Chapter Text
Buck and Eddie had barely set foot outside, when the principal pulled them to the side.
“Mr. Buckley, Mr. Diaz, I’d hoped I wouldn’t see you so soon back in my office,” she said. Buck hung his head.
“We aren’t in your office,” Eddie said, crossing his arms.
“Mr. Diaz, need I remind you, that you just finished serving one suspension, I’d hate to see you serve another. You’re walking a tight rope here. You’ve already been thrown out of one school, care to make it another?” she asked, raising her brows. Eddie looked ready to say something more, but Buck tugged on his friend’s arm, trying to get him to just shut up.
“Now, Mr. Buckley, where were you?” Principal V asked.
“Uh, in the hall?” he said.
“Is that a question or a statement?” she asked, staring down her nose.
“A statement. I was in the hall. At the top of the stairs,” he said softly.
“Right, so you had plenty of time to pull the alarm and then go running to your friends,” she said.
“What? No, that’s not what happened!” Buck said, eyes wide, “I went to catch up to Mr. Williams and get in line, and we-” he tried to explain, but the principal cut him off.
“Then why didn’t Mr. Williams have you marked as present?” she asked.
“I-I saw Eddie, Josh, and Lena weren’t outside. I got worried about them.” he said.
“Uh huh,” she said, but Buck could tell she didn’t believe him.
“Well I think…you pulled the alarm to avoid your history test, a class you’re avoiding because you’re currently failing,” she said, arms crossed over her chest.
“Hah, Buckley, better watch out or you’ll be so dumb you fail outta school,” Chad called out, suddenly appearing near by.
“Shut it, Garrick!” Eddie growled out and made a move for the other teen. But a paramedic stepped in between them, while Buck stood there, staring at Eddie in shock.
“Whoah,” Hen said, “Eddie, was it?” she asked. Eddie snarled at Chad but nodded. “Why don’t you go sit with Buck. I’m going to go get his foster dad. I think he could use the company.” Buck wanted to protest, tell her not to bother, but he was still in shock that Eddie had gone after Chad to defend him. And beyond that, this was the second time Eddie had stood up for him.
“That won’t be necessary, Ms… Wilson,” Principal V said, looking at Hen’s turnout, “is there something I can help you with?”
“Oh I think it is,” Hen said, already reaching for her radio, “Hey Cap, I think there’s a situation up front that needs your attention.”
“Can you or Chimney deal with it?” Bobby asked.
“No Cap, this is a Buck situation,” she said.
“Copy that, I’ll be there soon,” Bobby said. Buck felt himself shrink a little more, hating that he was causing more work for Bobby and distracting him from his job.
“That really wasn’t necessary, Ms. Wilson,” the principal said, “I’m sure Captain Nash is busy enough as it is.”
“It’s Firefighter Wilson, and seeing as you’re dealing with his foster son, I’d say it’s necessary. Now, do you have a teacher who can escort the student with the injured ankle to the hospital? Or a way to contact his parents? He didn’t have his phone on him,” Hen said.
“Well, he shouldn’t, it’s school policy to not have their phones during school hours,” the principal said.
“Uh huh, well, we need to get him to the hospital to make sure his ankle isn’t broken,” Hen said. The Principal sighed and stepped back, glancing around the area.
“There, ask Mr. Wilhelm, he should be able to help you,” she said, directing Hen to the vice principal.
Just then, Bobby came out of the building and made a beeline for Hen.
“What’s going on Hen?” Bobby called as he walked over. Buck watched as Hen talked quietly to him and pointed in their direction. Bobby nodded his head and made his way over while talking into his radio.
“-Firefighter Han is now acting captain and incident command until further notice,” Bobby finished. He walked straight over to Buck, Eddie stepping out of the way as Bobby walked up.
“Hey, kid, you alright?” he asked. Buck nodded. “Mind if I check you over?” Buck shook his head.
“Really, Captain Nash, this isn’t necessary,” the principal huffed. Buck was surprised when Bobby ignored her in favor of gently pushing his hands around, eyes darting all over his form.
“I think you can pull this down now,” Bobby said with a slight smile, gently tugging on Buck’s sweatshirt.
“Oh, right, I forgot,” he mumbled. Bobby smiled and reached out to tousle his hair.
“I’m just glad you’re okay, you had us worried when you were one of the unaccounted for students,” he said.
“Sorry,” Buck mumbled.
