen begins to check on his foot, deeming him unharmed.
Bobby comes over once he sees Buck is free, and Eddie begins to tell him how it went.
“I can’t believe you got up there, kid,” Bobby says. “With how accident prone you are it’s a surprise you didn’t fall off and break every bone in your body.”
Hen laughs suddenly, looking at Eddie. “Oh trust us, Bobby. Eddie here has already found out all about how good Buck is at riding, no need to worry.”
Eddie closes his eyes as Bobby looks on in amusement, “oh has he?”
Buck hides a smile.
“You may be good at riding things,” Eddie says to Buck, ignoring the pointed jabs, “but that doesn't mean you should be risking your life. Don't try to ride something again, not without proper supervision and guidance.”
“What, you offering?” Buck flirts.
Eddie laughs but doesn’t deny it, making Buck grin.
A win is a win.
“Okay, loverboy,” Bobby says fondly. “Let's head out, Eddie.”
Eddie nods, patting Buck’s knee. “Stay out of trouble, Buck.”
“No promises,” Buck winks cheekily.
For the first time since Buck had started seeing Eddie and his team, Buck is the one to call 911.
No one else is around to help and Buck knows there’s no getting himself out of this situation.
There’s a knock on the door with a call of “LAFD, we received a call to this address?” and Buck has to shout to be heard. “Just come straight in!”
“See, I told you,” Eddie is saying insistently. “This was literally our first time meeting him, of course I know where he lives.”
“I know it is,” Chimney laughs, “I just wanted to hear you try and convince me and prove just how much you remember about him.”
“Over here,” Buck calls so Eddie doesn’t have to respond. “Sorry I couldn't come to the door, I'm a bit stuck.”
They all try not to laugh, even Bobby is struggling when they see what position Buck is in.
“How did you even-?” Eddie cuts himself off looking exasperated.
“What happened today, Buck?” Bobby asks instead.
“So I was trying to install a shelf on my balcony and I was up on the ladder with the nail gun when it got caught and shot me in the foot which then caused me to fall off and the weight and sudden impact made me crash through the floor and now I’m stuck halfway in between,” Buck rambles rapidly, the first responders listening with wide eyes at the story and how fast Buck is speaking.
“Jesus, Buck. Power tools with your luck, really?” Eddie almost scolds making Buck look down sheepishly.
“Other than your foot, are you in any pain?” Hen asks as the boys begin to assess the stability of the floor and how to get Buck out.
“Nothing other than some pinching where the wood is digging into my hips and I banged my elbows in the fall,” Buck relays, still feeling embarrassed.
“Don’t try to move and make it worse,” Chimney says.
“I know, this isn’t my first rodeo,” Buck reminds him.
“Yeah, it’s your, what? Fifth in as many months?” Chimney laughs, giving Buck a put-upon look of disappointment.
“Seventh,” Eddie replies distractedly, not looking at them as he works.
Buck bites his lip to stop from smiling. He knows exactly how many times they’ve seen each other.
Once they confirm the floor isn’t going to collapse further, they are able to get Buck out with some difficulty.
Then they move him to his couch to look at the nail in his foot.
“Okay, well, you don’t need stitches,” Chimney tells him. “A gauze and bandage should be enough but if you're in severe pain then you can go to the doctor and get some pain medication.”
“I fucking hate nail guns,” Buck complains, “I don’t know why I thought it was a good idea to use one. Everyone knows I’m a walking disaster.”
“And yet you probably love getting hammered,” Eddie responds instinctively.
He doesn’t even seem to realise what he said until the room falls silent and stares at him incredulously.
“What?” he asks, looking like a lost puppy.
“Eddie,” Bobby begins tiredly. “You can’t say that to a patient. It’s-”
“Did you seriously just imply Buck’s a kinky bastard that loved getting railed?” Chimney chokes out, his face red with the effort to stop laughing. “Jesus, Eddie.”
Buck knows his face is bright red and he can see Eddie’s doing the same.
Then they lose it, laughing so hard they have to gasp for breath, tears in their eyes.
“C’mon, guys,” Eddie hisses in embarrassment. “Act professionally and help Buck.”
“Uh-huh,” Hen mocks, “because you can talk about being professional right now.”
“Just help him,” Eddie bites out, still avoiding eye contact.
They get back to work, bandaging him up and with a clean wrap and gauze. Eddie lifts his shirt without warning, his warm hand touching his stomach carefully.
“You’re lucky, Buck. No splinters and just a few scratches, nothing too deep that requires medical care,” Eddie explains. “We’ll wrap it anyway to prevent infection and help the wounds close, but try to keep the area clean and heal on its own.”
“Same with the foot,” Chimney says. “It’s not deep or serious like we said, but if it still hasn’t stopped bleeding or it gets an infection, go see a doctor immediately.”
They step back satisfied and Bobby gives him a friendly warning. “You should be all good here, Buck. But I'd suggest not coming up here again, it’s too dangerous. Get someone else out here to fix this, don’t try and do it yourself.”
Buck nods seriously, having no plans to come back up here unless it’s fixed. “Yes, sir.”
“Let's head out, team,” he calls as they finish packaging up.
“You got it, Cap,” Chimney chimes.
Eddie squeezes Buck’s shoulder before lowering his top down, “bye, Buck.”
“Bye, Eddie. Thank you all, you’ve been so helpful recently,” Buck winces. “Sorry for all of the trouble.”
“That’s our job, kid,” Bobby replies, “but do try to stay out of trouble, we’d hate to see you get hurt again.”
Buck smiles crookedly, “on it, Bobby.”
“Bye, kid,” he calls before guiding his team out the door. “Stay safe.”
8.
“Okay, friends,” Buck calls, clapping his hands together to gain the children’s attention. They are gathered in the playroom at the hospital, where they had been spending some time moving around and getting out of their beds.
“We have been lucky enough to get the opportunity to have some firefighters come to join us today. They are going to spend some time with us and explain the importance of fire safety before answering some of your questions. Does that sound fun?”
Some of the children smile, some call out questions while others can barely get up the strength to nod.
Buck is on hour fifteen of his shift, but he would never let the children he cares for see how tired he was. If they can go through the medical conditions and injuries they do, then Buck will always suck it up for them.
They deserve all of his care and attention, no matter how exhausted he is.
There’s a soft knock at the door before Nurse Bently pokes her head in with a soft smile, “the firefighters are ready out here if you are, Buck.”
Buck smiles, turning his attention to the kids first, “who’s ready to have some fun?”
They cheer, perking up as they stare at the door impatiently.
“I think we’re all ready in here,” Buck says, nodding for her to send them in.
When the hospital had organised this event, it had been decided that the firefighters would spend some time in the playroom with the children who were mobile or doing okay, and then they would split up and go to some rooms where the children were unable to get out of bed so they wouldn’t miss out.
Five firefighters were coming to the hospital and five nurses had been assigned to show them to different rooms. Buck had been unanimously chosen as one, not that he minded, he would do anything to make his patients happy.
Right now, there were thirty eight children, the five assigned nurses, ten extra staff in the playroom to monitor and watch the children and a few family members were scattered around too.
It was a bit crowded, but nobody seemed to mind.
Captain Bobby walks into the room, and Buck freezes. He knows what’s going to happen immediately because of course this would happen to him.
Four people follow in behind him and Buck recognises Chimney and Hen but not the other guy. Eddie walks in, looking hot and windswept in his uniform. He has his work pants on, with a navy t-shirt and suspenders attached to the pants.
Buck swallows roughly, trying to pry his attention away from the sight, lest he pops a highly inappropriate boner.
All of his attention is drawn to Eddie, not that he has noticed Buck yet, too busy smiling kindly and looking at the children’s faces in greeting.
Good with kids, Buck mentally ticks on his pros list.
Ha, Buck thinks smugly. He had kept his promise, Buck was in no danger, nor was he injured this time.
Take that, Eddie Diaz.
Buck wasn’t a complete accident prone disaster all of the time.
Just, most of the time.
Bobby steps forward to address everyone first, “hey, kiddos. My name is Captain Bobby and this is my team of firefighters and paramedics, Eddie, Chimney, Henrietta and Ravi. We help to rescue people and put out fires with our hoses, making sure to keep kiddos like yourself safe.”
Milo, a seven year old boy with leukaemia, shoots his hand up, waving around to catch their attention. “Do you get to press the siren and make loud noises? Like ree roo ree roo.”
Eddie chuckles, his smile wide and adoring at the boy's adorable impression. “Sometimes, kid, it depends on if it’s an emergency. It is a very loud siren though, and I’m sure plenty of you have heard it before. Has anyone ever heard the siren from here?”
This time lots of small hands rise, as kids start calling out about the sirens they have heard.
Buck clears his throat, stepping into the light as he addresses the children. “Remember, we need to talk one at a time to give the nice people a chance to answer. How about we let Captain Bobby talk and then we can ask some questions?”
Some of the children pout, but they all stop shouting and turn their attention back to Bobby.
Eddie’s head had snapped around during his speech, a fact Buck was desperately trying to ignore, and he was now staring at Buck with wide eyes.
“Thanks, Buck,” Bobby says.
Bobby continues to talk about their jobs and he tells the kids some funny stories to make them laugh and help brighten their day and distract them from their circumstances.
Eddie creeps over to Buck's side unnoticed by the children, but not by the staff if Alisha’s pointed look of ‘wow, you go, Buck, he’s hot’ is anything to go by.
“Buck?”
Buck continues to face the children, talking out the side of his mouth. “Hey, Eddie. Fancy seeing you here."
Eddie laughs, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “I didn’t know you worked here, are you a nurse? I never would have guessed, I kinda assumed you were a builder or physical trainer with those muscles.”
“Paediatrician,” Buck answers, choosing to ignore Eddie’s flirty comment on his body with great difficulty, not wanting to get hot and flustered in front of his patients and their families. “I help children and I’m currently here to make sure they are all okay and show you and your team to different patients later.”
“Oh,” Eddie responds dumbly. “That’s really great, Buck. I’m glad you get to help people every day, I can tell it’s something you love doing and you're good at it. I already know kids love you.”
Buck smiles, biting his lip to hide it. “Yeah, it’s pretty perfect. I was going to be a firefighter, y’know, or even a teacher but then I was inspired to help children that are sick and need my help.”
Buck can see Eddie smile softly, his eyes on Buck despite his surroundings. “Maybe we would have worked together as partners,” Eddie suggests.
Buck wants to keep it that way, loving the attention, but he knows it is unfair to the children.
“Maybe, that would have been good. We can talk more later, but we both need to do our jobs,” Buck whispers, hating his own words.
Eddie swallows, “oh. No, you’re definitely right. I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t be distracting you, Buck.”
“All good,” Buck says softly. “I love talking to you.”
Eddie grins, before abruptly turning to face the children and focusing his attention on the job.
They continue to work, sharing hidden looks when the other isn’t looking and smiling when they catch the other’s attention. It’s nice.
After the kids are given the opportunity to ask questions, the children are brought back to their rooms and the firefighters are split up to make their way through the rooms.
Buck somehow ends up with Eddie as his partner, but if the nudges and knowing looks from Eddie’s colleagues are anything to go by, it wasn’t by accident.
