Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

Buck had thought living in Hershey after Maddie had left was lonely. Looking back that felt like a summers day walk in the park compared to how he feels now. After surviving the ladder truck crushing his leg, the surgeries on his leg, the long agonising physical therapy, the pulmonary embolism, the tsunami almost losing Chris and the lawsuit. Buck thought he could survive anything.

But 2 months back at the 118 had made him feel so isolated and alone. Chim’s once humorous quips have turned spiteful, thrown at him like a dagger aimed directly at Bucks throat. Hen treated him well his first shift but slowly turned cold as time went on. Eddie couldn’t be in the Same room as Buck, always leaving as soon as he entered a room. Bobby wouldn’t look at him, only speaking to Buck to give him the most medial task or to reprimand him for not completing the list of chores he was given fast enough, even though no one could do all those chores in a 48hr shift let alone the 24hr shift he was on. The rest of the fire house followed their leads.

Buck could do a 48hr shift and not hear a single word directed at him, when he would walk into the locker room at the start of the shift the team acted like cockroaches and he had just turned the light on. One of his firsts shifts back Buck headed up to the loft for dinner when the call came out to find there was no space for him, with most glaring at him has he crossed the room got a glass of water and left them to their meals. From then on he would grab a protein bar and head up to the roof and time the team shared a meal. While others slept he worked on his chore list or snuck into an empty storage closet to take a rest.

Away from the firehouse no one spoke to him either, he understood Athena and Karen wanting to support their partners, but Maddie was his sister. She never even let him explain just cut him off, it reminded him of the time she left with Doug. He wasn’t allowed to even reach out to his favourite Diaz, he’d been scolded for that when he called to speak to Chris. He could still hear Eddies yell to stay away ringing through his ears. His loft completely silent Buck had sat all alone barely speaking to a soul for months.
Buck decided it was time to end it.....

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Buck spent the rest of the night on his computer combing through different options, and applying for different position. He spent all of his downtime when not at the firehouse packing and selling all his belongings, till all he had was a swag to sleep in and a duffle bag full of cloths and his toiletries. Two weeks later he was offered a position on a hotshot crew in Oklahoma, starting in 2 weeks.

Soon as Buck had received the offer from the Oklahoma hotshots, he jumped at the oppertunity. He then sent his letter of resignation to HR at the LAFD HQ, he didn’t want to see Bobby’s satisfaction at him leaving. The following morning he received a call asking him to attended a meeting to discuss his resignation at LAFD HQ later that afternoon.

Buck spent the rest of the morning pacing back and forward in his empty loft. On his way out he stopped by the managers office for his building, informing them of his leave date. Jumped in the Jeep and headed to central LA for his meeting. He was seated in a large conference room, high back chairs, long dark conference table. It reminded of the rooms he frequented during the lawsuit, which made him nervous. His nerves turned to panic when Chief Alonzo walked into the room with a rather short lady carrying a rather thick manilla folder.

“Afternoon firefighter Buckley, have you been told why we requested this meeting?”

“No sir, but can guess its to do with my resignation?” Bucks voice pitched up at the end

“That is something I would like to rectify” Buck looked at the chief confused.

“I’m not pleased Buckley, I’m not happy how any thing has been handled over the last few months in regards to you”

“I’m sorry sir I think I’m confused”

“Look you’re an exemplary firefighter, this folder” Alonzo points to the think manilla folder “is full of letters from the general public, other firefighters and captains praising your work. I believe it would be a detrimental loss to the LA fire service if you left, and i plan to do something to keep you to stay.

“But the lawsuit sir, I sued the department. Its the worst thing I’ve ever done, not even my team will talk to me. They’ve all shut me out, no one has spoken to me on shift since I came back”

Chief Alonzo raised an eyebrow and looked to the woman to his right.
“I’m sorry firefighter Buckley, my name is Sara Marshall. Can you please explain to me what you mean by that?”

Buck explained it all, how no one spoke to him except to throw insults or jab, that he wasn’t welcome to sit down to a meal with the rest of his team, the impossible list of chores, always the man behind and the sleeping in a storage room as he felt like we was imposing if he slept in the bunk room. Sara stood up and quickly left the room.

Buck hung his head “I’m sorry sir”

Alonzo’s voice softened “No son, I’m sorry. We should have kept an eye on you integration back into the 118. I’ll deal with those issues soon enough. What I need from you is what can I do to keep you with the LAFD?”

“I’m sorry sir I’ve already accepted a position in Oklahoma as a hotshot”

Alfonzo thought on if for a few seconds “That’s for only 6 months out of a year correct?”

“Yes sir. I’m planning to look into other options, I have sent my resume out to a few fire services”

Just then Sara came back in with another manilla folder in her hands and slid it in front of the chief.

“Look Buckley, I would really like to keep you in the LAFD. I have an offer for you. I can put you on unpaid leave for 6 months each year so you can go work as a hotshot. But once the season is over I would like you to comeback and train new firefighters the the academy. You can do it for 6 months a year passing on you vast knowledge and than for the other 6 months of the year you can do the hotshot life. If you’re still doing it after a few years I’ll even give you a recommendation to the smokejumper’s. Does that sounds like a good offer to you?”

