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Buck knew, logically, that he needed to tell his friends, his sister, and his pseudo parental figures. But that was scary! And having to explain to Bobby, his boss, and practically his dad?? That sounded so nerve wracking, especially after Bobby had found out that they were dating? Bobby had called Eddie into his office and when he came out, he looked ready to shit his pants. Buck could only imagine how that conversation went. So he decided to go with the easiest target. He was going to tell Maddie and Chimney, and hopefully Maddie would be able to scowl at Chim enough to keep his damn mouth shut. So that's what he did, two weeks after Buck had found out that he was pregnant, and after he had his first doctors appointment, finding out that he was only a month and some weeks along. He asked for a sonogram, put it in a little bag, along with two shirts, one that said Future Best Aunt Ever and World's Funniest Uncle. He asked Chim and Maddie to meet up with him for lunch, which brings us to now.
Buck sat down at the table at a new restaurant that had opened up down the street from Maddie and Chimneys, the bag hidden next to him on the booth. He looked up when he heard footsteps, a smile on his face when he saw his big sister and brother-in-law.
“Buckaroo!” Chimney grinned as he slid into the booth, sitting across from Buck, he grabs a menu and starts looking over options for food and drink.
“Hey Chim, I ordered an appetizer already, pita and spinach and artichoke dip, it sounded pretty good.” Buck smiled and looked at Maddie, “Hey Mads.” He greets his big sister with a smile.
“Hey Buck, how are you?” She asked as she slid into the booth next to Chim, picking up her own menu to study since Chim was hogging his.
“I’m good, great actually, but I do have some news to share with you guys.” Buck took a deep breath. Here it goes. Chimney and Maddie looked at each other then at Buck, a mix of curiosity and concern coating their features. As Buck went to speak, a waitress came over to take their drink orders, which cut Buck off. They all quickly gave the waitress what they wanted to drink.
“Spill, Buckley, I’m getting impatient here.” Chim huffed, earning him a slap on the arm from Maddie. Buck sighed and just grabbed the gift bag and placed it on the table, glancing at them.
“Open it.” Buck nervously said, he looked at them. A million different scenarios were going through his mind. He was nervous and scared. He watched Maddie and Chimney look at each other before Chim took out the tissue paper hesitantly. Maddie had her eyes on Buck as Chimney pulled the shirts out. He opened them and gasped, handing the aunt one to Maddie. He was completely shocked. Maddie looked at her shirt then at Buck.
“Are you serious?” Maddie asked softly, her eyes wide and shining with tears. When Buck nodded, she hopped up from where she was sitting and went around the table to hug Buck tightly. “I’m so happy for you!” She held her baby brother so tight. “How far along?”
“Only a month and a half…I found out two weeks ago, my first appointment was earlier today, there’s even a sonogram in there.” Hearing that, Chimney pulled out the sonogram and grinned, looking at the black and white sonogram. “Don’t worry, I already gave Eddie his copy, but please don’t tell anyone yet. Only you guys and Eddie know. We haven’t even told Chris yet, but we’re going to tell him on Friday after school. So please keep your mouths shut, I’m looking at you Chim.” That comment got an offended gasp out of the older man. “Eddie and I are going over to Hen and Karen’s this weekend to tell them.” Buck had a smile on his face, he was so happy.
“Well, congratulations Buck, I’m so happy for you and Eddie! Have fun tellin Cap though, remember when you had told Cap that you guys were dating?” Chim gave Buck a teasing grin. In which Buck just groaned.
“Ugh, don’t remind me. Honestly I don’t know who I’m more afraid to tell, Bobby or Athena.” Buck just shook his head. “But thank you Chim, and seriously, please don’t tell anyone.”
“Trust me Buck, Howie won’t be telling anyone anything unless he wants to spend a week on the couch.” The glare she sent Chim was scary enough, “And I will also be telling Eddie my congratulations as well, seriously, this is a huge milestone for you guys, I’m really happy for you guys.” Maddie huffed, “You’re all grown up, I just can’t believe this.” Buck just rolled their eyes as the waitress brought over their drinks and asked them if they were ready to order. Overall, this had gone better than expected. Two down, five more to go. This was going pretty well if Buck did say so himself!!!
~
Soon, Friday rolled around. Buck and Eddie having just gotten off a grueling forty-eight hour shift. Buck not having missed the very obvious glances from Chim and Eddie, thankfully those went right under Bobby and Hens radar. As Buck climbed into Eddie's truck, a little more exhausted than usual from the pregnancy, Eddie spoke up.