Eddie walks over to Buck’s side, looking pleased. “Hey, Buck. Looks like we’re teaming up today.”
“Looks like it,” Buck agrees, pretending to be oblivious. He nudges Eddie’s shoulder with a smug look and a big smile, “told you the next time we met I wouldn’t be in danger. I can keep my promises, huh, Eddie?”
Eddie laughs, touching Buck’s shoulder briefly. “Glad to see it, Buck. Now we just need to keep this up with no more emergency calls.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Buck rolls his eyes playfully before leading the way to his first patient. “Joke all you want, but we both know that it’s unlikely with my streak of bad luck.”
Eddie narrows his eyes playfully and shakes his head in mock disapproval.
They make their rounds, and Buck can’t help but admire Eddie as he engages with the children, making them laugh and smile as he over exaggerates his stories to make them happy.
He’s amazing with children, able to make them all smile, even the sickest children. It’s a wonderful sight to see, and Buck already knows that Eddie will be an amazing father.
When they are on their last patient for the day, Buck can’t help but thank Eddie for everything.
“This has been a good day for them all, and it’s all thanks to you and your team. We can’t even begin to thank you enough for coming out here on your busy schedule to make them smile. I already know you’ve made their day, they will be talking about this for weeks to come,” Buck says, feeling emotional.
Eddie smiles, looking emotional himself as he blinks back unushered tears. He reaches out and holds Buck’s bicep, giving him a gentle squeeze. “It’s really no problem, it’s the least we can do to make them feel better with everything going on for them. I know what it’s like to be in and out of the hospital constantly and always worrying about their health. My son, Christopher, has cerebral palsy and it has been a battle, but we are getting there and he is the strongest, bravest little boy. I couldn’t imagine getting through this without people like you, Buck. You are truly miracle workers for these children and their families.”
Oh.
Eddie has a kid.
Maybe he hadn’t been flirting with Buck after all.
Stupid.
Buck always falls for the straight, unattainable guys. Eddie is probably happily married to a nice, pretty woman who gave birth to his son, of course he wasn’t trying to get with Buck. Even if he had been flirting heavily, Buck would never be the reason his wife is cheated on.
But with Eddie’s heartfelt confession and how honest he was with Buck about his circumstances on a clearly hard topic, he already knows he can’t bring himself to be mad.
Not when it’s clear how much Eddie loves his son.
“You have a kid?” he asks instead, trying to sound happy. No, he is happy, he had already figured Eddie would be an amazing father, and this just proves his point.
Eddie smiles adoringly, looking like a proud father as he pulls his phone out to show Buck his lock screen.
It’s a good photo, pretty adorable even.
It's one of Eddie and his son.
Eddie has his arms wrapped around Chris’ shoulders and they are both beaming, clearly happy together.
Eddie looks happier than he has ever seen him, his love shining clear and Chris looks like his father is his world.
Buck can’t imagine ever trying to come in between that.
“Cute kid,” Buck smiles honestly. “I love kids, and yours is pretty fucking adorable, Eddie.”
Eddie looks wistful, staring down at the picture. “Yeah, he’s my whole world, I don’t know where I would be without him. He’s amazing, the best kid you’d ever meet. He saved me.”
They arrive back at their starting point and Buck is grateful that Eddie’s team is already waiting for him, so he doesn't have to try and come up with a response.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it then. Thanks again, Eddie,” Buck nods, turning and walking away quickly to avoid an awkward conversation.
“Buck?” Eddie calls, and Buck turns and waves before blindly scanning his ID on a locked door and walking through, acting like he hadn’t heard Eddie calling out for him to wait.
Maybe this was for the better, a sign that Buck was in too deep already and needed to stop before he gets hurt in the end.
Maybe it’s a sign that he needs to stop pining and move on from something unattainable.
Maybe he won’t see Eddie again, maybe this was it for them.
Maybe, maybe, maybe.
Buck has always been big on taking risks, the thrill of adventure and the adrenaline it gave him made him feel alive when nothing else did.
And for a long time, far too long according to Maddie and his friends, nothing in Buck's life made him feel alive and whole.
He had tamed it down as he grew older, finally having something stable in his life that gave him meaning.
His sister was back and he finally had a permanent job that made him feel good; like he was worthy of something.
But drunk Buck, well drunk Buck is a completely different story.
He had started off being confident and willing like he usually is, wanting to show his friends that he was still fun and adventurous.
But when Buck got past the point of adrenaline filled drunk, he became nervous and scared drunk.
Hence Buck's current predicament.
He doesn’t know exactly why he had agreed to climb the tree as drunk as he was, but he vaguely remembers his friends egging him on and daring him to do it.
Not wanting to be the party pooper, he had climbed the highest tree in the park and now he was stuck with no way down. All of his friends are stupidly drunk, and as willing as they were to stand underneath the tree and catch Buck if he jumped, Buck was still in his right mind enough to not take that risk.
Only just.
And Maddie was with him, one of his voices of reason, though she hadn't been drinking as much as Buck had.
Clinging to the tree trunk with all of his strength, Buck peers down at the drop nervously, feeling his stomach sink at the high drop. He sees his sister’s face staring back up at him.
She looks tired, but he can see the amusement behind her eyes.
“Maddie,” he whines pathetically. “Help me.”
“Buck,” she sighs, shaking her head. “I already told you I've done everything I can, you're just going to have to wait it out, baby brother.”
Buck pouts, whining again in distress. “‘M stuck.”
“Yes, I know Buck. That’s why I’ve called for help,” she explains slowly like she is talking to three year old Buck who had just climbed up onto the kitchen counter with no way down, begging for his big sister to get him down with crocodile tears in his eyes.
“Maybe your loverboy will come and rescue you.”
Buck regrets ever telling his sister about Eddie, having to live with her constant teasing.
There are no sirens, but a fire truck pulls up in the parking lot as two figures climb out and begin to set up the lift ladder to rescue Buck. They say something to the group, causing Maddie to respond but Buck can't hear their voices clearly enough to make out their words.
Buck watches them with wide eyes, trembling slightly in fear and a bit from the chilling night air.
It’s not long before the ladder is before him and then Eddie is looking at him in amusement, his hands reaching out to hold onto Buck.
"Of course it would be you, Buck."
“Eddie,” Buck breathes out airily, “you came to save me.”
Eddie chuckles, the sound echoing into the night sky, “of course I did, Buck. I could never leave my favourite rescue-ee in trouble.”
Buck just smiles dopily and tilts forward until he is burrowed into Eddie’s warm, firm chest.
“Woah, Buck,” Eddie calls, rewriting his stance so he doesn’t cause them both to fall at the sudden extra weight. “Careful there, Cariño.”
Buck snickers quietly but doesn't move away, feeling smug.
Eddie doesn’t appear to mind, lifting Buck from his position in the tree and gesturing for the ladder to be lowered to safety.
Buck, well Buck feels spacy and giddy, the alcohol hitting him stronger than before now.
Eddie came.
Eddie came for him.
Even if it was his job and he had no way of knowing Buck was in the tree, it still felt like fate that Eddie was the one who rescued him.
“My, nigh’ in’ armour,” Buck slurs out. “‘Lways saven me.”
“I’d always save you, Buck,” Eddie whispers honestly, his hand coming up to cup the back of Buck’s neck and redirects his head so their eyes are meeting.
“Always.”
Buck smiles sleepily and allows Eddie to step him off the ladder.
Buck shivers at the cold breeze, rubbing his bare arms to relive the goosebumps. “Eddie,” he whines with a small pout. “‘M cold.”
Eddie looks at him softly, shrugging off his LAFD hoodie and tugging it over Buck’s head without asking any question. “Better?”
Buck hums in contentment, snuggling into the warmth Eddie’ body heat had left, ducking his face in the coller to take in Eddie’s scent.
“Perfect.”
“Mierda, you’re adorable,” Eddie whispers to himself as he unsubtly eyes Buck in his hoodie, smirking at the sight of Buck in his clothes.
Then Eddie is talking to his coworker and his friends, probably introducing himself to Buck's sister who will definitely be teasing Buck about this later, but Buck isn’t listening as his mind goes hazy from the alcohol, his senses blurring.
Suddenly his legs give out and his knees are buckling towards the ground.
Arms reach out and circle around him as Eddie catches him once more, tugging him into his solid chest.
Buck doesn’t seem to notice what had just happened as he steps closer and rests his head in the crook of Eddie’s shoulder, slumping tiredly.
Eddie’s arms unconsciously come up to wrap around Buck’s waist, resting there and rubbing his thumbs in soothing circles on his bare skin under the slip of Buck’s shirt, not pushing Buck away.
Buck sighs happily, nuzzling his cold nose in and soaking in Eddie’s warmth. He could get used to this.
Wait, Buck thinks suspiciously. Isn’t Eddie married? Wasn’t that the whole reason Buck had decided to stop pining and get drunk so he could try and move on?
Not that he had succeeded, hence the tree, but still.
No married man should be holding someone like this, rubbing their hand on someone else's bare skin.
Buck tilts his head up and rests his child on Eddie’s chest, even if it means his knees are bending, and stares at Eddie’s relaxed face. Eddie looks down, raising his eyebrow in amusement, but knowing Eddie there is some concern for Buck’s health and safety thrown in there.
“You alright there, Buck?” Eddie questions, his warm breath blowing over Buck’s freezing face. “I think you’ve had a bit too much to drink, sweetheart.”
Buck pouts, his previous conflicting concerns gone. “Nuh uh. ‘M fine, not drunk. Jus' a bit tipsy.”
“Uh huh,” Eddie agrees placatingly. “Of course you’re not drunk, you just happen to hug and cling onto anyone like a monkey when you’re sober.”
“Not anyone,” Buck mumbles childishly, “jus’ you.”
Everything about Eddie softens, his eyes bright as he smiles bashfully. “Well, I sure feel special then, big boy.”
“Should,” Buck agrees before snuggling back in, “you're so warm and cuddly, like a teddy bear.”
Laughter rumbles through Eddie’s chest, vibrating Buck where he is resting against him.
It’s almost soothing; makes him sleepy.
Eddie would be a good person to sleep with, he is warm and soft and he gives the best cuddles.
Buck giggles at his own innuendo, Buck already knows that Eddie would be a fantastic partner in bed.
Thinking about Eddie in bed without someone else lights a fire of jealousy inside of Buck, his mood switching rapidly, making him cling on tighter as if his touch will ware off any potential threats.
Beware of the big bad Evan Buckley, Buck grumbles to himself roughly and then bursts into hysterical giggles at his own hilariousness.
“I think we should get you home and into bed, Buck,” Eddies says in amusement, distracting Buck from his territorial thoughts.
Buck nods his agreement, wanting to do anything Eddie says.
“Wait-” Buck pulls back abruptly, pausing as his head spins and pounds. “You shouldn’t be trying to get me into your bed,” Buck scowls adorably.
Eddie’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Well, technically I wasn’t trying to get you into my bed, I was trying to get you into yours. But also, I would never take advantage of you while you're drunk, Evan."