“It’s okay,” Bobby said, “Come on, let’s get further from the building. Why are you boys so close to it?” he asked as he nudged the boys down the front steps outside the school and to the parking lot, the principal sputtering as she followed.
“She stopped us,” Eddie grumbled, jutting his chin at the principal. Bobby sighed and turned to the principal, “What’s the issue? Why are these boys not with their classmates?”
“I was just getting to that,” the principal said, “they’re responsible for the fire.”
“What fire?” Bobby asked, “we have yet to find one, we haven’t come across any smoke, and we only have one more sector to clear.”
“Oh, well, this was unplanned, so we thought there was a fire,” she said.
“Well there isn’t, and the boys weren’t found near a fire,” he said.
“Well then one of them likely pulled the alarm,” she said.
“You have any evidence to back that up?” Bobby asked.
“I, well, that is, um, you saw Evan Buckley with that sweatshirt around his face! He was trying to hide his identity from the cameras!” she finally said, pointing a finger at him. Buck looked at her dully. He wanted to be surprised. But he wasn’t. He just curled himself into a smaller ball on the step he’d sat down on. He jumped when he felt Eddie’s arm protectively curl over his shoulders. He glanced at the other boy but found him glaring in Chad’s direction.
“You’re going to need a lot more than that to prove my foster son is responsible for this,” Bobby defended, “He was the only student I’ve seen following safety protocols during a fire. He operated as though the fire were real, protecting himself from smoke if there had been any. You were also holding these minors within 150 yards of the building that potentially held a fire, putting them at risk,” he said.
“Well what else was I supposed to do? I didn’t want them disappearing before I caught them!” she tried to explain.
“Catching them was more important than their safety?” Bobby asked.
“I, what, of course not,” the principal spluttered.
“Then why couldn’t this have waited until the building was cleared? There was no need to mention that Buck was failing history in front of the entire school,” Bobby said.
“I-well…” The principal stuttered.
“Captain Nash, we’ve cleared the building,” Chimney said walking up, “there was no fire, looks like an alarm was pulled. We’ll be about 15 minutes before we’re ready to go, Cap.”
“Wait! The fourth student!” the principal called out.
“All accounted for ma’am,” Chimney said, nodding to her, “Chad Garrick was the fourth student, we found him near the security office and escorted him to a teacher out here.”
“Thanks, Chimney, I think I’ll be busy for a while,” Bobby said, turning to the principal. “Is there a reason this Chad Garrick isn’t also being held here?”
“Well, I…I didn’t know where he was, I just saw Mr. Diaz and Mr. Buckley and grabbed them,” she said. Bobby stared at her for a moment. In that moment, the alarms finally turned off, punctuating his stare. With the background noise going quieter, Buck could focus on other things, like his headache that suddenly came raging back. He rested his head on his knees, not really paying attention to what was going on around him.
“Hey, hey Buck, you okay?” Eddie asked. Buck raised his head tiredly and blinked.
“Yeah, just a headache,” he sighed.
“Hey… Captain Nash,” Eddie said hesitantly. Buck could recognize the distrustfulness of adults well.
“What can I do for you, kid?” Bobby asked.
“Uh, Buck has a headache and the nurse can’t give him anything,” he said, jerking a thumb at Buck.
“Hey Riley, we got any acetaminophen?” Bobby asked into his radio.
“Uhhh, like tylenol, Cap?” came the confused reply.
“Yes, like Tylenol,” Bobby said, shaking his head.
“I’ll check the med kit we keep in the truck for small injuries,” came the reply.
“Now,” Bobby said, turning back to the principal, “the building is clear, your students can return to class. I’m happy to continue to discuss this on the sidewalk, but I’m not leaving until we get to the bottom of this.” he said.
“O-of course, well, we should continue this in my office. Boys?” the principal said, turning to them.
“Why don’t we let them go to the Nurse’s. With a headache, Buck isn’t likely to be able to concentrate well and Eddie can make sure he doesn’t have any side effects to the medication,” Bobby said.
“That really isn’t necessary, Captain Nash, I’m sure the boys can come with us,” the principal said.
“And do what? Sit in the hall while we hash this out? Buck’s headache getting worse?” Bobby asked, crossing his arms.
“I’m sure he’s faking it. These kids will fake just about anything to get out of punishments, tests, classes, you name it, they’re trying to get out of it. He can go back to class like everyone else,” she said.