“Sir, that would be amazing. Are you sure?”

“well do all you accreditation’s for here each time your back and I think you would benefit from other accreditation's like paramedic”

Bucks eyes widen “Yes sir, where do I sign”

Alonzo laughs “We’ll email you the contract tonight, unfortunately I now have another matter to attend to”

The chief extends his arm out, Buck stands and shakes it. As Buck walks past the chief on the way out he notices a very familiar name on top of the folder.

Chapter Text

Eddie was having a really bad day, the probie hes being forced to work with is absolutely shocking. He wishes he could have Buck back.... No Buck screwed them over. Its his fault hes dealing with this probie, its his fault the firehouse is in shambles. Hen’s not really talking to any of them, Chim is moody and Bobby... Eddie thinks something is wrong there but cant put his finger on it.

His head is no better, he’s dealing with Shannon’s death... Maybe not as well as he should but he’s trying. He’s dealing with the fallout from the Tsunami, Chris is waking up screaming every night and he doesn’t know what to do or how to fix it. Chris calls out for his Buck but Eddie can’t give him Buck, after everything that’s happened how can he trust him with his son. He and Chris both want Buck there, he misses his best friend. Eddie strikes out punching his locker, another thing he would have Buck help him deal with his anger has been extreme. It’s how he ends up at fight nights every few nights, the last one almost killed a guy. He promised Lena he would only go if she is after that. Eddie sighs why is it he always needs a wing man.

He’s got 2 hours left on his shift when he gets a text from Lena

Bosco
Hey, watcha doin tonight

Eddie
I know your not flirting with me lol what do you want

Bosco
EWWWWWWW your gross lol
Was thinking of heading up a fight tonight did you want to join?
But only if your not in a killing mood lol

Eddie
Oh you’re soooooo funny......
Carla is staying back a few hours tonight so I can have a break, so sure i can come

Bosco
Nice I’ll meet you there, I’ve got something to tell you too

Eddie
As long as it’s not about your girlfriends breast
Sure I’ll see you there

Bosco
Ass

2 more hours, 2 more hours Eddie thinks to himself.

Eddie pulls up to the vacant lot and sees a bunch of cars, headlights on and aimed at a group of people standing in a ring. As he drives over and parks he spots Lena almost straight away. She’s not the only woman, but she is the only woman with more muscle than most of the guys here.

“Alright so whats this you’ve got to talk to me about” Eddie ask as he sits next to here on the tail gate of her truck. She reaches around grabs a beer and hands it to him.

“After your fight, we’ll talk than”

“You’re being cryptic tonight aren’t you”

“Trust me you’ll take it better after you’ve worked out the anger first”

Eddie wasn’t sure he wanted to hear what she had to say now.

“Diaz, you up” Lena barked pointing to the ring. “I’ve already set it up for you”

Eddie removed his shirt, receiving a few whistles for his effort and threw it at Lena smiling at her as he strode into the ring. This guy was a damn Tank, he was taller and wider than Eddie and could probably wrap his hand around Eddies head.

“Fuck, Bosko what have you done” Eddie whispered to himself.

Eddie swung, jabbed, ducked, weaved and kicked. This guy was strong every hit he landed felt like someone was hitting Eddie with a sledge hammer, but he was also slow. If Eddie timed it well he found he could get a hit or two in and dodge before one came at him. It was like fighting a punching bag that could swing back at you. It was gruelling. Eddie was starting to tire this behemoth was just too big, his arms ached his breathing heavy. He saw a window and took it, an uppercut to the gut, a hook to the jaw and the guy stepped back and out of the fight. Eddie had won. He walked back to Lena’s truck

“Bitch” Eddie whispered as he sat down next to her.

“Are you angry”

“I’m too tired and sore to be angry”

“Good because you’re not going to like what I have to say”

“I’m listening” Eddie groaned

“Well i was at the Academy today, just getting some of my training paperwork sorted, and I notice Buckley has multiple certification records”

“Yeah so.... He broke the records during his original certification like 2-3 years ago. Nothing I didn’t already know”

“Actually the plaques say they were broken earlier this year” Lena let that sink in for a few bets.

“what are you saying”

“I’m saying your boy re-certified earlier this year and broke the records he previously set”

“That can’t be true, he would of had to of been cleared to even attempt to re-certify” Eddie was confused

“Bobby told us that he wasn’t ready, that the brass and dr’s said he wasn’t ready”

“I asked around about that while I was there. He was cleared, it wasn’t the brass holding Buck back” Lena sighed “Eddie it was Bobby, Bobby stopped him from coming back. That’s why he sued, Bobby treated him differently than any of you. Chimney didn’t have to even re-certify, once he got the all clear Bobby welcomed him back both times he almost died”

Eddie saw red, “So your saying that the reason I felt I couldn’t trust Buck, that I couldn’t talk to my best friend was a fucking lie”

Eddie stood up and started pacing “I couldn’t talk to my best friend about Shannon, He couldn’t be there for my son even when he would scream out for his Buck”. The tears started to run down Eddies Face “I need to go to him, I need to grovel and beg for his forgiveness. Where’s my keys”

“You’re in no state to drive get in the truck, I’ll take you there”

Eddie lent forward wrapping his arms around Lena. “I know we don’t hug but thank you, thank you for telling me”

“Get in the truck Diaz, we’ll get you to your emotional support animal”

They both jumped in the truck and peeled out of the lot.