“Yeah, but you're married,” Buck whines pathetically. “You shouldn’t be makin’ me feel this way ‘bout you. ‘S not fair.”
“Well, what if I want you to feel that way about m-” Eddie cuts himself off, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Married?”
Buck mumbles something inaudible, his response muffled by Eddie's shirt.
Eddie’s hand comes back up and pulls Buck’s head away so their eyes lock once more, his grip firm and grounding to Buck. “Why would you think I’m married, Evan?”
“‘Cos you gots a kid,” Buck explains like it should be obvious and to Buck’s inebriated state, it should be. “Who wouldn’t want to husband you up and make beautiful babies with you?”
Eddie lets out a choked laugh, but he shakes his head. “I’m not married, Buck, I promise you that. It’s just me and Chris, I would never play with you like that. Or my supposed spouse.”
“Oh,” Buck says as if in deep thought. “Okay,” he smiles as if nothing had happened.
“Listen, Buck. Why don’t I give you my number? I want to make sure you remember this tomorrow, I would hate for you to go about thinking I’m playing with your feelings,” Eddie says honestly. “And it would mean you could always call me if you needed help without something. If you were ever in danger and needed me I would come for you.”
Buck hums happily and blindly pulls his phone out of his pocket. He presses his thumb on the home button, trusting Eddie to take control without a second thought.
Once his number is in Buck’s phone, Eddie takes the time to text himself so he also has Buck’s number in case Buck is too drunk or embarrassed to text first. He slides the phone into Buck’s back pocket, making Buck giggle adorably at the touch.
“Let's get you home, Cariño,” Eddie says once more.
He really does need to ask Eddie what that means later.
As if on cue, Buck lets out a big yawn, his eyes scrunching up as he snuffles sleepily.
“Tired?”
“Mmhmm,” Buck agrees, his eyes shutting once more. “‘M sleepy.”
The next twenty minutes are a blur, Buck too out of it to understand what is happening as his body is manoeuvred and held into someone’s firm chest. There’s a rocking, bumpy motion for a while and then suddenly he is in bed and his shoes are being removed.
He feels the press of soft lips on his forehead, once, twice, before the blanket is pulled up to his chest. Buck snuggles in happily, smiling even with his eyes shut.
“Night, Buck,” someone whispers, running their fingers through Buck’s hair gently.
“Night, Eds,” Buck mumbles anyway.
He never does return that hoodie.
10.
“-help..-lake… pupp-.. -drowning…”
Flashes of words mumbled and broken can be heard as Buck’s head keeps dunking under the water.
He manages to reach for the puppy, holding its squirming body above his head to get it out of the water. Raising his arms causes his body to sink once more, water filling his body as he was mid gasp.
Buck kicks his legs roughly, forcing his head back into the air. In his attempt to rescue the puppy, they had somehow drifted into the middle of the lake, far away from land.
The firetruck shows up with flashing lights and sirens, and people rush out in all directions, working together to get the rescue mission done.
Buck can’t make out what they’re doing from this distance, his vision blurred with water.
“Holy shit, Buck?” four voices call incredulously.
“Who are we kidding? Of course, it’s Buck,” Chimney sighs.
Eddie’s voice is warbled and worried as he shucks his heavy turnover coat and dives into the water, swimming powerfully in Buck’s direction. His coworkers make a noise of shock, yelling for Eddie to come back and follow protocol.
He doesn’t even seem winded when he reaches Buck, grabbing him and helping him stay afloat. “Gonna get you outta here, Buck. Just a little bit longer,” Eddie promises, using his strength to help them get back.
“I had to,” Buck confesses honestly, “I couldn't let the puppy drown.”
“I know,” Eddie soothes. “You did good, Buck. The puppy's still alive because of you.”
When they reach the land, Hen takes the puppy and Chimney helps drag Buck out of the lake. He flops down, head lolling.
Buck immediately begins to cough, vomiting up the water he had swallowed. Chimney and Eddie roll him onto his side so he doesn't choke.
Buck gasps for air, choking and gagging on the water he had swallowed. Eddie rubs his back and lets him lean against his leg for support. “Breathe through it, Buck.”
Buck nods as best he can, trembling harshly. “‘S cold.”
Eddie reaches over and drapes his coat over Buck’s shaking body. Buck sighs at the warmth, the coughing finally seeming to calm down.
Hen comes back, not that Buck had raised she was gone and begins triage. She shines a light in his eyes, sticks a pulse monitor in his finger and checks his temperature.
“I’m not liking these results, Cap,” she calls. “Temp of 95 and pulse is low but not critical yet. Breathing is still laboured and skin is icey and clammy to the touch. There’s no colour to his skin, he is unnaturally white and his lips are tinged blue. I don’t like the risk of him going into shock, I think we need to admit him and get him on medication. Especially with how much lake water he swallowed, could even be water in his lungs.”
“Chim, go get the bodyboard and prepare him for transport,” Bobby instructs, heading their way. He leans closer, resting a gentle hand on Buck’s forehead, “How you doing, kiddo?”
“C-c-cold,” Buck stammers, eye fluttering.
Chimney comes back with the board and helps Eddie transfer him before wrapping a thermal shock blanket around him. Bobby takes Eddie’s coat, making him whine in disapproval, trying to reach out for it.
Eddie had given it to him.
“Sorry, kiddo,” Bobby says regretfully. “You need the shock blanket more and we can’t risk your body shutting down if we warm you up too fast.”
Buck pouts pitifully but nods sadly in understanding.
They get him onto the gurney before Buck is trying to sit up, “wait, no! The puppy, what about the puppy?”
“The puppy’s fine,” Hen reassures him patiently, gently pushing him to lay back. “She’s with her owner now and she’s going to the vet to get checked out.”
“Okay, Hen you're in the back getting Buck back to health, Eddie you're on monitoring his vitals. Chim and I are up front,” Bobby explains, slamming the back door behind him.
Hen sticks the thermometer back in and begins to set up an oxygen mask and I.V. drip. Eddie checks his pulse before reaching for the needle to help Hen out.
“All good for you, Eddie.”
Eddie nods, meeting Buck’s eyes, “just a prick.”
Then the needle slides in, making Buck flinch slightly. He hasn’t stopped trembling yet, but he does feel warmer and his breathing has evened out more.
“Temp about the same, only slightly better,” Hen informs. “Let's hope these fluids help until we reach the hospital and get him into care.”
“Eddie,” Buck mumbles pathetically, looking truly pitiful with his wet hair and puppy dog eyes, “I’m cold, can’t I have your coat again?”
“Sorry, Buck,” Eddie apologises regretfully. “Don’t want you to get sick.”
“Maybe you should strip and just cuddle me then? I’ve heard that body warmth and skin to skin contact is the best way to restore heat. Especially the naked part,” Buck flirts weakly.
Eddie flushes bright red, ducking his head, but he doesn't say no.
Hen laughs at his reaction and jokes with Buck, “well, he sure is red enough. I’m sure his current body temperature would be a good start to warming you up.”
“Yeah, Eddie, don’t be selfish. Share your warmth with me,” Buck teases. “Help a guy out here.”
Eddie shakes his head at their antics but he does lean in closer and rest his upper body near Buck, allowing the bare skin of their arms to touch without a word.
They continue to monitor him, rechecking his vitals and talking to keep him distracted.
When they pull up, they roll that gurney out and a few hospital workers come out to take over. They explain the situation and then Buck is being rolled away.
“Get warm and dry, Buck. See you next time, hopefully dry and with colour to you,” Eddie calls smartly.
Buck’s sarcastic response is cut off when the door shuts, but he doesn’t mind.
Eddie had made him warmer than anything these doctors could do.
11.
“Can I get another beer, please?” Buck calls, waving down the bartender. He nods in understanding, refilling Buck’s drink quickly and sliding it across the counter into Buck’s hand.
“Thanks, man.”
Buck sighs heavily, taking a long sip of his drink and surveying his surroundings again, telling himself there is nothing to worry about.
But that man is still there at the end of the bar, his gaze heavy on Buck. He moved to sit there when Buck had sat at the bar and he hadn’t taken his eyes off Buck since.
Buck swallows roughly, fighting the urge to flee.
Or vomit.
At first, Buck had thought the man was simply interested in him, but as time went on, Buck was beginning to realise the attention was a little too heavy and loaded.
Buck taps his fingers on his thigh, trying to wait the man out.
It doesn’t seem like it’s going to work.
Buck had gone through navy seal training and he hadn’t grown up in a way that would make him skittish around men attracted to him. But something about this one feels wrong, like a sense of foreboding.
Like something is going to happen no matter how big and strong Buck is physically.
The patrons next to Buck laugh and stand, exiting the bar as if they hadn’t just abandoned Buck with the man.
He stands, making Buck freeze in place as he tries to not react. He walks closer, so slowly it’s like a predator sneaking up on its prey.
Taking a seat beside Buck, he swirls his finger over the rim of Buck’s glass, tilting his head to the side. “Refill?”
The action makes Buck gulp, knowing that the man’s finger is probably laced with something in hopes that Buck will drink from it even if he doesn’t get another.
Buck smiles forcefully, not wanting the man to become angry at his rejection. “I’m good thank you, I’ve got to work tomorrow.”
“That’s too bad,” he sighs, “would have loved to see where it could have taken us.”
Buck laughs, the sound high-pitched. “Yeah,” he chokes out.
He faces Buck, his eyes dark and intense and then he reaches out to touch Buck’s wrist, trailing up his arm.
“Regardless,” he purrs, “how about I get you out of here?”
Buck fights a whimper, shaking his head politely. “Sorry, I really do have to work tomorrow.”
His grip tightens unbearably, his face not changing despite the excruciating pressure he is applying to Buck’s wrist.
Buck blanches, his face paling in terror.
The grip is enough that Buck feels his bones creaking like they will snap any second.
“Mmm,” he hums as if debating about getting hummus or dip. “Are you sure?”
Buck blinks back tears, gasping silently. He nods roughly anyway, knowing if he leaves with the man then there will be no witnesses to help him.
The man sighs heavily, “that’s too bad, I was really looking forward to fucking that ass.”
He leaves without another word, sitting down in his original spot by the bar.
Buck shudders, trembling slightly as he tries to shake the pain out of his wrist. He reaches for his phone, trying to act nonchalant as he dials the one number he knows will come and rescue him with no question.
He doesn't want to risk calling the police and having them come in sirens blaring until they scare the guy into reacting desperately and possibly causing a hostage situation or even death.
“Eddie?” Buck whispers silently, trying to go unheard. “It’s Buck.”
Eddie laughs brightly over the phone, “I know it’s you, Buck. Caller ID.”
“Oh,” Buck says quietly, peering out slightly to see if he’s still waiting and watching.
“Are you busy? Sorry if I’m calling at a bad time,” Buck needlessly apologises.
“Never a bad time,” Eddie responds instead of a real answer, “what’s up?”
“Can you come and get me?”
Eddie pauses, long enough for Buck to question if he had been out of line for his request.
“Sorry, stupid question. I shouldn’t have bothered you,” Buck agrees, feeling stupid and going to hang up the phone.