“Either he goes to the nurse’s, or I really let my wife step in when she gets here. And you getting in the way of her kid when he’s not feeling well? I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy,” Bobby said. Buck stared, open mouthed, watching Bobby go toe to toe with the principal. He’d never had someone stand up for him like this. Typically, he’d be in the principal’s office accepting whatever punishment was being doled out. He’d had a couple of good homes he’d been in temporarily, but the adults either had too many other things going on, or just took one look at his file and believed the adults over him. It was also why he ended up moving so much. He was too much, had too many issues, he was exhausting. He’d heard that a lot. He’d spent many times in respite homes or with respite foster families.
“Here Buck, I’ve got some water for you too,” Riley said, handing him some tylenol, bringing him out of his thoughts.
“Thanks,” he muttered, taking it from the firefighter he vaguely recognized from all his time at the firestation.
“If you can, find a dark room and lay down for a bit,” Riley said kindly. Buck nodded, before wincing at the movement.
“I’ll take care of him,” Eddie said, standing protectively. The firefighter smiled.
“I’ll leave him in your capable hands then,” they said, before walking over to Bobby.
“Hey, Cap, we’re ready to roll out, and Dispatch warned us it’s a busy day,” Riley said. Bobby sighed and turned to his firefighter.
“I’ve got a family emergency to deal with. Lieutenant Han is acting Captain until I can catch up. Hopefully I can catch a ride with Sergeant Grant to wherever you guys are,” Bobby said.
“Copy that, Cap,” Riley said, before disappearing.
“Captain Nash? We came to an agreement?” the principal called.
“This woman,” Bobby muttered with a sigh, before turning to face her, “I’ll walk my foster son to the nurse and meet you at your office.” he told the principal, before turning his back on her and looking to Buck.
“Alright, Buck, come on,” Bobby said, “I didn’t catch your name,” he added, as he turned to Eddie.
“Uh, Eddie,” he said, his guard back up now that Buck was taken care of and Bobby was the only adult around. Buck pulled his hoodie back on as they made their way into the school.
“Eddie, I’m trusting Buck into your care, you got a cell phone?” he asked.
“School policy says we can’t have our phones,” Eddie replied.
“And, if you’re like most 15 year olds I know, you probably have a phone on you anyway,” Bobby said, raising his eyebrows. Eddie eyed him for a moment, “I’m not gonna report it or use it against you in any way. I just want to put my number in it, in case Buck needs something,” Bobby continued. Eddie studied him, before finally digging his phone out and handing it over.
Just as Bobby finished typing in his number, a teacher spotted them.
“Is that a student’s phone?” he asked.
“Why would I have a student’s phone?” Bobby asked.
“Could be your son’s,” they said, crossing their arms.
“Well, lucky for him, we haven’t managed to get around to getting him a phone, so if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to finish making a call to my wife?” Bobby asked.
“I, yes, sorry, just enforcing school policy,” the teacher said, before he moved along. Bobby stepped a few steps away, and Eddie continued leading Buck to the Nurse’s office.
“He’s kinda awesome,” Eddie murmured, looking over his shoulder.
“You think?” Buck asked tiredly.
“He might actually be the first adult I’ve met that’s on the kids’ side,” Eddie said.
“Yeah, maybe,” Buck allowed, “You know, I think this is the most I’ve ever heard you say.”
“Well, there’s been a lot to talk about today,” Eddie said. Buck smiled.
“Just wait until Josh gets back,” Buck replied. Eddie gave an amused snort.
“I’ll let him take up the mantle on his return,” Eddie said.
“Thank goodness,” Buck said. Eddie smirked.
“If you weren’t feeling so bad I might retaliate,” Eddie said.
“Wouldn’t be the first time someone hit me while I was down,” Buck sighed.
“Knew we had more than classes in common,” Eddie grunted. Buck smiled and let out a breath as they finally entered the Nurse’s office.
By the time Buck was settled on a cot, his hood drawn over his head, Bobby reappeared.
“Alright, Athena’s on her way, I’m gonna go see to the principal, let me know if you start feeling worse,” Bobby said. He reached a hand out to gently brush it across Buck’s face as he subtly handed Eddie’s phone back to him.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Buck said quietly, “call Athena, make a big fuss.”