“So, are you ready to tell Christopher?” Eddie asked, clearly giddy and excited about being able to tell his son that he was about to be a big brother. This was exciting news.
“Of course I am! I have his Big Brother shirt in the closet, I hope he’s excited to become a big brother.” Buck smiled, then that familiar sinking feeling filled his chest. “Eddie…what if he isn’t happy. I-I mean, what if he gets upset, or-or yells. What if he hates me?” All these different ‘what if’s’ filling his mind. He felt tears well up in his eyes, stupid pregnancy hormones messing with how he was thinking. He wiped away some of the stray tears that had slipped through the cracks. Eddie was quick to react to the tears falling down his lover's face.
“Hey, hey, none of that, Chris would never ever think of doing that to you.” Eddie cupped Buck’s face. “He’s always wanted a little sibling, he’s going to be estatic. So don’t worry baby, stop your tears.” Buck just nodded, his tears drying as quickly as they came, his hormones all out of whack.
“You promise…?” Buck asked, trying to calm down.
“I swear it, on my life, he's going to be so excited to be a big brother, now, do you want to go and get some In-N-Out before we go home?”
“God that sounds heavenly, yes please.” Buck nodded enthusiastically, leaning back against the seat. He had seemingly forgotten his previous meltdown, now excited for his In-N-Out. He turned the radio on and started singing along to a Nirvana song, excited to get home and eat his food with Chris and his boyfriend.
They reached the house after about twenty minutes of driving and sitting in the drive-thru. He got out of the car once Eddie stopped, grabbing their food and drink and letting him get their LAFD duffle bags. He made his way to the house, a newfound giddy feeling in his chest. He stepped through the front door, greeted by the excited tapping of crutches sounding throught the hallway.
“Bucky, you’re home! And you brought In-N-Out?? You’re the best ever!!” Chris awkwardly wrapped his arms, crutches and all around Buck, hugging him so tight. And who was Buck to deny his favorite Diaz a hug? He wrapped his free arm around Chris as Eddie walked in behind him. He dropped their duffles and took the food from Buck, taking it to the kitchen.
“Chris, me and your dad have something very important to tell you, okay? Go sit down at the table, I’ll be right back.” Chris just nodded and went to the table to go and sit down. Eddie looked over Chris’ shoulder and gave him a knowing look before he pulled down plates for their food. Buck made his way to their room and pulled open the closet. He reached down and grabbed the shirt, now, most people would think that all the t-shirts were Buck’s idea, but in reality? It was all Eddie, and by god did Buck love this side of him, dorky and sweet, something just for him, only for his eyes. He felt so special.
He walked out of their bedroom, the t-shirt tucked under his arm. He made his way to Christopher. “Okay buddy, close your eyes and open your hands.”
“That’s weird, but okay.” He shrugged, that typical child like sass and innocence lacing his words. Once Christopher’s eyes were closed, Buck placed the t-shirt in his hands. The shirt saying Big Brother Protection Squad in funky letters.
“Okay mijo, open your eyes.” Eddie said softly, a fond look in his eyes as he watched them, he stood up and put a hand on Buck’s shoulder. Chris opened his eyes and furrowed his eyes, lifting the shirt up to see what it said. He then gasped and looked at Buck, then at Eddie.
“Are- are you serious? I’m gonna be a big brother? Like- this isn’t a joke?” Christopher looked up at him, his eyes wide. Buck swore he could feel his heart double in size and do a flip at Chris’ re action.
“We’re serious buddy, I’m pregnant, you’re gonna be a big brother.” Buck confirmed with a huge smile on his face, he pulled Chris in for a tight hug and smiled, he looked over Christopher’s shoulder, making eye contact with Eddie.
“You happy mijo?” Eddie asked and came over, kissing the top of his son's head.
“I’m so happy! I’ve always wanted to be a big brother! You’re the best Buck!”
And yeah, Buck would say that this? It was a success.
Until Chris asked, “Buck? How are babies made?”
~
It was a day later, and Eddie, Chris and Buck were on their way to the Wilson's home. The stupid t-shirts all sitting in the gift bag in the back seat. One was for Denny, it said, Best Future Cousin Ever and then there were two for Hen and Karen, one said Wine Aunt Best Aunt, Buck had a feeling that Karen would take that one. The other shirt said Coolest Aunt Around, courtesy of Eddie and his amazing t-shirt picking skills. Buck was currently thinking of how Hen and Karen would take this, as well as the probability of Hen throwing something at Eddie.