“Buck, wait,” Eddie calls, his tone more concerned now as if he is understanding that this isn’t just a social call from Buck. “Where are you? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Buck lies, wincing.
“Buck,” Eddie warns sternly.
“It’s just um,” Buck hesitates, feeling lost and small. “I’m at this bar and this guy has been following me around for an hour now, every time I move he moves. He’s trying to get me to leave with him and he’s clearly pissed. He kept trying to buy me a drink at the bar and I think he tried to roofie me or something because he was acting suspicious. I’ve had a few drinks and don’t want to risk driving, but I don’t want to leave and risk him following me home. I’m scared, Eddie. He seems really dangerous.”
The words are said so quietly Buck doesn't think Eddie will hear them, not risking bystanders or the man overhearing his conversation.
“I’m coming right now,” Eddie says without any prompting needed. “What bar are you at?”
“Um, The Western House on South Bernard Street,” Buck relays, almost collapsing in relief.
“I’m on my way, Buck. Don’t hang up until you’re in my car, okay? I’ll keep you on speaker the whole time,” Eddie promises, the sound of his car revving loudly.
Buck nods, peaking out again. He’s still waiting, not having moved from his spot and it’s clear he had no plans to leave without Buck.
“I need a verbal answer from you, Buck.”
“Okay, I won’t.”
Eddie makes small talk, trying to distract Buck. Buck only half listens, his heart pounding loudly in his ears.
“I’m a minute out from you, Buck,” Eddie tells him, and despite his nerves, he sounds steady for Buck, knowing he needs someone to be strong.
“Thank you for coming,” Buck says in response.
“Of course, Buck. I gave you my number for a reason, I’m glad you felt safe enough to use it today.”
The reassurance is nice, even if Buck still feels like a burden.
Buck can hear tires screeching outside, and then the door is slammed open as Eddie rushes inside with his eyes darting around the bar in search of Buck.
Buck decides to be brave and ignore the man, bolting in Eddie’s direction.
Loud, pounding footsteps follow him anyway.
When he reaches Eddie, he basically dives into Eddie’s waiting arms and lets him hug him close to reassure them both he’s okay. He clings to him, allowing Eddie to hide him behind his body while not letting him go.
“Oh, Cariño. I’m here, I’ve got you, baby.”
Eddie straightens, his grip on Buck is strong and reassuring as he faces head on with the man.
Protective and fierce, not allowing harm to come to Buck.
“Hands off him, the sluts mine,” the man snarls, his eyes flashing dangerously.
Eddie scoffs, “fuck off. If you even think of laying a hand on him then you're gonna be a dead man.”
The man laughs loudly, clearly unaffected by Eddie’s threat. “You don’t scare me, mate. This little birdy is far too good to let go, I won’t miss out on that tight ass because of your pathetic threats.”
Buck shuffles even closer, breath hitching.
The door slams again, starting Buck and making him whimper in fear.
“Hands up where I can see them,” a loud voice demands. Buck can’t watch as the man is arrested, cuffed and dragged out of the bar yelling profanities and threats.
Eddie spins around, pulling Buck to his chest and holding him close. His hands run over Buck’s body in search of injuries.
“Are you okay, Buck? He didn’t touch you did he?”
Buck considers lying, but if the man is being arrested then he will need to tell the truth.
“Just my wrist,” he admits. “He gripped it to try and get me to go with him.”
Eddie pulls back, gently holding his arm up and surveying the damage. His skin is already bruising, a hand shaped print clear on his bare arm.
“Shit, Buck. We need to get ice on that, it doesn’t feel broken, but it’s already leaving a nasty bruise,” Eddie worries.
“I’m alright, Eddie. Now that you’re here,” Buck admits. “Thank you for helping me.”
“I’m just glad I had the sense to call Athena on the way, I didn’t realise how bad the situation had really been,” Eddie frowns, looking angry.
Before Buck can respond, a cop walks over, her expression serious.
“Hey, Eddie,” she greets before turning to Buck. “My name is Athena, I’m Bobby’s wife. Eddie here called me when he found out you were in trouble. How are you, sir?”
“Okay,” Buck shrugs. “A bit shaken up, but he didn’t get the opportunity to do anything he wanted before Eddie showed up.”
Athena nods before she takes notice of Buck’s damaged wrist. “That looks like it hurts, Buck. How about we get you some ice and then we can have a little chat about what we’re going to do?”
Buck looks to Eddie for guidance, nodding when Eddie smiles encouragingly. “Alright.”
They get Buck settled and an officer bags Buck’s cup as evidence before Athena explains what is going to happen and Buck’s options. Buck decides to press charges, knowing he would hate himself if he let that man do anything to anyone else.
Athena is kind but clearly good at her job and Buck can see how she and Bobby would be married. She leaves soon enough with a promise of an update soon.
Eddie guides Buck into his car, leaving Buck’s in the car park until tomorrow, buckling him in and climbing into the driver's seat. As he drives to Buck’s apartment, Eddie continues to soothe Buck’s nerves and reassure him.
“I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come tonight,” Buck admits weakly. “I was so scared to leave, I just knew he was waiting for me to and then god knows what he would have done.”
“Then let's just both be happy I was there and thankful that you had my number. I don’t want you relieving this and thinking about the what-ifs Buck. I know that will be difficult, but you won’t be able to heal and move on if you do.”
“I know. I’m already seeing a therapist, we can just add this to my long list of problems,” Buck jokes self-depressingly.
“Any help you need to live a healthy and manageable life isn’t a bad thing, Buck. I’m not ashamed to say I have a therapist too, he’s been really helpful with my war and firefighting PTSD and anxiety. I’m just happy knowing you have people you can talk to about this. I want you to know I’m one of them, anytime you need me and I will always try to answer,” Eddie insists. “And if I can’t then I will call back as soon as I can.”
Buck knows it’s true, and he isn’t ashamed. “I will, and you can always call me too. For anything.”
They pull up in front of Buck's apartment and Eddie refuses to let Buck go alone, insisting that he walks Buck up to his door to make sure he gets in safely.
Buck pauses inside his doorway, feeling like a small child who has just had a nightmare.
“Would you-” he shakes himself off, feeling ridiculous. “Sorry, never mind.”
“Buck, anything,” Eddie reminds him.
“Do you think you could stay until I fall asleep? I would just feel safer knowing you were there to protect me,” Buck explains shamefully.
Eddie nods easily, “Of course I will.”
Buck blinks, not having expected him to agree that easily.
Buck takes a long, boiling shower where he scrubs himself redraw multiple times to remove the man’s touch, finally deeming himself clean enough to lay in his bed. He puts on Eddie’s hoodie, too tired and anxious to care.
Eddie is waiting for him, texting on his phone. When the bathroom door opens, he shuts it off immediately, all of his attention on Buck straight away.
He smiles softly, patting the bed invitingly and Buck is glad Eddie had had the fourth sense to leave a light on. He’s kind enough to not mention the hoodie, allowing Buck his comfort item.
Buck all but throws himself down, burrowing under his covers.
Eddie lays down beside him, over the covers and is careful to not touch Buck without his permission.
Feeling deprived, Buck reaches out and asks, “hold me?”
Eddie doesn't respond, not in words anyway, he turns, holding Buck against him and rubbing his hands over Buck soothingly. Buck sighs in relief, resting his head upon Eddie’s chest and snuggling into the warmth, Eddie's comforting scent surrounding him.
“Thank you for staying,” Buck whispers, drifting off to sleep.
“Anytime, Evan.”
A kiss presses into his curls, holding in place.
“Anytime.”
Buck couldn’t tell you what happened, or explain how he ended up in this situation.
One moment he had been waiting to cross the street and the next there was a loud explosion, shards of metal and glass flying through the air and sparks of electricity and fire burning Buck’s skin.
Something heavy, heavier than Buck could even begin to imagine, lands on his leg, crushing it under the weight. He must pass out because when he comes to his head is spinning and sirens are blaring. He can even hear voices screaming and crying.
Buck blinks his eyes open against the road, twisting his body to look up at the night sky, blinking owlishly when he sees what exactly had landed on him. He feels disoriented, probably concussed, and knows if he was in his right mind then he would be screaming in pain.
Somehow Buck’s leg is being crushed by a firetruck, the vehicle on its side and sparking dangerously.
By some small miracle, Buck’s phone had landed by him when he had been thrown from the explosion and Buck has just enough energy to reach out for the device.
He can’t think clearly, signs of a concussion present, but through his terror and excruciating pain, the firetruck had made him think of only one thing.
Eddie.
Buck presses buttons randomly, his vision unfocused as he tries to call for help.
“Buck, I really can’t talk right now, there was a bomb and I’m needed. I’ll call you back later,” Eddie rushes out, sounding distracted. “I gotta go.”
“Eddie,” Buck sobs desperately, Eddie’s voice bringing a rush of emotion back into Buck, his voice almost unheard over the loud sounds. “Help.”
“Buck!?” Eddie’s voice demands suddenly as his attention is pulled away and focused fully on Buck. His voice sounds small and grainy over the phone’s speaker. “Where are you? What happened? I can’t leave here, not now, but I can send someone to help you. I need you to tell me what’s wrong.”
“Hurts,” Buck whimpers, his upper body jerking as spasms run through his leg.
As painful as it is, Buck knows it's a good sign that he still has feeling in his leg. “Dunno,” he whines, “'m scared.”
“Buck, where are you?”
“On road,” he whispers hoarsely. “Was walkin’ and then big boom. Can’ move my leg, hurts. Stuck.”
There is a long silence from Eddie’s end and Buck sobs thinking he had lost the connection. “E’die?”
“Oh merde,” Eddie whispers suddenly, “Buck, oh fuck, Evan. Are you near the main road intersection? Are there fire trucks near you? Buck! You need to answer me.”
Eddie sounds mad, his voice high and loud. Buck whimpers in fear, shaking his head.
Why is Eddie mad at him?
Is it because he called while he was working?
“I’m sorry,” Buck sobs, “Didn’ mean to.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” Eddie chokes out, his voice softening. “I’m not mad at you, I’m just worried. I need you to answer me, Buck. This is very important.”
Buck groans, grunting in pain. “Fire truck.”
Eddie sobs once, the sound muffled. “You’re near the fire truck? Did it explode, Buck?”
“On me,” Buck answers, his head spinning.
“No,” Eddie begs desperately, sounding terrified. “Buck, please tell me you can move.”
Buck shakes his head, not comprehending that Eddie can't see him.
“Buck?”
“Nooo,” he whines. “Told you, on me. Stuck.”
“Buck, I'm going to do everything I can to get you help. I-”
Eddie’s voice is cut off as someone crushes Buck’s phone beneath their shoe.
Buck looks up, his vision still blurry, to see a figure with flashing lights and wires on their chest. “You’re new.”
Suddenly the voices stop as the man steps out from behind the truck where Buck’s form is hidden.
“Give me the captain,” he demands. “Give me the captain.”
Nobody moves and Buck is too out of it to understand what is happening.
Suddenly Chimney is there with his hands up, “I’m the captain, okay? I’m the captain so please just let me help them, okay? Please.”
“No, no, I don’t want you,” the man says calmly. “I want Captain Nash.”