20 min later they pulled up to the front of Bucks apartment block. Eddie let out a breath “can you come with, just to help get all the information out. I want him to know everything but i don’t know if i can actually say everything”

“Fuck Diaz, no wonder i prefer woman” She said with a smile.

They made their way up to Bucks apartment and knocked at the door. Eddies heart beat hard in his chest waiting for the door to open. It opened and he saw Buck standing in the door, a shocked look on his face. Eddie launched forward wrapping his whole body around Buck.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, I’m so sorry” tears streaming down his face as he continued to babble.

Buck looked up “hey Bosko, what the hell is going on?” Eddie continued to babble in his arms

“He just found out everything Bobby said about the lawsuit was a lie” she said with a sigh “can we come in, its kinda awkward doing this in the doorway?”

Buck motioned for her to come in as he waddled back with Eddie the spider monkey still attached still babbling sorries.

Buck looked down at Eddie “Eddie, you can let go now. Aahhh Bosko where is his shirt and why is he covered in bruises?”

“Long story, short version is hes been angry a lot, I took him to a fight night to tire him out so he wouldn’t be angry when i told him the truth about you and the lawsuit”

“We didn’t know, Bobby lied to us. I’m so sorry” Eddie repeated over and over again.

Lena looked around Buck’s apartment “I would say we should sit down, but you have no furniture. Why do you have no furniture?”

“another long story” Buck replied

“Don’t worry you can stay at mine” Eddie whispered

“Gay” Lena laughed

Eddie twisted his head at her in shock and confusion “what”

“Bi actually” Buck deadpanned

“WHAT” Eddies head flew back to Buck

“oh sweet, just remember the B may not be silent in LGBT but the L always leads the way” Lena laughed as she left them to talk going home to her own place.

“Grab your stuff and well head back to my place, we can sit down and talk there” Eddie invited “Chris will already be in bed, but hell no doubt be screaming for you in a few hours”

“Eddie whats going on with Chris?” fear shooting through Bucks eyes.

“Nightmares, every night he wakes up screaming for you”

Buck dashes up stairs, grabs his duffle bag and swag grabs Eddies hand and runs to the Jeep, flooring it all the way to Eddies. Not taking his eyes off the road Buck asks

“Can I take Chris to the Zoo tomorrow, its been so long. I miss him so much”

Eddie nods his head, then remembers Bucks not looking at him “Sure Buck i think he would really like that”

Eddie opens the front door and calls out to Carla to tell her he’s home. Buck follows him inside he hears a sudden gasp and see’s Carla with her hand over her heart and shock in her eyes as a single tear runs down her cheek.

“Buck” she says in a breathy tone “it is so good to see you Buckaroo, it warms a ladies hear. Oh Chris is going to be so happy” she pulls him into a hug as whispers in his ear “these boys have been so lost without you”

“That is something Eddie and I will be discussing very soon” he whispers in return

Her eyes bore through him “well I’ll leave you two to it”

“Oh before you go” Eddie pipes up “Buck wants to spend the day with Chris tomorrow, so you’ll have the day off. I will still pay you for the late cancellation”

“Pish posh, no need” she turns back to Buck “have a good day together” she kisses him on the cheek and leaves for the night.

Awkward silence fills the room “di—did you want a beer?” Eddie asks

“If you’re offering sure” Eddie moves to the kitchen as Buck takes a seat. When Eddie returns he hands Buck an open beer and sits down.

“So bi hey?” Eddie asks bashfully

“yeah, I had a lot of time to think. You know when no one wants to talk with you all you have is time to think” Eddie hangs his head in shame “I actually don’t blame you Eddie, you were lied to. I just wish you would have come to me first. But i know hes our captain, there’s a certain level of trust, and we all know I can be too much”

Eddies eye shoot up “you’re not too much. I’m so sorry i called you exhausting, you’re not. My life has been exhausting without you. I’ve been a complete ass to you. I couldn’t talk to you, so I was stuck in my head” he hangs his head again “Shannon's death really shook me. A couple of days before she told me she wasn’t pregnant and she wanted a divorce. Dealing with that and Chris’s trauma along with almost losing you both of you, really screwed my head and you weren’t there to help unscrew it. Its why Bosko started taking me to fight night, but it started to feel like it wasn’t enough so I ended up going to other fight nights without her” Eddie let a few beats of silence hang in the air “I lost control.... I almost killed a man” tears started running down his face as he started to sob “I punched his nose into his skull, I need you, I need you Buck”

“You have me Eddie, you’ve always had me. You just needed to reach out. Even when I’m not here in person I’m still here for you”

“What do you mean even when your not here?”

Buck lets out a breath “I’m going away for a while, I’m leaving the 118”

“What do you mean?”