“We want to kid. We know it’s going to take more than words to get your trust. So, this is us earning your trust, and standing up for you,” Bobby said, “you get some rest. Let the adults handle this one.” Buck eyed him warily, but slowly nodded. He wanted to say he could trust them. But he held himself back. Bobby was right, he didn’t really trust them, no matter how much he wanted to. And now his head really hurt.
Buck gave a half smile as Eddie settled in a seat next to him and nearly snarled at the nurse when she opened her mouth to say something. One look at Eddie though and she turned back to some paperwork. Comforted in the protection Eddie had shown throughout the morning, Buck closed his eyes. He startled slightly when he felt Eddie take his hand and gently pinch the skin between his thumb and pointer finger.
“Are you holding my hand?” Buck asked softly, squinting at Eddie.
“My Abuela does it, helps with headaches,” Eddie grunted. Buck closed his eyes again and didn’t say anything else, as Eddie rubbed a soft circle where he’d previously been pinching. Buck fell into the rhythm of the motions, and before he knew it, he drifted off.
When Buck woke up, it was to Athena’s cool hand on his cheek.
“Athena?” he asked, still half asleep. It was still weird to him, calling Bobby and Athena by their first names, but he guessed it was better than calling them Mr. Nash and Mrs. Grant. Or Captain and Sergeant.
“Hey baby, how’re you feeling?” she asked. Buck sat up on his elbows and glanced around.
“Uh, better, I guess,” he murmured.
“Good, I’m glad,” she said.
“Where’s Eddie?” he asked.
“You mean your guard dog that was sitting here?” she asked with eyebrows raised. Buck couldn’t help but let a small smile out at that. “He had to go back to class, otherwise I think his detention might be extended beyond the rest of this week.”
“Detention? What?!” Buck asked, sitting all the way up.
“Don’t worry about it,” Athena said, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
“But why does he have detention?” he asked, pinching and unpinching his jeans between his fingers.
“Both you and him will serve detention this week for, I don’t even know what. Some obscure reason your principal came up with,” she said. Buck sighed and lowered his head. He was all too used to adults failing and not keeping their word. But it still hurt. No matter how many times it happened.
“Hey,” Athena said, reaching to take Buck’s chin between her thumb and finger, gently forcing Buck’s head up to look her in the eyes, “this is far from over, baby. Okay? Bobby and I aren’t done fighting this. Neither is Eddie’s grandmother. And let me tell you, I’d much rather be on the same side as that woman than against her. Now, we’ll finish this discussion at home. After, you’ve finished school and served your detention.” she said with raised brows. All Buck could do was nod. There was something in her look and tone that made Buck believe her. It was reassuring.
“All right then, I believe you have lunch right now?” she asked. Buck pulled back his sleeve to glance at his watch, before nodding and sitting up. Athena reached up and pulled his hood down. Buck ducked his head sheepishly but she just smiled and ran a hand through his curls. “You make sure that Eddie has my number too now, alright?” she said.
“Yes, ma’am,” Buck said softly.
“Now, why don’t you be a gentleman and walk me to the door?” she asked. Buck smiled and nodded, standing up.
“Where’s Bobby?” he asked as they walked into the hallway.
“Meeting me at the car. He had some business to finish with the principal,” she said, “and I wanted to check on you myself. He told me about your actions today, the way you helped your friends and protected yourself against smoke. We both just want you to know we’re proud of you, Evan. No matter what anyone says or the number of detentions you serve, we’re proud of you,” she murmured.
“R-really?” Buck asked, his lip quirking to the side.
“Really.” Athena said firmly.
“Hey, Sergeant Grant, good to see you,” Chad called out. Buck winced and Athena turned a suspicious glare on the boy.
“Mr. Garrick, your teacher know where you are?” she asked.
“Hall pass right here, ma’am. Don’t you worry, I’m behaving myself,” he said, waving a hall pass around.
“Oh I’m well aware of what you’ve been up to recently. I think I’ll be stopping to have a chat with your dad on my break today,” she said.
“You know, I think he’s in court today,” Chad said, giving her a charming smile.
“Don’t you worry, I’ll make sure he finds some time,” she said, before turning her attention completely to Buck, “Alright Buck, you be good now. I’ll see you at dinner.” she leaned forward to kiss Buck’s forehead, before heading out the doors.
“Hey Buckley, you know, I’d be more careful stirring up trouble. You do know you live with a fire captain and police sergeant?” Chad smirked.
“Whatever,” Buck said, rolling his eyes and turning to find his way back to the lunch room.