Buck rolls his head from side to side, the pain becoming unbearable. Why is no one helping him?
“Freddie.”
The man whips around and Buck can feel the blood from his head dripping into his eye. “I thought you’d be on the truck.”
Buck doesn’t hear Bobby’s response, fading in and out of consciousness.
“-about him?” Bobby demands suddenly, and Buck lifts his head up to see Bobby pointing at him. “He’s got family and friends, people who care about him. Hell, he’s not even a firefighter. Are you really going to let an innocent civilian die in some act of revenge for your father’s crime?”
“Collateral damage,” Freddie shrugs carelessly.
Buck drops his head down, smashing into the ground roughly as his consciousness fades again.
Suddenly there’s a loud clapping noise as Hen and Chimney rush over with medical bags, trying to make Buck regain consciousness.
Buck groans but wakes up again.
“How are you doing, Buck?” Chimney asks.
“Kind of numb,” Buck responds, not having realised the truth to his statement until he had said the words.
“I’m going to run two lines,” Hen says in response. “You’re going to be fine, baby.”
Hands are touching him, assessing his injuries and the damage. “Skin is cold and pale,” Chimney calls, “push sodium bicarbonate.”
Then suddenly they all disappear and all Buck can see is Eddie. “Evan!”
Eddie comes crashing into the scene, hands frantically hovering over Buck's face, his eyes wet and hollow in terror. “Oh god, Evan. Por favor, god.”
“Eddie, are you going to be able to let us work and save him or are you too emotionally invested? Do you need to step back?” Bobby asks, sounding fatherly and gutted by Buck’s injury.
“I’m not leaving him, not ever. Especially when he’s this hurt. You’d have to drag me kicking and screaming and fight me,” Eddie announces, making Bobby nod in understanding.
“Eddie, we need to get this truck off of him. He needs emergency treatment ten minutes ago,” Hen explains seriously as she continues to work. “You need to either help him or stay out of the way.”
Eddie gaps roughly but moves back until his hand is holding onto Buck’s, squeezing like it’s his lifeline.
“You’re going to be okay, Cariño,” he promises, and Buck can only blink in response.
Chimney calls frantic instructions over the radio and Bobby walks over to Chim, looking rough. “How’s he doing, Chimney?”
“We’re out of time, Cap.”
A neck brace is placed around his neck, and then the firefighters and police officers are surrounding the truck, ready to lift it up.
The truck lifts slightly and Buck screams in agony. Eddie moves closer despite Hen’s previous warning and lays down beside Buck so their eyes are meeting.
He rests their heads together, ignoring Buck’s blood and whispers soft reassurances and praises.
Hen is the only one working on stabilising Buck, everyone else's manpower is needed to lift the truck.
“Come on, come on,” everyone calls encouragingly.
“You’ve gotta lift higher,” Hen says.
“Hang in there, baby. You are so brave and strong, you’ve got this,” Eddie whispers.
“One, two, three.” They lift again and Buck doesn’t stop screaming this time, his voice hoarse and broken.
The truck’s weight is put back down as Bobby shakes his head, “she’s too heavy.”
“No,” Eddie demands, his voice biting, “you do not get to give up, not on this. You have to save him, Bobby. You have to help me, I can't lose him too.”
Bobby closes his eyes, “I promise I will do everything I can to help him, Eddie. But we need more people than we’ve got.”
Buck can hear pounding footsteps running and then suddenly there are people everywhere, crowding around the truck as they come together to help lift it off Buck.
The truck lifts higher this time and then it’s not touching Buck’s foot anymore. “We’ve got him, we’ve got him. Hold it, he’s almost clear.”
Buck is forced to drag his crushed foot out, screaming and crying in pain as the limb is moved. It’s absolute agony, Buck has never been in this much pain in his entire life.
His vision goes black from the pain, staying faded even when he can see again.
When he is free, the paramedics surround him again. They flip him to his back and place him on a backboard before carrying him over to the bed.
Eddie doesn’t leave his side through any of it, his hand gripping Bucks.
“Stay with us, Buck,” Chimney calls.
“Just say with us, kiddo,” Bobby says at the same time.
“We need to get him to help now before it’s too late,” Hen demands. “Hospital’s four minutes away.”
Buck is lifted into the ambulance, Hen and Chimney in the back as they continue to stabilise him and keep him alive. Eddie is sitting beside him, guiding him and forcing him to stay, an anchor through it all.
As the ambulance speeds off, Buck can feel all of the adrenaline leave his body in a rush before he passes out for the last time. He can only hope he wakes up again after this.
“Evan!”
* * * * * * * *
Buck opens his eyes slightly, seeing blinding lights. He coughs, his throat dry and scratchy, and groans in pain despite the heavy amount of drugs in his system.
“Maddie?” he whispers when her blurry figure comes into view. “You’re here?”
Maddie sobs, “of course I’m here you idiot. I saw my baby brother crushed under a firetruck on the news, where else would I be?”
Her words are like a bucket of cold water and Buck jolts, looking down as he tries to sit up in a panic.
“Buck!” she shouts, “you need to calm down, you’re okay.”
Buck lays back, but his breathing doesn’t settle, nor does his heart rate. “What- what happened? Did the doctors say what’s wrong?”
“You had surgery on your broken leg,” Maddie begins, looking almost sick. “You now have a titanium rod and four screws in your leg.”
“But-” Buck stops, unable to say the words.
“You’re going to walk again,” Maddie nods, her face screwing up as she fights back tears. “You’re going to be okay, Buck.”
Buck nods shakily, tears flowing down his cheeks silently.
“Eddie was a wreck, y’know,” Maddie states, trying to distract Buck. “He hasn’t left the hospital since you were brought in. He’s only out right now to go toilet. I already know he’s going to be pissed he missed you finally waking up.”
Buck laughs helplessly, “really?”
Maddie nods, a soft smile on her face, “he really cares about you, Evan. I think he would be good for you.”
The door opens and then footsteps rush towards the bed as Eddie appears, previously having frozen and dropped his packet of chips to rush forward to Buck's side, looking exhausted and like he hasn’t changed out of his uniform since arriving. “Buck, you’re awake. Merde, I’m so glad you’re okay.”
There’s Buck’s blood caked in his hair and on his clothes and skin, but he doesn't seem to care.
“You’re really here,” Buck breathes, finally calming down and his heart rate slowing.
“Where else would I be?” he answers just as softly.
Maddie silently leaves the room, but both boys are too distracted by the other to notice.
“I’m so sorry I couldn’t get to you sooner, I tried. I fought tooth and nail but with the bomber and dangers, my team wouldn’t let me in.”
“Eddie, it’s alright. I’m just happy you’re here now. What-” Buck winces in pain, “what happened?”
“My uh, my caption, Bobby, was targeted by a bomber for a past emergency he helped at. The kid thought Bobby would be on the truck when he wired the bombs in it, but Bobby was out of work at the time. Then you-” Eddie closes his eyes tightly and Buck reaches out to hold his hand in support.
Eddie tries to smile, but it’s wobbly and unconvincing.
“You must have been walking nearby because when the truck went up, you got caught underneath it. I was in the other truck, we narrowly missed being blown up too, and we saw the truck explode. When I gt your call, I almost didn’t answer. I never answer my phone on calls, but something inside of me made me do it.”
Eddie shrugs helplessly, “I was so scared and then I heard your voice and you were in so much pain and I could hear the terror in your voice, Evan. It terrified me, knowing you were hurt and cared and I couldn’t help you. Then I found out what had happened, that you were right in front of me and I still couldn’t save you and it nearly destroyed me. Bobby feels so guilty about it, he’s begun to see you as one of ours.”
Eddie sobs, using his free hand to hide his face. “I was so scared for you, and when I saw you laying there, trapped under that truck, I didn’t think you were going to make it.”
Buck’s face trembles and he sniffles, squeezing Eddie’s hand tightly. “I’m still here. You saved me, Eddie.”
Eddie shakes his head but doesn’t verbally disagree.
“I know we don’t know each other that well, but I don’t know how I would have coped if you had died on me.”
“Oh, Eddie,” Buck sighs sadly. “All we can do is remember that we made it out, that we’re both here alive and relatively healthy.”
Eddie nods, wiping his tears roughly, “still here,” he agrees.
Buck smiles weakly, “now if we could get some more drugs in me that would be amazing.”
A startled laugh escapes Eddie before he smiles, “I’ll go and get you a nurse now, Buck. Don’t go anywhere.”
Buck rolls his eyes playfully, “where would I go without you?”
Eddie bites his lip as he begins to exit the room, his eyes hooded. “Exactly.”
Buck fights a smile, feeling giddy at their banter. He would be okay, they would be okay.
That thought allows Buck to fall back into a healing sleep, knowing Eddie would be there when he woke up.
Together.
Ever since Buck’s injury and the crush, Buck and Eddie have been texting and calling almost nonstop.
Buck doesn't think he has checked his phone this often in his life, always anxiously awaiting a message from Eddie about anything. Maddie is beginning to tease more, laughing at him for being codependent and already in love with Eddie.
Buck hasn’t been able to deny the accusations.
Eddie has been a sweetheart, constantly checking up on Buck and asking if he needs anything. They talk about their days, about funny patients and what they ate. They just talk, happy to spend time with each other without needing it to mean anything more.
It’s a good change from their usual meetings and conversation. The lack of injury and fear means that they can laugh and joke together, having happy conversations.
Buck feels light, happy in a way he never has before.
He’s at the supermarket currently, looking down at his lift as he stands in the frozen section. He had been avoiding grocery shopping for a while now, but his panty and fridge are running on empty.
Buck sighs, rubbing his chest absently as he coughs.
He picks out some cookies and cream ice cream and places it in his trolly, searching for his next item.
“Buck?”
The voice makes him startle, blinking rapidly as he turns toward the source.
“Eddie?”
They both smile, and Eddie makes his way over to Buck’s side without prompting.
“Are you doing alright, today?” Eddie asks, looking him over critically.
“Yes, doctor,” Buck laughs, clearing his throat when his voice comes out rough and croaky. “I’m fine. I’m just doing some shopping, it’s been a while.”
Buck rubs at his chest again, feeling a tight discomfort. He swallows roughly, his throat feeling tight.
Eddie laughs sheepishly, “same here. Chris was craving spaghetti and it’s one of the only meals I can safely make without burning.”
“Wow,” Buck drawls out, “and you had a go at me for not being able to cook.”
Eddie rolls his eyes playfully, “I never said I could cook, but at least I don't nearly burn my house down. I just burn the food. …and the pot.”
Buck tries to laugh, but it feels stuck in his throat. He clears his throat again, pounding on his chest.
“I-” Buck has to stop, his voice almost gone.
He coughs, the sound hacking and chesty.
He backs away, swaying slightly as Eddie looks on in concern.
“Buck? You okay?”
Buck wants to answer but he can't stop coughing. He keeps hacking until his throat is sore and swollen, still unable to stop. It feels like he is trying to cough up his lungs, the sickening feeling of fluid filling his throat, making him gag.
People have stopped and are beginning to stare but they both ignore them.