“The 118 isn’t my home anymore, I don’t think it ever will be again. It’s time I moved on. So I’m going to be a hotshot for 6 moths”

“But why not stay with the LAFD, go to another house”

“Because a lot of houses still see me as the guy who sued the LAFD, Bobby has spread that around. I guess in an attempt to make it impossible for me to transfer, but chief Alonzo made me an offer that I signed the paper work for tonight. I’m still going to be working for the LAFD but every year I’ll take 6 months of annual leave to go do the hotshot stuff. And the other 6 month I’ll be working at the academy training the recruits”

At that moment a gut wrenching scream came from down the hall. Buck and Eddie ran down to Chris’s room. Buck opened the door to Chris’s cry’s “Bucky, I need my Buck” Buck sat on the bed and ran his fingers through Chris’s hair “I’m right here, shhhh shhhh, I’m right here superman” arms shot up wrapping around Bucks neck

“Buck, I missed you where have you been” Chris sobbed into his shoulder

“I’m so sorry superman, I had to go away and didn’t have a phone to call you”

“But I needed you”

“And from now on you will always be able to talk to me, even if I’m not here you can always call me, I love you superman”

“I love you too, can you sleep with me”

Eddie spoke up “go crawl into my bed, Buck will join you soon”

“Ok daddy, love you too”

Chris padded off to Eddies room

Once Chris was out of ear shot Eddie spoke “how are you going to do that when you’ll be away for 6 months out of the year”

“What if we got him one of those kids phones. They don’t have internet access all he could to is call and receive calls and texts, but only for approved numbers. We could put yours, mine, Carla’s, your Tia Pepa’s and Abuela” The idea intrigued Eddie “that’s not a bad idea, Ok, Ok, we can do that” Eddie sighed I’m going to go sleep on the couch, I have a 12hr shift tomorrow”

“No Eddie you should sleep, we’ve shared a bed before and we can have the muchkin between us. I’m sure he will feel safer with both of us there”

“Fine Lets go to bed you’ve got a busy day at the zoo, and I’ve got an interesting day too.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

Eddie woke the next morning, Chris still asleep next to him with a calm expression on his face. The bed was empty on the other side of Chris but Eddie could hear movement in the kitchen. He slowly moved out of the bed making sure to not disturb his son gathering his uniform for the day. Before leaving the room he looked back at Chris and sighed, this is the first time in months hes seen him so relaxed and has slept through the night without waking up screaming.

Eddie padded over to the bathroom, closing his bedroom door on the way. Turning on the water in the shower and stripping out of his bed clothes, the image of Chris in bed completely relaxed still bringing a smile to Eddie’s face. Once under the water his mind turns to the previous evening, finding out about Bobby’s lies, finding out Buck was leaving for six months “fuck” the word came out of his mouth. How was he really going to be there for Chris when he will be so far away, but he couldn’t expect Buck to hang around after everything that has happened. Even though he didn’t like it, Eddie accepted the idea of Buck being gone, stepped out of the shower dried off and got himself ready for work. Oh this was going to be an interesting day, He thought to himself.

Freshly cleaned, shaved and hair done he walked into the kitchen where he found one of his spare bags loaded with tupperware containers.

“What’s all this” Eddie asked, a grin on his face.

“Sorry I just thought it would be better to have healthy snacks for mine and Chris’s day at the Zoo” Buck hung his head sheepishly.

“Buck its all good, plus it will probably be cheaper than buying the junk food there.... What did you pack? It looks like you’ve packed for an army.”

Buck’s eyes brightened as a smile stretched across his face.

“Well I found some carrots and celery in the fridge so I thought to make them into dipping sticks but I couldn’t decide what dip, soooo i made an Avocado, a french onion and sour cream with chives. Then I thought what if he doesn’t want a dip so I’ve packed some peanut butter and nutella as backup. I’ve also made some gazpacho for lunch” Bucks face dropped looking at the shocked look on Eddie’s face.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No Buck, it all looks amazing. I didn’t think we had enough in the fridge to do all this and i know we didn’t have nutella”

“I was up early and did a quick trip to the shops, there may be a mixed pack of sweets, and some trail mix in there as well”

Eddie laughed “of course you did”

“Well I’m going to start on breakfast”

Eddie directs Buck to the dining room table “Hold off on that he wont be up for a little bit and I wanted to talk about everything before he gets up”

Eddie and Buck sit opposite each other, Buck talking Eddie through the last few months, the fact he was cleared, his re-certification, how he wasn’t being allowed to come back, that terrible dinner at the Grant-Nash house where he found out Bobby was the reason he wasn’t being allowed back, him seeing the lawyer, the Isolation, the settlement that he rejected because it wasn’t him going back to the 118, the complete isolation at the 118 with Hen being the only one to reach out till even she shut him out, the bullying, Chimney’s venomous jabs and finally his meeting with Chief Alonzo.

“And through all that not a word from Maddie, she wouldn’t even take my calls” Eddie could see the tears falling down Buck’s face while he told his story, he got up and moved around the table wrapping his friend in a hug.