“Watch your back, Buckley!” he called after him. Buck just ignored him and hunched his shoulder, finding his way to the lunchroom.
He didn’t say anything as he walked up to their usual table and sat down next to Eddie. Lena nodded at him, before continuing to talk to Eddie about some fight they’d both watched on TV. Eddie didn’t say anything either, but he bumped his leg with Buck’s under the table. His two friends passed off some pretzels and an apple. Buck munched on them, knowing a little food might help him feel a little better, but otherwise did very little to engage with his friends. But neither seemed too bothered. When the bell rang, Buck wordlessly got up and found his way to his locker to grab his things for his next class.
By the end of the day, Buck couldn’t say what they’d gone over in his classes. He felt like his mind had both been all over the place and nowhere at all. He felt like he’d been in a fog most of the day. He really only came out of it when he realized Eddie was following him out the front door.
“Can I help you?” Buck asked.
“I mean there’s a couple of things I could probably use some help with, but not at the moment no,” Eddie returned.
“Why are you following me?” Buck asked.
“Thought we were friends,” Eddie said. Buck groaned.
“Come on, man, what’s going on? I thought you were a bus rider,” Buck said.
“Well, today, apparently, I ride home with you. Abuela is waiting at your foster parents’ place,” he replied.
“What?” Buck asked.
“Not really sure, just know we have dinner at your place. Although Abuela probably cooked up and brought enough for two meals,” he explained.
“Oh,” Buck said, his thoughts flying back to the mess of his room and wondering if he should be embarrassed that half of it was covered in whatever interest Harry was going through. He wasn’t sure. He’d never been allowed to bring friends home from school, or really ever wanted to.
The two walked out of the building in silence and it was Eddie who found Bobby first, not in his captain’s vehicle for once.
“Hey boys,” Bobby greeted. Buck gave a nod before hopping in the backseat. Eddie hesitated before joining him. “How was detention?”
“Boring,” Eddie muttered, while Buck glanced to Bobby and shrugged. He’d spent most of it staring off into space.
“You feeling better, Buck?” Bobby asked.
“Just tired,” he said softly. Bobby nodded. He opened his mouth to say something else, before deciding against and turning the radio on. The energetic beats of Bruce Springsteen echoed through the truck and Buck closed his eyes again. He knew it was probably a little rude to Eddie, but what did he say to the guy after the day they’d had?
Buck followed Bobby into the house and was turning to go drop his bag in his room, when an unfamiliar woman walked in from the kitchen.
“Ah, Eddito! Come here, let me look at you. Are you okay?” she asked, gesturing Eddie over.
“I’m fine Abuela,” Eddie protested, but let her pat over him to reassure herself, finishing with a pat to his cheeks.
“Come, I have snacks for you and your friend,” she said, turning to gesture Buck to the kitchen as well.
“Abuela, this isn’t even your home,” Eddie said.
“It’s fine. We decided to collaborate on dinner,” Bobby said with a smile.
“Never show up to someone’s home empty handed, Eddie,” his grandma tutted. Buck jumped slightly when he felt a warm hand squeeze his shoulder. He glanced up and found Bobby giving him a nod to the kitchen and a reassuring smile.
When the boys hesitated with where to put their bags, Bobby finally stepped in.
“You can put your bags by the cabinets over there boys,” he said, indicating the cabinets on the other side of the table. Buck hesitated, knowing his foster parents didn’t like clutter. They were never mean about it like some places he had been, but there was a routine to where things belonged and went. The change set Buck on edge, but he did as Bobby asked.
By the time they had set their bags down, Bobby, and Eddie’s grandma, had set snacks on the table. Just as the boys sat down, the front door opened again and May, Harry, and Michael all came in.
“Thank you, Mrs. Diaz,” Buck murmured, as she handed him a glass of juice.
“Eddie, you could learn something from this polite boy,” she said, “But call me Abuela.” she patted the Buck’s hand and he nodded.
“I’m uh, I’m Buck,” he said.
“Buck! Mom said you got like a half day because the fire alarm got pulled! That’s so cool!” Harry said, kneeling in his chair and reaching for the snacks.
“Um, well I get detention, so not great,” Buck said, not meeting anyone’s eyes.
“Wait what? Why?” May asked, joining them.
“Because the principal is on her usual bullshit,” Eddie groused.
“Edmundo!” Abuela called out, causing Eddie to blush and duck his head.