Eddie comes closer, reaching out to hold Buck upright. “Buck, tell me what's going on? Can you breathe?”
Buck shakes his head desperately, clawing at his throat. “Can’t,” he gasps out, “can’t breathe.”
Buck coughs louder, his hand rising to his mouth to muffle the sound when something wet and warm lands on his open palm.
Buck freezes, looking blankly down at the blood pooling in his hand, feeling the way it drips out of his mouth and rolls down his throat.
Oh no.
“Buck?”
Buck looks up, eyes wide and scared, and meets Eddie’s worried gaze. Eddie looks as terrified as Buck feels, he is reaching forward but it’s too late.
Buck gags and vomits, blood pouring out of his mouth and he chokes and gasps for air.
He falls backwards, his eyes rolling back as Eddie screams for him, too far to catch Buck as he collapses to the ground unconscious.
* * * * * * * *
Buck is getting really tired of waking up in hospital rooms.
Eddie is with him this time, his head tilted back and his eyes closed and awkwardly reaching out to keep his grip on Buck’s hand.
Buck wants to speak, but his voice won’t let him. All that comes out is whistling noises and heavy breathing.
Instead, he squeezes Eddie’s hand and hopes it will be enough to get his attention.
It is.
Eddie startles, straightening up in his chair as he scans the room for any sign of danger or potential threat.
“You really need to stop scaring me like this, Buck,” he says when he relaxes. “I can’t keep getting these rushes of terror every time something bad happens to you."
Buck nods his agreement, looking down at his lap. “Sorry,” he says as best as he can at the moment.
Eddie sighs but reaches away and brings back a glass of cold water with a straw, guiding it into his mouth and encouraging him to soothe his throat. “I know it’s not your fault, Buck. And I can’t really speak with the amount of danger I’m in constantly because of my job, but seeing you hurt and watching you lay unconscious in a hospital bed is hard.”
Buck sighs in relief at the feel of cool water sliding down his throat. “I really don’t mean to, danger just seems to find me.”
Eddie nods, “I know that. Most of our meetings haven't been in either of our control and I can’t say I’m mad that they brought you to me, I just wish you weren't always hurt because of it.”
Buck smiles sheepishly, “I get it. But I won’t apologise for any of it, not when it brought you to me. And technically I only called 911 once, you just always turned up at the scene.”
Eddie gives him a deadpan look of suffering, before laughing tiredly. “I guess the world just knew when you needed me.”
Eddie squeezes his hand and sits up. “I know you're probably wondering what happened. You had a pulmonary embolism, Buck.”
Buck freezes, sinking back into his bed. “Oh.”
“The blood clots,” Buck looks up at the plural terminology and Eddie winces sympathetically. “Yeah, one hit your lungs and that’s what caused you to cough up the blood.”
“They may have just saved your life because the doctors found two more in your leg, Buck. The cause is still unknown, but it may have been caused by dehydration or over-exerting yourself physically,” Eddie explains.
“You’re on anticoagulants to help stop the clots, but you’re going to be in here for a bit as they run tests on you,” he says and Buck groans, not wanting to be in the hospital any longer, not unless he is working.
“Do I have to?” he bemoans.
“Yes,” Eddie says unsympathetically. “You will stay here as long as needed to make sure you're okay and won’t go around vomiting up blood again.”
Buck lets out a put upon sigh but smiles all the same.
“Thank you for staying with me again,” he says instead.
“You already know I would, just like I always do. But I will have to leave soonish, Carla is waiting for me to get Chris and I’ve already pushed back pick up time today.”
“You shouldn’t stay just for me,” Buck rushes out, feeling guilty that Eddie was missing out on time with his son because of Buck. “Go get your son, Eddie.”
Eddie rolls his eyes, “I already told you that I don’t regret it, Chris will be fine for a bit longer. You need me right now, and I want to be here with you too.”
Warmth blossoms in his chest and Buck is sure it has on his face too, it feels nice to be wanted and cared for. “If you’re sure?”
Eddie smiles softly, his eyes warm and gentle. “I’m sure.”
+1
Buck won’t lie, since his scare with the sudden blood clots, he has been reluctant to leave his apartment. At first, he tried to convince himself it was because he didn’t want to cause his body more stress and risk another pulmonary embolism.
Now though, Buck can’t say if he is just too in his head, creating scenarios and fears that may happen if he decides to brave the world again.
Not that his fears are completely unfounded, just ask anyone who knows Buck and they will agree that bad luck seems to follow him.
But he can’t stay inside his bed forever, hiding away because he’s scared.
That’s why he was here, sitting on a bench with his head skyward, soaking in the sunlight his body hasn’t seen in weeks. His sister and therapist had been insistent on him getting out of the house, stating that he would feel better once he had.
Even Eddie was set on getting Buck out of bed and moving again if the constant texts meant anything.
They weren't wrong, not that Buck would ever admit that to them.
Buck is content to just relax and breathe in the fresh air, the soothing scent of the ocean and the happy sounds of children’s laughter filling the air.
It may not seem like much, but it’s a big step in the direction of healing and moving on.
The bench wobbles slightly as someone sits beside him, and it’s only the sound of quiet, childish sobs that wakes Buck from his meditative state. It isn’t loud or distracting, almost like the child is trying to muffle the sound to go unnoticed.
Buck is too trained on children’s pain and signs of distress or injury to be convinced though.
Buck blinks, squinting at the sudden harsh light.
He turns his head slightly, looking down to where the small boy has curled up on the bench beside him, his hands covering his mouth as his body trembles with sobs. He has crutches beside him, a sign of possible injury or mobile disability and big glasses frame his small face.
Buck frowns, hating that the child is trying to hide his sadness or fear. Buck had learnt to do that from a young age, knowing that his parents wouldn't care or would react badly to Buck showing weakness.
Buck hates when he sees those similarities in other children.
“You okay there, kiddo?” Buck asks gently, not wanting to scare the poor kid.
Small, innocent eyes meet his. They are shining bright with tears, the kid’s lips trembling.
He shakes his head, his breath hitching.
“Are you lost, buddy?”
The kid shakes his head and then pauses before nodding roughly. “Kinda,” he sniffles out.
Buck blinks in confusion, trying to determine what that means. “Why don’t you tell me what happened? Maybe I can help you find someone you know?”
“No, I’m all alone,” he sobs, his words a bit slurred and it’s clear that it takes him some effort to form the words. “Daddy said I shouldn't talk to strangers.”
“And your daddy sounds like a very smart man,” Buck agrees placatingly. “But right now you’re scared and lost and I’m sure your daddy is very worried about you.”
“I think he would be alright just this once if it means you're safe and get home to him,” Buck says carefully. “My name’s Evan but my friends call me Buck. I’m a nurse and I promise I just want to help you, kid.”
He squints in thought before his scaredness must take over because he smiles shyly and nods. “I’m Chris. I’m eight years old and I have cerebral palsy. Daddy said it’s important that I tell people that if I’m hurt.”
Images flash across Buck’s mind of a small boy named Chris on the train five years ago, the reason he had become a paediatrician in the first place.
Buck can see the resemblance, the kid looks like a grown up version of the boy. He has the same hair, just a bit darker. The same red glasses, his face is similar and his smile is exactly the same.
It has to be a sign, the kid had changed Buck's life and given him something he had always wanted and now he was here when Buck was at his lowest.
Buck smiles, “Nice to meet you, Chris. Can you tell me what happened? How do you get lost, buddy?”
Chris’ smile drops and he sniffles. “I was at the fair with my teacher and I had to go to the toilet. My teacher, Miss Flores, let me but when I came out everyone was gone and my bus wasn’t there anymore. I think they left me here all alone, Buck.”
Rage builds up inside of him, the burning hot desire to hunt down this Miss Flores and give her a piece of his mind for abandoning a small child all alone in the middle of nowhere.
But he doesn’t let his anger show, not wanting to risk losing Chris’ trust.
“That must’ve been pretty scary, huh?” he says instead, showing him he understands. “How about I find a way to get you to your dad. Do you know his number, Chris?”
“911,” Chris says immediately.
“Chris, buddy,” Buck winces at the thought of having to let him down. “That’s definitely a good number to know, but it’s not your dad’s number.”
“No,” Chris frowns, not comprehending what Buck is trying to say. “Daddy’s a firefighter and he said if I ever need help then I should call 911.”
“Ohhh,” Buck sighs in understanding. “That’s really good to know, bud. How about we head down to the local fire station and see if we can get in contact with your dad?”
Chris nods, still looking defeated and hurt at being left behind.
Buck can’t let that stand, he needs a way to make this kid smile again.
“How about we have a quick game at the shooting duck?” Buck whispers incitingly. “So you don’t miss out on all of the fun.”
“Can we really?” Chris asks with wide, hopeful eyes.
“Course we can, buddy.”
Chris beams brightly, his eyes squinting as he grips his crutches together and carefully stands on unsteady feet.
Buck bends down behind Chris, hands holding Chris’ on the trigger and guiding him to shoot the ducks. Chris laughs the whole time, his smile never leaving his face.
When he wins a teddy bear that is almost the size of him, they cheer loudly in celebration and he spins around to hug Buck close. Buck’s hands hover before gently holding Chris and letting him have some comfort.
“This was so fun,” Chris shouts. “I like you more than my school, Buck. I wish we could stay here together, you’re so nice and fun.”
“Oh kid,” Buck says sadly. “I’m really sorry that happened to you, you didn’t deserve that. And I'm glad you had fun, but I think your dad will want you home now, Chris. I’m going to call us an Uber, why don’t we go wait on the bench?”
Chris sighs heavily, clearly disappointed that their fun was ending, but Buck could see the anxiousness and need to get to his father.
Buck makes the call and lets Chris look out at the ocean, holding him up by his shirt so he doesn’t go over the rails.
They make small talk about each other, Chris telling him all about how amazing his father is, about how he is Chris’ hero so much that he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up. They discuss their favourite movie and food, basic information that Buck thought Chris would be able to answer.
“Where did all the water go?” Chris asks curiously.
“What?” Buck responds to the weird question, looking up at Chris.
But Chris isn’t looking at him, his attention focused on the oceans as he points shakily.
Buck whips around, his grip on Chris tightening unconsciously. The water has receded, drawing back and exposing what was once an ocean-filled area.
Oh, fuck.
People crowd around, pointing and chatting nervously. But Buck doesn't want to waste another second as he scoops Chris into his arms and bolts in the other direction.
“Everybody get off the pier!” he screams as loudly as he possibly can.
The tsunami warning begins to blare loudly, warning everyone around but it's too late. Everyone begins to panic, running and screaming as they try to outrun the incoming wave of disaster.
The wave has stopped receding and is now coming at them in full force, crashing and destroying everything in its path.
Chris screams in terror, and Buck doesn't think before placing him behind a booth, glancing back once to see the tsunami wave mere seconds away before he dives in next to Chris.
He doesn't make it, the wave blasting into his back mid jump and swooping him under.
Buck doesn't get a second to brace himself for the impact or take a gasping breath, the wave not stopping to show mercy to anyone.
Buck continues to struggle. Kicking, clawing and fighting against the water as it drags him deeper. It seems like every time he almost breaks free, he is pulled back under again.