They pulled up to their house, Buck getting out first to help Chris out of the jeep. He made sure he was steady and had his crutches before letting him make his way to the steps and front door. Buck grabbed the gift bag and soon joined Eddie and Chris at ths front door. Before Buck even had the opportunity to knock on the door, it was quickly pulled open by Karen, a huge grin on her face. “Hurry up! Hen and I are dying to find out what the big news is!” She waved them in and helped Chris into the house.
“It’s good to see you too, Karen.” Buck smiled as he walked in, the comforting, homey feeling enveloping him like it always did.
“Where’s Hen and Denny?” Eddie asked after giving Karen a hug.
“Oh, Denny’s playing in his room and Hen is-” Karen was cut off by the voice of her wife coming from the kitchen.
“Hen is in the kitchen, waiting to learn about whatever the hell you two have hiding.” Came Hen’s voice, that typical suspicious sass lacing her tone. Buck just snorted and made his way to the kitchen, Eddie and Karen trailing behind him, Christopher making his way to Denny’s room. “Hi Buck.” Hen greeted and pulled him in for a hug, which Buck graciously accepted. “So, what’s the big news you guys have to tell us?” She asked as she pulled away from the hug.
“Well, we kinda need Denny here as well.” Buck supplied, the gift bag in his hand glaringly obvious. Hen raised an eyebrow at the bag then looked over at Eddie, who just grinned and gave Buck a kiss on the cheek.
“I’ll go and get him.” Karen hummed and left the three in the kitchen in search of the two boys. Only a few minutes had passed before the soft, childlike chatter and familiar clack of crutches came into earshot. Denny smiled when he saw Eddie and Buck.
“Hi Buck! Hi Eddie! Mama says you had news that I also had to hear.” Denny looked over at Chris. The boys face mirroring his fathers which caused Denny to gasp at Chris, “Do you know what they’re hiding?”
“Of course I do.” Chris giggled “I’m their son!” He looked at Eddie and Buck happily. Buck was pretending that didn’t make him want to cry. He cleared his throat and just handed the bag to Hen. She looked at Buck suspiciously then at Karen. She put the bag down and pulled the tissue paper out.
“T-Shirts?” Hen asked as she pulled the first one out. She unfolded it and read it, “Coolest Aunt Around.” Then she gasped “YOU’RE PREGNANT?!” She yelled, her eyes wide. Buck nodded enthusiastically, then he was enveloped in a mama bear hug that rivaled Athena’s. “Oh, Buck congratulations!! I’m so happy for you guys!!!” She looked at the other shirts, “These ones for Karen and Denny?”
“Yes they are, and thank you so much.” Buck hugged her back.
“Well what does mine say?” Karen reached into the bag and pulled hers out. “HAH! Mine is awesome, you pick this out Buck?” She asked as she pulled Denny’s shirt out and handed it to her son. “And congratulations you guys, you guys deserved this.” She gave Buck a tight hug.
“No, actually, Eddie picked yours out.” Buck grinned and hugged Karen back, “And thank you, it means a lot.” He sniffled a little. Eddie came over and rubbed his shoulder, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “What do you think, Denny? Ready to have another friend?”
“I’m super excited!! Me and Chris are gonna keep the baby so safe!!” Denny looked at Chris who nodded excitedly. Buck swore he was going to start crying at the ten year olds words.
“All we have next is Bobby and Athena.” Eddie said, slight worry in his eyes. “We’re having dinner with them next week, that’s when we’re telling them.” He looked and sounded nervous, causing Hen to snort.
“Well, good luck with that, we’ll plan your funeral.” Hen grinned and pat Eddie on the shoulder. Buck was so thankful for their reactions. But god, he was so nervous for Bobby and Athena’s reactions.
~
This planned dinner came faster than Eddie and Buck were ready for, but they knew they had to do it. Especially since the possibility of it being a topic at the station is higher, they didn’t have a choice. So that’s where they were stuck at, Buck driving as they dropped Christopher off at Hen and Karen’s so they boys could have a sleepover. Chris had said he had wanted to come up with baby names with Denny, so Buck knew that when they came to pick Chris up the next day, he would have a huge list of boy and girl names. Buck wouldn’t be opposed to that actually, he was going to bring it up to Eddie, but one glance at him and god he looked like a nervous wreck. “Babe, it’s gonna be okay, I promise.” Buck attempted to soothe and calm him.