“Sorry, Abuela,” Eddie muttered.
“Don’t apologize to me, apologize to our host. And remember there are little ears around,” she said.
“Uh, sorry Captain Nash,” Eddie said. Abuela tutted and he glanced over to Michael, “uh, and you too Mr. Grant,” he muttered.
"Just call me Bobby, Eddie," Bobby said with a smile.
“Ay, this boy,” Abuela huffed, but turned back to the kitchen, the men chuckling.
“Harry’s heard worse,” May offered.
“Not by you, I hope,” Michael said, but Buck caught the way Michael’s eyes darted to him.
“Nope, definitely not,” May said, while Harry giggled.
“Well, I’m going to say it’s some of Harry’s friend’s siblings then. Buck doesn’t say much, much less cussing,” Bobby added. Buck set down the bite he was about to take. Logically, he knew Bobby didn’t mean that negatively but it still cut a bit.
“Uh… you wanna go outside?” Buck asked hesitantly. Eddie shrugged but stood up to follow him.
“Hey,” Bobby called out as they reached the door, “Athena can’t get off yet, but we’ll eat in about an hour.” The boys nodded, before disappearing out to the backyard.
“So, you don’t have any video games?” Eddie asked as they settled on the chairs. Buck shrugged, picking up a nearby stick.
“Harry does. But, they aren’t mine. I play when he lets me,” he said quietly, cracking the stick and breaking it into smaller pieces.
“So what do you do?” Eddie asked.
“Read, mostly,” Buck answered, “I also fall down a lot of rabbit holes on Youtube. May and I share a computer for school stuff.”
“As long as you aren’t totally living under a rock,” Eddie said. Buck gave a small laugh and shrug. “You should come over some time. I’ll show you my video games, and stuff.”
“Yeah, sure,” Buck nodded, “if-if Athena and Bobby will let me.” Eddie nodded.
Buck let a silence float over them, before finally breaking it.
“Is-is it true you were kicked out of your last school?” Buck asked. Eddie sighed and stared out across the yard. “Y-you don’t have to talk about it.”
“I usually don’t but… I get it. And… I’ve heard the rumors. I don’t… I mean, we’re friends, right?” he asked, glancing back at Buck.
“I-I’d like to be, yeah,” Buck agreed. Eddie nodded.
“I wasn’t so much kicked out as not invited back,” Edde muttered.
“And the juvie rumor?” Buck asked. Eddie smirked but shook his head.
“Just that, a rumor. But I don’t really dissuade it. Keeps the dicks like Chad from messing with me too much,” he said. Buck let a small smile form.
“So how’d that happen then? I mean, I get it when that rumors flies around me because I’m a foster kid and people are stupid,” Buck said, "but you're just the new kid."
“I had to do some community hours as part of a detention and then my parents thought I needed more positive influences and made me do community service with the church,” Eddie shuddered, “It wasn’t so much the community service that bothered me as it was the forced part of it and the pressure from my parents. But with all the rumors floating around town and then not being invited back, Abuela made an argument about a fresh start and new environment. I’m still not sure how she got them to agree to it.” he said.
“Well… I’m glad they did. I mean, I doubt I’ll be around here long, but…it’s nice to have a friend until then,” he said.
“Why do you think that?” Eddie asked. Buck shrugged.
“Never been anywhere long. Doubt that’s gonna change,” Buck said
“Really?” Eddie asked, glancing back to the house.
“Don’t look! They’ll know I’m talking about them!” Buck said, reaching over to nudge Eddie.
“They seem like good people. I don’t really like adults, but as far adults go… they don’t seem like the worst,” Eddie observed, turning back to Buck.
“They are good,” Buck agreed, “it’s uh…it’s the best home I’ve ever been in. But… it won’t last, they’ll get tired of me. They always do. I’m too exhausting.” he said, staring down at his hands, repeating words he'd heard over and over again.
“Well, fuck em. I don’t care what other people think. You seem like a solid guy, and you had my back today. I uh, I never said thanks for that. You know, running into a burning building for me,” Eddie said.
“I was just being my usual stupid self,” Buck sighed, “the building wasn’t actually on fire.”
“Would you stop?” Eddie huffed, “who cares what the adults say? They’re the stupid ones. And clearly don’t know what a good friend looks like.”
“Yeah?” Buck asked, giving Eddie a shy smile.
“Yeah, you can have my back any day,” he said.