He feels himself become lightheaded, the lack of oxygen to his brain making him woozy. Somewhere inside of him thanks everything he can that he had been forced to learn how to hold his breath for over five minutes for the navy seals training.
After what feels like hours, Buck finally breaks free, his lungs screaming at him as he gasps for breath. He reaches up and clings to the powerline, not wanting to be pulled back under.
“Christopher?” Buck tries to shout, his voice damaged from the water and oxygen deprivation.
“Christopher?”
Buck swings around wildly to see in every direction, continuing to scream for Chris.
“Buck!” a small voice screams, barely heard over the crashing waves. “Buck!”
Glancing around frantically, Buck manages to spot Chris clinging to a pole in the distance. There are random objects, debris and broken branches in the water between them, making the path unclear.
“Chris, don’t move!” Buck calls. “Stay there, I’m coming for you.”
Buck doesn't think twice about letting go of his own safety rope, swimming and pushing away everything in his way as he fights to get to Chris.
When he reaches Chris, he realises in a panic that he is too far away, the current dragging him and making it impossible to swim any closer. “Chris, let go. You have to grab my hand, superman.”
Chris screams, shaking his head. “Bucky, help.”
“Chris! Stay there,” Buck shouts as he drifts away, mind racing a million miles to come up with a solution.
“Bucky, I can’t hold on,” Chris cries suddenly.
Buck reaches a broken piece that looks sturdy enough and holds on, watching in horror as Chris slips, going under the water as he is dragged in Buck’s direction.
Buck doesn't think twice, diving back under the water and using all of his strength to reach Christopher, knowing this may be his last chance to save him. He grips his shirt, dragging him closer and kicking forcefully until they break through the water’s surface.
Buck cries, gasping for air and holding Chris’ small body to his chest, his hand holding Chris’ head into the crook of his neck as they both pant from exhaustion.
“Christopher,” he shudders, feeling the way Chris trembles and sobs in his arms. “I’ve got you, I’ve got you.”
They continue to be pulled down the stream, but the force isn’t enough to drag them under, allowing Buck to keep his tight hold on Chris as they cling together.
It feels like a miracle when a ladder truck comes into view, like a sign that they were going to make it out of this together. Alive.
Buck drags Chris’ immobile body onto the top of the truck, using all of his strength to pull himself up after. He sits down heavily, fighting the urge to fall asleep and pulls Chris to his chest and huddling him close.
“We’re okay,” he whispers, “I’ve got you now. You’re so brave, superman. The strongest kid I’ve ever met. I’m going to get you out of this and you will be back with your dad before you know it.”
Chris nods, his eyes slightly unfocused but not a far cry from what they were this morning.
“You good, Chris?”
Chris smiles toothily, “yup. I took surfing lessons.”
A laugh is punched out of Buck, feeling better just by having Chris there. “Maybe you can teach me.”
Smiling wide despite the circumstances, Chris giggles. Buck can’t help but admire how strong he is, that despite what had just happened he is still about to smile and make Buck laugh.
Buck takes the time to survey Chris for injuries and damage, relieved to find nothing but a few scratches.
“I’m going to take a look around, see what I can see out there,” Buck explains, readjusting Chris so he can sit comfortably with his legs stretched out.
Nothing that would help them get out of there is in sight, nor any signs of rescue. Buck swallows roughly, forcing a smile as Chris looks at him for answers.
“Sorry, buddy. Looks like we're going to have to hang out together for a bit longer.”
“That’s okay, at least we have a fire truck. Besides, I like hanging out with you, Bucky,” Chris smiles.
“Help!”
Buck whips around at the scream for help. “Help me!”
Standing on the fire truck to give him a higher vantage point, Buck can see a woman clinging to a building, waving at him frantically.
“Hang on,” Buck calls back, “I’m going to come for you.”
“Chris,” Buck starts before wincing. “I’m going to need you to stay here. Promise me you won’t leave.”
Chris nods strongly, “okay, Bucky.”
Buck moves to work before a sense of dread overwhelms him and makes him spin back. He reaches for a compartment, ripping it open, sighing in relief at the sight of a harness. He sets it up quickly, tying it tightly to the truck before looping it around Chris and trying it so he won’t fall off.
Then he gets ready, pushing the ladder over the side and grabbing the water hose. Buck climbs the ladder and leaps for the car in the water, landing heavily on his bad ankle.
He ignores the pain and the sound of the woman screaming for help and he climbs over the roof of the car when he sees that the car is occupied. A man sits inside, looking haggard as he watches Buck.
“I know,” Buck nods roughly. “But I will come back for you. I promise.”
Buck grips the end of the hose, hoping it is long enough to anchor him to the truck before he dives into the water and swims in the lady’s direction.
Buck reaches a tree, making the quick decision to tie the hose off. “Hey, you need to let go! I’m going to catch you, but I can't go out any further. It's up to you now!”
He feels like he could cry as she listens to him without complaint, letting go and allowing the current to drag her forward.
Buck swims to the middle of the rope where it has become a barricade of sorts, ready to catch the woman as she comes by. “You can do this!”
“I’m right here,” Buck reassures when she finally reaches him, holding out his hand and pulling her close. “I’m right here. You did so good, you were so brave.”
They slide along the hose until they reach the truck and Buck gives her a boost up. “Climb up there, you can do this.”
When she is safely on top, Buck wades over to Chris to check up on him.
“Buck,” he calls, “Bucky look.”
Buck looks behind, feeling dread and some relief when he sees a wave of people heading in their direction.
It’s good that they are alive, but it’s one more thing taking Buck away from keeping Christopher safe.
Still, Buck will never deny someone in need as he winces and heads back out towards the hose’s barricade.
“Hold onto this, everybody. You can do this, just don’t let go!”
Around ten people grip the hose, using it to get to the truck. They call out their gratitude and some sob in relief as they get to safety.
When they are all on the truck’s room, Buck goes back to get the guy out of his car before finally settling back down with Christopher huddled in his lap.
They all sit for a while, breathing and taking some time to let it all sink in. Chris begins to squirm, clearly uncomfortable.
“Hey, Chris?” he hums in response. “I spy with my little eye something that moves people around.
“Umm,” his eyes flutter, his head flopping to the side so he can see over the side. “A scooter?”
“Huh, yeah,” Buck agrees as they watch a scooter float past. “Nice one, buddy. Your turn, superman.”
“I spy,” Chris looks around in thought, “a shopping cart.”
Buck laughs, gasping dramatically. “No, c’mon. You know that’s not how you play the game. You don’t just yell stuff out, I’m supposed to guess what you’re looking at, silly."
Chris giggles, twisting to look up at Buck. “But yelling stuff out is the fun part!”
Buck looks at him, smiling softly. “You amaze me, Christopher.”
“What? Why?” he questions.
“Because after all of this, everything that happened today with your school and the tsunami, you never gave up hope. You are still here laughing and smiling through it, still being brave. I recently had some bad stuff happen to me and it made me sad, but you’ve encouraged me to look on the bright side of things.”
Pulling him closer, Buck sighs. “Even in the water, when you were scared to let go. You were still brave enough to try, you just kept on swimming.”
“Like Dory?” Chris questions innocently.
“Exactly like Dory,” Buck agrees.
“Look over there,” one man calls quietly. Buck sits up, shuddering when he spots the man floating upside down in the water.
“Hey, Chris?” he calls suddenly, trying to keep his tone even. He stands up, picking Chris up with him and directing his attention to the sky. “I spy something up high.”
Chris giggles along, too young to understand that something is wrong. “Umm, is it a street sign?”
“Nope, it’s even higher than that.”
As Chris glances up innocently, Buck watches as the man passes them slowly, feeling guilty that he couldn’t save them too.
“The sky?”
“Yep,” Buck agrees once the man is gone, smiling weakly at Chris. “You got it, bud.”
“That was easy,” Chris teases, sticking his tongue out.
“You’re right,” Buck surrenders. “I guess I’m not very good at this game.”
“You’re good at lots of other things though,” Chris insists, not disagreeing with Buck’s statement.
“Yeah? Like what?”
“Well, you saved me,” Chris says as if it’s nothing but Buck’s heart stops anyway, overwhelming emotions overtaking him. “And you saved them.”
“We did that together,” Buck responds, not wanting to cry in front of the kid. “We make a good team.”
The water gets louder and Buck looks around, his face paling as he notices the water receding back at a rapid pace.
The waves crash and rock the truck, people screaming in terror once more. Buck holds Chris closer, allowing the boy to cling to him tightly.
Someone is pushed off by the force and immediately taken away with no hope of returning alive.
“Get down!” Buck screams, covering Chris’ body with his own. “Everybody, get down! Hang on, do not let go. Keep hanging on.”
“Help! Help me!”
Even more survivors come to the truck, brought along by the second wave. People reach over the side, helping Buck to drag them onto the truck this time. He keeps his body over Chris’ as he works, refusing to leave him this time.
Something slams into the truck, nearly knocking everyone off, the rough motion forcing Buck’s arms to slam down onto a shard of metal. Buck doesn’t notice, too distracted thinking that if he hadn’t had the fourth sense to tie Chris to the truck, then he would have gone overboard with them.
“Christopher!” Buck shouts, watching as he is yanked about.
“Bucky!"
Buck grabs him again, refusing to let go for another second. “I’ve got you still, you’re okay.”
Buck glances around, knowing that he needs to get Chris out of there before he becomes dehydrated or severely injured.
The water has gone back enough that Buck thinks his feet would touch the ground, maybe allowing him to walk to shelter.
He has to take the risk, help could be days away and Buck doesn’t think that he is going to make it that long.
“Chris, I’m going to try and get us some help, okay? We can’t stay up here forever," Buck explains, feeling awful for disturbing the already distressed boy.
“No,” he cries, clinging tighter. “Don’t leave me, Bucky. You promised, please stay with me.”
“Hey, hey, hey,” Buck shushes him. “I’m not leaving you behind, I'm going to carry you, okay? You won’t leave my side the whole time, Chris.”
He sniffles, clearly tired and sore, but he nods.
Buck unties the harness from the truck and secures it around his waist, effectively tying them together. It’s a risk, the unknown and dangers the waters could hold, but Buck won’t take the chance of being separated.
As he works he explains to the group of survivors what he is doing, despite their protests, and promises to send help for them.
Without a chance to rethink or back down, Buck jumps off the ladder truck; crashing into the water.
But he lands it, and by some miracle, he hasn’t been dragged under and his feet are able to reach the ground, the water level at his chest.
The water is murky and filled with debris that makes walking difficult, but Buck pushes through.
Chris waves goodbye and Buck begins the long journey. In a way he is grateful for the water and harness, it helps to take some of the weight off Chris and his bad leg.
Buck rambles, entertaining Chris with random facts and jokes until Chris’ breathing evens out. He must’ve been exhausted, the rocking of the water and Buck’s footsteps soothing him to sleep.
Buck isn’t graced with the same opportunity, no chance for rest or breaks if he wants to make it to the people today.
