Chapter Text
After the fire, Buck struggles to find a place to live, and because Captain Nash (who constantly tells Buck that he can call him Bobby) is some sort of fairy godmother (read: second dad) he offers his spare bedroom to Buck. Buck is grateful, really, but doesn’t feel worthy of the additional help. His step-mother’s words continue to echo in his mind, so much so that he decides to semi-confront Bobby about it.
“Captain Nash,” Buck hesitates after seeing the half-glare on Bobby’s face. “I mean Bobby, this is all too much. I’m going to pay you back for everything.”
Bobby shrugs him off, “Nonsense kid. You got dealt a bad hand, But the game's not over yet.”
Buck vaguely understands the metaphor, so from that point on he decides not to argue anymore (at least not out loud). Buck starts training at the fire academy that next week.
Everything about the fire academy is strenuous. It’s probably the most physically demanding work Buck has ever had to do, and while his muscles ache and his lungs gasp for air, he keeps going. Buck doesn’t think he’s been praised this much since his father was alive, but he doesn’t let it get to his head. When Buck’s not training or studying for exams, he's at the fire station. He doesn't want to overstay his welcome but Bobby always insists.
Buck quickly becomes familiar with the station. He knows that there are fifteen stairs from the apparatus floor up to the loft, and the little huff of noise that echoes throughout the station when the trucks leave for an emergency. But, most importantly, he knows that when Bobby is on shift everyone eats at the table as a family. Family dinner takes some getting used to for Buck, he’d eaten dinner alone at the kitchen counter for most of his life. He likes it though. He likes Bobby’s cooking and the easy-going flow of conversation around the table.
But, Buck’s favorite thing about the fire station is Eddie. Eddie, who was an army medic before joining the fire academy, is six feet of beautiful, brown hair and eyes. He’s quiet and kind of broody, but oh so kind. Buck quickly befriends him, and they talk about everything and nothing. They are different. Buck is blue eyes and emotions coursing through his veins. But, it’s a good different. A comfortable different.
~~~
Buck’s sitting haphazardly on one of the couches in the common area of the fire station, laughing at something Chimney said when Bobby voice beckons him down the stairs. He hops up and makes his way down, bumping Eddie’s shoulder on the way. This isn’t the first time that Buck’s been called into the Captain’s office, so he’s not at all prepared for what awaits him.
“Hey Bobby! What’s -” Buck’s voice falls short when he notices his step-mother sitting apprehensively in one of the chairs in front of Bobby’s desk.
“Figured you’d want to keep this private,” Bobby rasps out. “I’ll let you two talk.”
After Bobby leaves the room, silence surrounds them like the thick smog throughout California. She studies her freshly manicured nails and blows a minuscule speck of dirt or dust that Buck doesn’t think was actually there in the first place.
Buck coughs awkwardly, “Well, are you going to talk? Or are we going to continue sitting here in silence?”
She talks a lot, practically begs him to come home — wherever that is now — because the twins don’t know what they’re doing. She says the house can’t function without him. However, she never actually utters the word sorry, but Buck considers this crappy attempt of a conversation an apology. He tells Eddie about it that evening after the truck returns from a car accident.
“You’re not actually considering forgiving her are you?” Eddie questions. “She didn’t even say sorry.”
Buck sighs, “No, she didn’t really say sorry, but she tried.”
“Buck,” Eddie essentially pleads.
“Eddie,” Buck whines in return. “I’m only thinking about it.”
~~~
Buck forgives his step-mother, because he wears his heart on his sleeve and can’t stand the dirty feeling of resentment in his heart. Eddie doesn’t really understand why; after all, sometimes the anger he feels burrows itself into his body and hitches a ride with the oxygen on his red blood cells. Eddie thinks there’s a lot he can learn from Buck and that forgiveness is just the first thing.