“O-or you know, you can have mine?” He asked. Eddie grinned and held out his hand. Buck took it and shook hands with him. For the first time, he felt like he’d made a real friend. It was terrifying and exhilarating. Terrifying, because it could disappear in the blink of an eye. Exhilarating, because he had a real friend.
Eventually, they were called into dinner and Athena joined them. The dinner Abuela and Bobby made was delicious and Buck probably would have enjoyed it more if he wasn’t worried about what was going to happen after. But once dinner finished, May and Harry were sent to get started on their homework, while Buck and Eddie set to the dishes. The adults cleared the table and put away the leftovers, before moving to the living room.
When Eddie and Buck made their way into the living room, the adults sent them to Buck and Harry’s room.
“Y-you don’t want to hear our side?” Buck asked.
“We’re more than happy to hear your side, Buck. Hen told me what she saw, but we should have also asked you. We just thought you might be more comfortable with that one on one?” Bobby asked. He nodded.
“Um, yeah, that’d be good,” he said.
“Don’t worry about this, boys,” Athena added, “we’re taking care of it.” Buck nodded hesitantly, before going back to the kitchen to grab his backpack and then lead Eddie his and Harry's bedroom.
“Uh, I don’t remember what state I left my room in, and I share it with Harry, so,” he said, gesturing to the room.
“Don’t worry about it,” Eddie shrugged and then walked in. Harry waved at them but turned back to whatever had his attention. Buck awkwardly stood around while Eddie made himself at home at the foot of Buck’s bed. Eventually, Buck settled on the edge of the bed.
“So, uh, not ready for that history test?” Eddie asked. Buck snorted.
“Yeah, not really. I mean, I didn’t pull the alarm, but… I’m not really upset that it got pulled,” he admitted.
“I can’t believe I’m about to say this and do this willingly,” Eddie sighed. Buck gave him an odd look. “But, come on, let’s study.”
“Eddie, if I don’t know it now, I’m never gonna know it,” Buck said.
“Okay, it’s a little late cause we’ll probably take the test tomorrow, but I dunno. Maybe I can help at least a little? Look, I used to be a shit student. It didn’t really matter that I wasn’t invited back to my school cause I was gonna have to repeat the year anyway. But uh, Abuela and my aunt, Pepa, they’re trying to help. My mom and dad, they just told me I had to apply myself and work harder. But… I dunno. Abuela and Pepa are actually helping, you know? They helped me organize my locker, actually giving me tips that help for studying and stuff. I dunno,” he said, suddenly trailing off and shrugging.
“Um, yeah, I guess so. I could use the help,” Buck agreed, “ Josh is helping me in Social Studies, and apparently he’s good at math. So yeah, I guess some help in history would be good too.”
“Man,” Eddie sighed, “we’re gonna become those nerd friends that have study sessions together now aren’t we?” the comment startled a laugh out of Buck and found himself leaning back to bump shoulders with Eddied.
“But I guess we’ll be nerds together,” he said.
“Yeah, I guess that part isn’t so bad,” Eddie replied with a smile. Buck returned the smile and then got up to get his bag.
Harry rolled his eyes and made a comment about them being boring, but otherwise left them alone. Buck wasn’t entirely sure how much more information he really picked up, but Eddie gave him a few mnemonics and they only got completely distracted a few times. Eventually, Bobby came back and told them Abuela was ready to leave, and Buck got up to walk them to the door.
“You’re welcome any time, Buck, okay? My Eddie, he doesn’t talk much, but he talks about you. He’s a bit of a trouble magnet, but maybe you can become his good luck, Buck,” she said with a smile.
“Usually I’m known for my bad luck,” Buck sighed. Abuela shook her head and patted his cheek.
“None of that. The two of you have had enough bad luck. Together, you’ll make good luck now,” she said.
“Abuela,” Eddie groaned, but she just weaved her arm through his.
“Come on, Nieto, you have homework to do, and the new episode of our telenovela after,” she said.
“Abuela!” Eddie protested.
“Come on, Eddie,” she said. Buck smiled watching them. He’d never had that, and it was nice to see. He’d always loved watching families interact. Sometimes with his foster families, watching as an outsider. But a lot of the time, he’d just go sit at a mall or park and watch the families, imagining one for himself some days. He’d only been embarrassed by others for things out of his control or for bad grades, anything that someone could shame him for. He’d never had someone embarrass him over an interest and more in a loving, teasing, way than mean spirited. It seemed nice to him.