“You’ve done nothing wrong, we all fucked up”

At that point they could hear the sound of crutches coming down the hall. Buck moved to the Kitchen and called out “Chocolate chip pancakes?”

“Yes please” Chris replied his face all alight, something Eddie hasn’t seen for a while.

“Got to make sure you have a good breakfast, you’ve had your dads cooking for the last few months”

“Hey” Eddie cried out “I’m an amazing cook”

“No you’re not dad you burnt the toast the other day and almost set the stove on fire making eggs” Chris giggled.

Eddie sighed “fine... But I will have to leave you two to your breakfast, I have to go pick up my truck and head to work”

Eddie kissed his son on the forehead and ruffled Bucks hair on the way out.

“Love you dad” Chris called out

“Have a good day” Buck sing songed

With that Eddie grabbed his duffle and jumped into the waiting uber and headed to his truck.

Driving his truck to the station Eddies mind kept going over everything Buck had told him from the fact that Bobby stopped him coming back, to the multi million dollar settlement, to the isolation they all put him through. His anger building as closer he got to the station. Pulling into his spot his rage had reached boiling point.

Eddie got out of his truck and slammed the door, he’d gotten to the station a couple of minutes before he shift began so knew the whole of A and C teams were here. Instead of stopping at the locker room he stormed up the stairs to the loft.

“The litigation gremlin isn’t here y——”

“Shut your pie hole Howard” Eddie boomed

All eyes shot to Eddie.

“Eddie please be civil, as the old saying goes if you have nothing nice to say” Bobby spoke from the kitchen where he was preparing breakfast.

“That’s funny, you never had an issue if any of us spoke like that to Buck” Eddie quickly retorted

“What's going on Eddie”

“Well Hen maybe we should ask our illustrious leader to finally tell everyone the truth” Eddie glared at Bobby “Or would he like me to tell every one about all his lies” his eyes never leaving Bobby.

“That boy is more trouble than he’s worth” Bobby sighed.

“You are nothing but a lying piece of shit we all trusted you, we believed every fucking lie that came out of that cesspool of a mouth”

Hen gasped at Eddies words

“Are you going to tell them why Buck sued or maybe even who the lawsuit was aimed at”

This got all of A and C teams attention. Bobby just hung his head. Eddie let a laugh escape his mouth.

“Bobby was the target of the lawsuit, and why was that Bobby?” Eddie stared daggers at Bobby.

“It’s because Bobby our fine fuhrer, decided to reject him coming back”

“He wasn’t cleared” Chimney shouted

“If Buck wasn’t cleared then tell me this Howard, how is it he holds multiple records for certification”

With a confused look on her face Hen asked “Didn’t he set those during his time at the academy?”

“He did, but these were set a few months before he came back” Eddie said softly to her, before turning back to Bobby “weren’t they Robert” the sound of his government name shot Bobby’s head up.

Hen turned to Bobby “but you said he wasn’t cleared, you said the brass said no”

“ I...I..I did what I thought was best” Bobby stammered

“Best for who” Eddie bellowed

“Look if the cap says he wasn’t ready, he wasn’t ready” Chimney spoke up

“Funny you say that when you never had to re-certify after both of your near deaths, one of which was caused by your own stupidity, re-bar head” Eddies eyes burned through Chimney “ I doubt you’d even have the ability to pass now even at 100% health” His eyes swing back to Bobby “talking about being able to do the job, why don’t you tell everyone how many people Buck saved during the Tsunami while bleeding out on blood thinners and looking for my son, I know that came up in the suit” Eddie glared “come on I know you know the number, or has the light shining on your lies rendered you mute”

“37” Bobby whispered

“37 he said for those listening, but lets break that down further, 23 he saved in the actual flood water and got them to safety and the other 15 while walking around by himself trying to find Chris. Does that sound like someone who couldn’t come back to work, please someone tell me why someone who saved 37 lives single handedly couldn’t come back to work” Eddie looked around at the crowd of people standing around.

“But he was careless and rash he pushed to hard that’s what caused the embolism” Chimney piped in

“Another lie, by Robert here. It was the rod and pins in his leg that caused the blood clots, there was no way he could have known and no way for him to have stopped it happening at the time”

Eddie could hear the murmurers of people surrounding him.

“How much of a settlement was Buck offered hmmmm?” Bobbie’s eyes shot back to the floor

“What settlement” Hen queried

“Before Buck dropped the lawsuit he was offered a multi million dollar settlement, the brass as he..” Eddie pointed to Bobby “Likes to call them actually sided with Buck when they had all the information. But Buck dropped the case and didn’t take the settlement because he only wanted to be back here with us” Eddie turned to the crowd surrounding them “how many of you would turn down millions of dollars just to keep working here. He was set for life, he wouldn’t of had to work again, but he chose being here” Eddie hung his head as he continued “and how did we treat him”

He looked to Hen

“You were the only one to treat him with any respect and kindness, but you still abandoned him in the end. After the grocery store I shut him out completely, even to the detriment of my son. We both have a lot to answer for but I think he may accept our apologies with time”.

“We have nothing to apologise for, he was a little bitch” Chimney barked out.