“Logically, I know that, but that isn’t stopping me from being nervous. I don’t know what I’m more scared of, the lecture from Bobby, or Athenas death glare.” Eddie huffed and looked over at him, “I swear I thought Bobby was gonna murder me when we went into his office to talk. He’s a scary man Buck.” Eddie shuddered dramatically for effect. Buck just rolled his eyes as they pulled up to Athena and Bobby’s.
“Welp, we’re here. Let’s go.” Buck would be lying if he didn’t share the same fear as Eddie. He leaned over and kissed his cheek before climbing out of his jeep. He walked to the backseat and pulled out the last gift bag. This one had a more updated sonogram than the one he had given Maddie and Chim two weeks ago. The two t-shirts that Eddie had picked out were absolutely hysterical if Buck did say so himself. The one Eddie had chosen for Bobby had said, Fire Grandpa with a stupid cartoonish fire helmet on it. The one for Athena had said Best Grandma In Los Angeles. Since he was now two full months along, his stomach now sported a very small, unnoticable bump. Thankfully, the shirt Buck had chosen would completely conceal the bump in case Athena or Bobby paid too close attention to Buck. Eddie came over to Buck and wrapped his arm around his waist. Together they walked to the front door of the Grant-Nash residence and knocked. Athena opened the door with a huge smile.
“Buckaroo! Eddie!” She exclaimed and pulled them both in for a tight, motherly hug. Athena then pulled away, “Well come in! Bobby’s just finished setting the table! We have wine and beer too since you guys said you had news.” Buck internally froze, how could he avoid drinking? Thankfully, he came up with a quick and hopefully convincing excuse.
“Ah, that sounds lovely Athena, but I won’t drink anything, I’m on an alcohol cleanse.” Buck said as he made his way into the house, Eddie trailing him.
“Well, that’s too bad, I had bought yours and Eddie's favorite.” Athena frowned as she followed them to the table, she eyed the gift bag in Buck’s hand but said nothing. Bobby came over to them, carrying a salad to the table.
“There you boys are.” Bobby had a huge smile on his face as he set the bowl of salad down. He pulled Buck in for a tight fatherly hug, the bag between them making a crackling sound. “What’s this?” Buck cleared his throat.
“That’s actually why Eddie and I are here.” Buck said sheepishly. He pulled out of the hug and looked at Eddie for reassurance. Eddie nodded despite his nerves, he put a hand on Bucks shoulder. Athena raised an eyebrow at them both.
“What did you boys do?” She asked, acussedly, sharing a glance with Bobby. Buck just put the bag on the table and took a step back to let Athena and Bobby open the bag. He had hoped to do this after dinner, but hey, you can’t always get what you want. Bobby gave Eddie an accusatory glance as Athena pulled the tissue paper out. On the very top, was the sonogram. Athena gasped as she pulled out the delicate pictures, she showed it to Bobby then looked at Buck.
Poor Buck looked ready to burst into tears, he was afraid of what they were going to say. Eddie squeezed his hand, the silence incredibly tense and nerve wracking. Athena spoke first, “How far along are you, Buckaroo?” She asked in such a motherly tone that Buck almost lost it.
“U-uhm I’m two months…” Buck whispered, he instinctively put his hand on the small bump developing. Athena just smiled and pulled him in for a tight hug, holding the taller man in her arms. That was the final straw, and Buck just started crying into Athena’s shoulder.
“Oh, Buck, hey, hey, don’t cry.” Athena was quick to soothe, “It’s okay Buckaroo, we love you so much.” She held Buck in her arms who seemed so incredibly young. Bobby looked at Eddie, who looked like a nervous wreck.
“You know the drill, Diaz. I know you’re already together, but don’t hurt him, yeah?” Before Eddie even got the chance to respond, he was yanked into a Bobby Nash bear hug. “I’m very happy for you both.” Eddie just nodded into the hug, feeling emotional himself.
Soon, Buck had calmed down, he cleared his throat. “U-uh, Eddie got you guys some shirts, we got everyone shirts for the announcement.” He sniffled and pulled away from Athena. Bobby nodded and pulled his shirt out of the bag. He read it and started laughing.
“A little on the nose, don’t you think?” Bobby asled with a smile as Athena grabbed hers and unfolded it to read it.
“I love it Eddie.” Athena gave Eddie a hug, “Now, let’s eat.” She led them to the table. As Buck sat down, he thought to himself. Yeah, this was the best family he could ever ask for. His baby was going to be raised in a very loving family, and Buck couldn’t be happier.