Buck’s bad foot catches, causing him to stumble and crash into an upturned car. The broken glass and metal cut into him and his ankle feels like it’s on fire. He groans in pain, clenching his jaw to stop the scream trying to escape him.
“Hey! You alright?”
The voice comes out of nowhere. They had passed people on their journey, but everyone had been too tired or lost to take the time to speak.
Buck squints into the distance, feeling like he could cry at the sight of a boat heading in their direction.
“Woah, man,” one man exclaims, “you look rough. You need immediate medical attention, man. We’re a rescue boat, why don’t you let us take you to the emergency hospital the city’s set up?”
“Thank you,” Buck rasps, too tired to care about danger. “Do you think you could help him up?”
They both scramble forward, reaching out and lifting Chris onto the boat, the harness not allowing much leeway from Buck.
Then they pull Buck up, and immediately start the engine, taking off.
Chris must’ve woken at being moved, because he blinks sleepily, rubbing his eyes, “daddy?”
“Sorry, buddy. Not yet, but we’re almost there, okay?” Buck tries to be positive.
He frowns but folds himself back into Buck’s chest without prompting. “It’s okay, you’re trying really hard, Bucky. Thank you.”
“Thank you for being so brave, Chris,” Buck retaliates.
Once they are far enough away from the sea, the water begins to thin and turn back into the land, making it impossible to take the boat any farther.
“The hospital’s just up there,” they point and Buck can see tents and makeshift light in the darkness. “Do you think you can make it?”
Buck nods and climbs down with Chris, “yeah, thank you for your help. Don't forget about the survivors on the ladder truck, yeah?”
“All good,” they smile. “Hopefully everything turns out okay for you and your kid.”
Buck doesn’t bother to correct them, moving in the direction of help. There are people everywhere, some injured, some asleep, some crying, some reuniting.
Buck manages to find a phone, ringing Maddie immediately, knowing she would kill him if he didn't.
"Hello, Maddie speaking."
"Maddie."
"Buck? I didn't recognise this number," she questions, sounding stressed and tired.
Buck swallows and proceeds to explain everything, promising that she doesn't need to come down when she insists.
He can hear her fear, knowing that her brother being out there would be making her anxiety and fear worse, but Buck couldn't risk her finding out from someone else.
Buck walks slowly as he talks, limping heavily. He stops at a medical tent, prepared to head inside to get Chris checked out before calling his dad.
But the actual hospital building’s door slamming open makes him stop, looking in the other direction.
Eddie appears and Buck ducks behind a tent without thinking about it. He can’t let Eddie see him like this, not when he had promised him he would stay out of trouble.
And getting caught up in a tsunami with a small child is not staying out of trouble.
He doesn’t want Eddie to be disappointed or worry about him, not when Buck can see that it’s already taking a toll on him.
“Shit, shit, shit,” Buck grumbles.
“Buck,” Maddie says sharply. “What happened, are you okay?”
“Eddie’s here,” he almost whines.
Buck can almost see Maddie’s look of deadpan. “That’s a good thing, Evan. He could help you and find Chris’ dad. Talk to him.”
“No,” Buck disagrees easily. “I’m good.”
“Evan.”
“He’s gonna be mad that I was here. I promised him I was going to take a walk in the park, but I never told him that I ended up down at the pier instead.”
“Buck, he’s not going to be mad. Upset that you got injured again, yes. But not angry at something you had no control over,” Maddie reassures before sighing.
“Listen, now that you’re safe and in good hands I need to get back to taking calls,” Maddie says regretfully. “Promise me you’ll call if something happens, baby brother? You know I love you.”
“Yeah,” Buck agrees reluctantly, wincing at how she will react later when she finds out the true extent of his injuries. “Thanks, Maddie. I love you too.”
She hangs up and Buck checks to make sure Chris is still asleep in his arms.
“Buck?”
Buck freezes, turning around slowly to face Eddie.
He’s walking over quickly, concerns clear. “What are you doing here? Are you okay?”
Buck nods, “I was, um- I was down at the pier, trying to get out of my head.”
Eddie comes even closer, his hand hovering over the large scratches covering Buck’s face, “shit, Buck. You were there when the tsunami-?”
Buck smiles wobbly, “yeah, you know my luck.”
“We need to get you checked out, have you been to-”
Eddie is cut off when Chris wakes, sitting up abruptly and almost falling out of Buck’s arms in his haste.
“Daddy!” he cries, reaching out desperately.
“...Chris?” Eddie says, looking dazed.
He blinks rapidly before he jolts and his face contorts painfully as he reaches out for a now sobbing Chris.
Eddie takes his son, sinking to the floor in shock as he holds him close. “You were supposed to be safe,” Eddie almost sobs into Chris’ hair. “Your school texted before the tsunami hit to let us know you were back. What happened, hijo?”
Buck stumbles back, lightheaded with relief as Chris mumbles something back.
Chris.
Eddie’s son Chris, oh god.
Oh god.
A sob tears through his throat, his body swaying as he feels arms grab onto him and call his name. Buck isn’t listening, his head buzzing and his adrenaline leaving.
Bobby appears in front of him, blocking his view of Chris and Eddie, making him whine in distress. “Buck? Are you okay? What are you doing out here?”
Buck smiles dopily, his eyes unfocused. “I’m fine.”
To contradict his prior words, Buck begins to crash as the exhaustion and blood loss hit him all at once.
He falls forward, Bobby and Chim rushing to catch him as he collapses to the floor, the hands helping to lower him down. Buck stares blankly into nowhere, head lolling and laying on Hen’s arm as they try to gain his attention.
Everything fades to black.
* * * * * * *
This has to be some sort of practical joke at this point.
Where are the camera and laughing track? Where’s the drama series that is causing him so many problems, and so many hospital trips?
There are oxygen tubes down his nose again, an I.V. needle in his hand for fluid and a blood transfusion running through his system, a thick bandage wrapped around the same arm, something on his head and his foot is elevated.
But the thing that Buck notices most, the one unusual part of his usual stay is the strange weight on his mostly uninjured side. Buck blinks, looking down as best as he can without moving too much.
Realisation rushes through him, memories and flashbacks flooding his brain. Chris.
“Chris!” he shouts in fear, body tensing and jerking upwards.
“Hey, hey, hey,” Eddie jumps up, placing his hands on Buck’s chest. “He’s okay, look he’s asleep right next to you. It’s alright now, Buck. It’s over.”
Buck sinks back into the bed, eyes wide and distant.
“Eddie?”
“Yeah, Buck. I’m here, I’ve got you now, baby,” Eddie agrees gently, not letting go of Buck yet.
Now that Buck really thinks about it, Chris being Eddie’s son should have been obvious.
All of the signs were there, Buck was just too busy trying to survive and keep Chris alive in a tsunami to realise the signs.
One, the kid’s name is Chris.
Two, he has cerebral palsy like Eddie’s kid.
Three, Chris said his dad was a firefighter and Buck has enough experience to know that about Eddie.
Four, even though Eddie’s wallpaper was an old photo the resemblance was uncanny.
Five, well five is that of course this would happen to Buck. Of course he would find a guy he really likes and somehow end up surviving a natural disaster with their child.
Something like this could only happen to Buck.
“You saved my son,” Eddie says.
It’s not a question, it’s a statement.
“I did what any good person would have done, if anything he saved me,” Buck denies.
“No,” Eddie disagrees as if it’s simple. “You saved him, that’s how he sees it, Buck. That's how I see it. You were out there and you protected my child even if it meant risking your own life. You kept him safe through a fucking tsunami, Buck, that’s not something most people would or even could have done.”
Buck releases a shuddering breath, not replying.
“Buck, look at me.”
He can’t, his head tilted down and his hands clenched together.
“Evan,” Eddie whispers, tilting his chin up with his finger. “You’re his hero, Buck. All that kid knows is that something terrifying happened and he knew he would be okay because you were there with him.”
Tears well up in his eyes, his bottom lip trembling.
“Oh, Buck. You did so good, you were so brave. Chris has been telling everyone all about how you saved everyone, that you kept going out there so no one was left behind. That’s pretty heroic behaviour. He told me about what his teacher did and how you make him happy and promised to help him. I can't even tell you how much it means that you were there, I don't know what I would have done if my kid had died all alone. It's horrific and trust me when I say that I will be suing his school to hell and back and ensuring Miss Flores never works with children again.”
Buck sighs in relief, "good. When he told me what happened I wanted to raise hell for that kid. How could anyone leave such a sweet and kind boy behind? It's despicable."
Then what Eddie said sinks in, a flush of warmth flooding his face.
“He really thinks I’m his hero?” Buck whispers hopefully.
Eddie smiles, his own eyes wet. “He’s never going to forget this, not because it was traumatic, but because you made it okay. He will always remember this day as the day he met his Bucky.”
“He’s never going to let you leave, now. I’m afraid you're stuck with us, look at him, he hasn’t let you go since you got here, refusing to let you suffer alone,” Eddie confesses. “It's not just Chris, I’m never letting you go now. You have us as long as you want us Buck, we’d be pretty darn lucky if you wanted us to.”
“I want you,” Buck sobs with a laugh, smile beaming. “I want you so much, Eddie. I’ve wanted you since we first met at my apartment and haven't stopped since. Chris would be a bonus, he’s the best kid I’ve ever met and I would be happy to have him in my life. Even if you don’t want me in that way, any way I could have you would be enough for me, Eddie.”
“You’ve got me,” Eddie promises, “in any and every way. You’ve got me.”
Then he leans forward, resting his forehead against Buck; careful of the stitches on his forehead and cheek.
“Can I kiss you, Evan?”
Buck doesn't respond verbally, surging up enough to close the gap between their lips.
The kiss is soft, the gentle touch of their lips moving together, and Buck brings his free hand up to gently cup Eddie’s cheek. Eddie kisses him like Buck is something precious to be cherished and loved.
There is no tongue, nor does the kiss turn into anything desperate with Chris laying near them, but it’s enough to satisfy them after months of want.
Buck sighs happily, a smile gracing his lip.
Eddie smiles back against his lip, a small huff of laughter escaping him. “You can have my back any day, Cariño,” Eddie whispers against his lips.
“Yeah, or you know,” Buck responds breathlessly, “you could continue to have mine?”
“Always.”
They pull back and Eddie rests his head back on Bucks.
They close their eyes and just breathe.
“Also,” Buck interrupts, disturbing their moment, “I’ve been meaning to ask but what does Cariño mean?”
Eddie laughs softly, pecking his lips once more, “it means love in spanish, baby.”
“Oh,” Buck sighs, “I like that.”
“Good,” Eddie agrees, “then I won’t stop.”
Movement makes them pull apart, Chris blinking sleepily up at them before he startles and the tears come.
He collapses back into Buck, hugging him tightly as Buck holds him close. “Bucky, you’re okay. I'm so happy that my Bucky is the same as daddy’s Bucky. I really didn’t want to have to share the spot of my favourite.”
“Yeah, buddy, I’m daddy's Bucky too,” Buck agrees, looking up and meeting Eddie’s eye, a small loving smile on Eddie’s face at the sight of his two favourite boys together. That look alone says everything, that they were going to make this work together, no matter what life throws at them.
“We’re okay.”