Eddie shook his head “well Howard lets drop a ladder truck on you, not let you do something that makes you feel like a person, and then ridicule you and wave that thing in your face and not let you do it. Everyone here was terrible to Buck but we were all following our captain. A captain that refused to let someone that could do the job better than anyone else here out of the fire house and bombarded him with every ones chores”

Bobby’s head and shoulders sank when he heard a strong female voice “WHAT”

Athena pushed her way through the crowd “You told me everything was good and you had things handled. You never said you were bullying the boy. I told you that keeping him from coming back wasn’t a good thing, but I let you do your thing because you said you had it under control”

“Athena I see him like a son, I was just trying to protect him. I was trying to be a good father” Bobby sobbed

“If you are a good father Charles Manson must be father of the year” Eddie retorted

“Stand down firefighter Diaz” Chief Alonzo spoke as he moved through the crowd.

“Station 118 has been stood down for the rest of the shift, with A team being replaced with floaters till everything has been investigated”

“Chief there’s no ne—-“

“Firefighter Nash, not only did you bring this department into disrepute with one lawsuit because of your action. But you opened up to further possible litigation with the bullying that you allowed and even encouraged. You have been revoked of your captain-ship and are suspended without pay until the department decides your future with the LAFD.

Chapter Text

After Chief Alonzo’s exit Athena turns to Eddie

“Please let me know if he’s willing to see me, I need to apologise to my boy. I let things go to far” the eyes of this usually strong woman glisten with un-shed tears.

“Athena, I don’t think he blames you for anything. When we spoke you name never came up as someone who treated him badly” Eddie sighed “but i do know he is leaving soon. He will be back, but... Yeah hes leaving for a while”

Hen overhears the conversation and joins the huddle.

“What do you mean he’s leaving... When .... Where... When will he be back”

“I don’t know if i can say and I don’t think hes told me everything, I’m just as much in the dog house as you Hen. I think the only reason hes talking to me is Chris..... And i may have tackled him with sorry’s and hung on like a chimp..... God thats going to give Bosko some ammunition for a while” Eddie runs his hand through his hair.

After assuring the women he would talk to Buck for them Eddie heads home, hoping Buck and Chris haven't left for the Zoo yet.

The drive feels like eternity, but when he pulls up he relieved to find the jeep still here. He grabs his gear and heads inside where he can hear Chris’s giggles from down the hall.

“I’m home” Eddie calls out

“Daaaaddd?””Eddie? What are you doing here” both Buck and Chris reply at the same time.

“work was fun” Eddie laughed “the 118 has been stood down so I was hoping to join you both today. I know you packed enough food” Eddie say with a smile on his face as Buck came down the hall.

“Chris is getting dressed, what happened”

“Well, the chief sent everyone home and A shift doesn’t have a captain any more.... Bobby was demoted and suspended” Eddie shared

“damn” Buck thought for a second and then remembered that second folder the HR lady gave to the chief during their meeting. “Is it sad that i dont feel bad for him” Buck questioned

“nah, not after everything we all put you through. We are all going through investigations. I think the only one 100% safe is Hen”

Eddies face lit up with memory “Oh talking about Hen, her and Athena want to apologise. They feel really bad”

“Athena doesn’t need to apologise but I’m not really ready to talk to anyone at the moment —-“

Buck was cut off by the sound of his ring tone

“Geeze I haven’t heard that in months” Buck laughed “Huhh its Maddie, well she can wait as well”

After he rejects the call she just calls back.

Eddie speaks up “I bet Chimney has told her what happened today”

Buck sighs accepts the call and puts in on speaker.

“What, what do you want now after months of ignoring me”

The phone is silent for a few heart beats

“Evan, what did you do” a tense voice comes through the speaker

“I don’t know what your talking about, I’ve done nothing”

“Dont give me that I heard Eddie went on a tirade and Bobby got demoted”

Buck glanced at Eddie who had a sly sheepish smile on his face

“I wasn’t there so how would I have known, I dont even work there any more so what happens there is none of my doing or business” Buck takes a breath “but seeing how you’re now talking to me, lets talking about you abandoning your brother again”

Eddie hears Chris’s door open, he quickly dashes down the hall

“Mijo stay in your room for a little bit Bucks on an important call, I’ll come get you when the coast is clear”

Chris ducks back into his room as Eddie closes the door and walks back down the hall.

“Bobby said you weren’t cleared”

“Bobby lies Maddie”

“Chim said Eddie said that and now Bobby is no longer captain and the whole A shift is under investigation”

“Well thats the chiefs doing not mine, dont you think if I had that kind of power I would have never been rejected”

“You were rejected because you weren’t cleared”

“and who told you that lie”

“It’s not a lie and Chimney told me”

“well Madeline I was cleared. I was cleared by mutliple doctors both medical and psychological. I re-certified at a better level then when i came into the LAFD and I was still rejected by Bobby. All of this you would have known if you had answered my calls or even bothered to ask me. But no you abandoned me for another man. You chose someone your sleeping with over your own family again. I don’t know why I’m surprised just as neglectful and abusive as mum and dad. And whats worse is you chose another Doug. This one may not use his fists but hes still isolating you from your family just like Doug did”

Buck could hear Maddies sobs through the phone as he ended the call, falling to his knees tears streaming down his face. Eddie held him in his arms and called out

“Chris can you come out, Buck needs some hugs”

Wrapped in both Diaz boys Buck feels comfort, Chris speaks into Bucks shoulder

“You’re going to be OK kid”

Both Buck and Eddie burst into laughter.

“Thanks superman”

The three of them get ready to head out, Buck makes a quick call while Eddie loads up the truck. After a few minutes Buck rejoins the group

“Hey Eddie, I have a couple of errands to run after the Zoo so I’m going to take the jeep and meet you there”

“Are you sure Buck we can just take the truck and go together or we could all go in the jeep”

“Nah I need to take the Jeep and I wont be able to bring everyone back so its going to be best if you guys use the truck and I’ll meet you back here after the zoo”

“Alright if your sure, lets go to the Zoo”

It took them about an hour to get to the Zoo in LA traffic. The Diaz boys made their way to the entrance where they found an agitated Buck pacing back and forth.

“Whats wrong” Eddie queried

“Take this” Buck hands over his phone “It wont stop, I’ve put it on silent and it just keeps vibrating they wont leave me alone” Buck huffs “They ignore me for months now their blowing up my phone, drought to flood, I can’t take it”

Eddie sighs “Give it here, it shouldn’t be Athena or Hen I told them you would reach out when you’re ready”

Just as he says that the phone lights up with Chimney’s name, Eddie tucks it into his pocket and ignores the vibration.

“Lets go get these tickets”

The three of them work their way around the Zoo starting with the Meerkats, Both Chris and Buck sharing facts back and forth

“That one standing up is watching out for danger while the others eat” Buck whispered to Chris

In the reptile house some of the facts made Eddie a little uncomfortable

“Did you know the inland taipan is considered the most venomous snake in the world” Chis asked

“Hey Chris the horned lizard can shoot blood up to three feet away from it eyes, to confuse predators” Buck replied

“After that interesting fact i don’t think I will be having lunch” Eddie groaned

Bucks phone still going off every couple of minutes.

“Buck I’m shutting this thing off its not stopping”

Buck sighed “Sure I don’t really care”

After a few more exhibits they sat down to lunch together, Chris and Buck sharing more intriguing animal facts as Eddie watched on. The day turned out a lot more peaceful then where it started. After lunch they continued exploring the exhibits for a few hours.

Before splitting up to head home Buck gave Eddie a list of ingredients to pick up for dinner, gave Chris a hug.

“Hey superman, I got to pick up some stuff so I’ll see you back at yours. I’ll have a surprise for you and I’ll make some lasagne for dinner”

Buck stood up Chris still with his hands wrapped around his neck.

“So the spider monkey thing is a Diaz thing”

Chris giggled as Buck loaded him into the back of the truck before heading to the jeep himself.

After hitting the shops Eddie and Chris headed home where they found Maddie siting in front of the door.

“wait here Chris” Eddie took a breath and stepped out of the truck as Maddie stood up.

“What do you want Maddie”

“Where’s Buck?”

“Well you can see he’s not here”

“Then where is he, I need to see him. He needs to fix things. Howard could lose his job, his whole life is at the 118” Maddie crossed her arms in front of her chest “Where’s my brother, his loft is empty”

“The 118 was Buck life, his family. You weren’t in his corner then so why are you in Howard’s now” Eddie shock his head at her “you abandoned your brother for a bit of dick” Maddie gasped “Buck isn’t here and I don’t know where he is, Now get off my property or I’ll have to call the police”

Maddie stormed off calling back “He’ll bring you down, he brings everyone down”, got in her car and left.

Eddie helped Chris out of the back of the truck and grabbed the groceries as he saw a black motorcycle pull up. The rider gave the engine a quick rev before shutting it down. Swinging the bag off his back, removing his helmet and revealing Buck.

“Hey guys, you like my new ride”

Eddie was shocked, his jaw on the floor.

“where’s you car Buck” Chris questioned

“Gone buddy, I decided i didn’t like it anymore and I missed having a bike”

Chris walked up to the bike and ran his hand along the side

“Can I have a ride”

“NO, No Buck my son is not getting on that thing” Eddies face made Buck laugh

“Don’t worry Eddie I wouldn’t allow him on without his own helmet and gear and i have no plans to buy any”

“Chris, inside” Eddie spoke keeping his eyes on Buck

“You’re no fun dad” Chris grumbled as he made his way into the house

“Don’t worry Eddie I’m not planning on getting him any gear” Buck said with a smirk on his face

“You’re never getting him any gear” Eddie took a breath “Maddie was here she just left”

“God she doesn’t give up, I’m sorry she’s bothering you”

“That’s not your fault Buck, she stopped by the loft and found it empty. But on that thought your phone is still going off. It’s kind of ridiculous”

“I have the cure in this bag of wonders” Buck jangled the backpack “plus i have that phone for Chris”

A smile broke over Eddies face “alright lets get dinner sorted then we’ll talk to him about you leaving and the phone”

They both moved through the kitchen getting everything sorted Eddie was only allowed to do the salad, he couldn’t burn down the kitchen with that. Buck made the lasagne in the largest dish he could.

“you sure you’re making a lot aren’t you?”

“Got to make sure Chris gets a decent meal and you don’t burn down the place” Buck laughed

“well at least for a few days”

“umm check the fridge and freezer” Buck said bashfully

Eddie opened up the fridge

“Damn Buck this is almost a month of meal prep”

“Yeah, I was busy this morning”

“you, abuela and tia pepa i don’t think ill have to cook for half the time you will be gone”

“Thank god” Chris piped up from the dining room table giggling when Buck and Eddie turned to him.

After dinner Buck and Eddie sat Chris down on the couch.

“Hey superman, you know how I’ve been gone for a while. I’ll be leaving again tomorrow”

Chris’s eyes started to well up “No... Where are you going”

“I’ve got a new job, its in Oklahoma. I’ll be fighting fires still but in forest instead”

“But that’s so far away, you wont be able to stay for dinner”

“No buddy I won’t, but i got you something so we can talk every night before you go to bed” Buck pulls out Chris’s new phone “You can use this to call me any time you need to”

“My own phone, cool”

“Just so you know this one can only do texts and calls and can only do that with certain numbers. It can only call me, your dad, Carla, tia pepa and Abuela”

“Cool” Chris turned the phone over

“Why don’t you call your dad so he has the number and he can give it to everyone else”

Two seconds latter Eddies phone rings

“amazing” Chris’s face lights up before falling again “why are you leaving Bucky, did I do something wrong”

“Never superman, LA isn’t a good place for me at the moment. Don’t worry I’ll be back I’m only going away for six months, but you can call me anytime we can talk about school and all the things you get up too. If there is a time I can’t answer, I will always call you back”

Chris flung himself into Bucks arms “I love you superman and I will always come back to you”

The three of them sat down and watch a movie, Chris’s choice finding nemo. Chris nestled in between Buck and Eddie. Half way through the movie Chris passes out on Bucks shoulder. Eddie lifts him up and both he and Buck walk down to Chris’s room to tuck him into bed. Buck leans down and kiss’s Chris on the head “goodnight superman”

“night bucky, just keep swimming” Chris mumbles and turns into his pillow

As Buck and Eddie returns to the living room Eddie turns to Buck “Beer?”

“Oh hell yeah” Buck replies

Eddie collects two beers opens them and joins Buck on the couch “here’s your phone back, the buzzing all day was getting rather annoying”

As Eddie placed the beer in front of Buck he sees the man shut the phone off with out looking at the missed calls or messages.

“Am I able to have your new number?” Eddie asked

“as long as you don’t give it to anyone, sure”

“Thank you... Now am I able to ask about the bike?”

Buck tilted his head and flourished his hand “go on then, ask your questions”

Eddie coughed “hhumm why did you get rid of the jeep, wouldn’t that of been easier for travel?”

“you know the history that comes along with that jeep, I wanted a fresh start. Plus I have my swag I can camp out anywhere. Its just me, my swag some clothes in my duffle and some stuff in my backpack. I don’t need anything else”

“but why a bike, a sports bike if we’re being picky”

“I had one before the jeep.... I kinda miss the freedom, plus its not like anyone will care if i went splat” Buck said face deadpanned

“I may have been an ass but i still care Buck. I also know Athena and Hen definitely care”

“Don’t worry I have all the safety gear” Buck reached into his duffle and pulled out a hoodie throwing it at Eddie

“Buck this isn’t proper safety gear its a hoodie”

“Have a look at the lining feel the shoulders and elbows, they make gear now that looks like street wear” Buck responded “plus i have the traditional gear in my bag”

The two continued talking for another hour before Eddie got up and went to bed checking in on Chris and seeing a peaceful face on his son while clutching his new phone, his new lifeline to his Buck.

In the morning a sombre mood feel over the house, Eddie was excited that Chris was able to sleep through the night with out a nightmare for the first time since the tsunami. But both he and Chris where sad to see Buck leaving after just getting him back. They sat down to one last Buck breakfast before walking him out to his bike, where Buck strapped his Swag and duffle to the back. Buck bent down opening his arms as Chris threw himself into them. Eddie could hear whispers between them but wasn’t able to make out what was said. After a few minutes Buck stood and held a hand out to Eddie.

“Look out for our boy Eds”

“You know I always will, I know i probably don’t have the right to ask but can you message us every couple of days so we know how you’re going?” Eddie asked

“I think I can do that. Just remember to not share that number, Carla, Tia Pepa and Abuela can have it but no one else. I’ll reach out to them if I want them to have it”

Eddie nodded his head then pulled Buck in for a hug “stay safe and come back to us”

As Buck stood back he smiled at both Eddie and Chris, put on his helmet, straddled his bike and started it up. With one last look he kicked back the kick stand and head off down the street. Leaving Eddie and Chris watching him ride off until they couldn’t see him anymore, tears running down their faces Chris gripping on to his fathers leg.