He waited until the taillights of Abuela's car disappeared around the corner, before walking back in as Michael walked out. For once, the adult seemed to be a little sheepish and gave Buck a friendly nod before leaving. Buck couldn’t help but stare after him, wondering what that was about. He turned back and found Athena and Bobby talking. He slowly made his way down the stairs and paused, waiting for a break in their conversation, to join. He wanted to talk to Bobby before he forgot. And got in trouble because he forgot to get permission.
“Hey Bobby?” Buck asked hesitantly.
“What's up kid?” he asked, looking over at him.
“Uh… could I… can I…” He bit his lip, not sure what to say.
“You can ask me anything you want, Buck,” Bobby said.
“Um… couldIgottoEddie’s?” he asked quickly.
“... About all I got out of that was Eddie,” Bobby said.
“Can…can I go to Eddie’s?” he asked, “you know, some time.” Bobby studied him for a moment before slowly smiling.
“I don’t see why not. As long as you clear it ahead of time with us, so we know where you are,” he said.
“And we won’t just waste our time! We’re gonna study too. Eddie’s gonna help me with History, and keeping track of my homework, and turning it in,” Buck hurried to add.
“That’s fine. It’s okay if you guys just want to hang out too,” Bobby said, “It’s good to have friends.”
“O-okay, thanks,” Buck murmured.
“Buck,” Athena broke in, “is that something that happens?”
“What?” Buck asked, wide eyed.
“Losing your homework,” she said.
“Um, I…I don’t mean to,” he mumbled.
“It’s alright, I’m not accusing you of anything, honey,” Athena said.
“Sometimes. It’s just… hard. To keep track of,” he said.
“Do you have those folders we bought at the beginning of the year?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Buck nodded.
“If by have you mean he’s worn them to pieces,” May said as she breezed through the living room to the dining room.
“May,” Athena sighed.
“I’ll deal with her, you take care of this,” Bobby said, getting up.
“Is that true? What she said?” Athena asked. Buck hesitantly nodded. “Why didn’t you ask for new ones?”
“I-I can make what I have work,” Buck said.
“And we appreciate that, but we’re not asking you to,” Athena said. Buck nodded but didn’t say anything. “Why don’t you go get your bag.”
“Um, okay,” Buck said.
When he came back to the living room, Athena was sitting on the couch. She patted the cushion next to her.
“Alright, let’s see these folders,” she said. Buck silently sat down and pulled out the stack of papers and folders that took up the majority of his bag. “Can you separate the folders out for me? So we know which subject is which?” He nodded and separated them out, pointing out each subject.
“Alright, you take this half, I’ll take this half,” she said, handing him a stack of papers.
It took them a good half hour to get it all sorted, Buck suddenly finding pages he thought he’d lost. He tried to hide the pages that were torn beyond recognition, embarrassed at the clutter. He caught a few eyebrow raises from Athena and at one point Bobby had walked in, and then walked right back out.
“I’m sorry,” Buck murmured, hanging his head.
“Hey, hey, it’s okay baby,” Athena said, surprising Buck when she turned to hug him. He startled but closed his eyes and leaned into it, relishing in the contact. “It’s just… a little messy. But, we’ll buy you some new folders and find a system that works.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Buck protested. Athena pulled back enough to make eye contact.
“I know. I’m doing it because I want to. Besides, with all the paperwork Bobby and I deal with, you think we don’t know how to keep papers organized? Or that we might have experience with losing papers?”
“You’ve lost papers?” he asked.
“Oh honey, I have lost very important papers,” Athena said.
“So have I,” Bobby said, walking in to join them, “I once lost a probie’s entire file.”
“No way,” Buck said, unbelievingly.
“Oh, I did,” Bobby assured him.
“What-what’d you do?” Buck asked.
“Well, I had to pull her aside and explain what happened. She had to redo it all and I had to ask the academy for some of it again,” he said.
“And… and that was okay?” Buck asked.
“People were frustrated and unhappy, but it ended up being okay,” Bobby said.
“It’s alright to make mistakes, baby, everybody does,” Athena explained.
“Thanks for the help,” Buck murmured.
“Any time, Buck,” Athena smiled, “Now, you didn’t tell me you were such an artist.” she said, handing over a stack of papers filled with doodles.
“I, they’re just doodles. And I only do them in Study Hall! Mostly…” he said, feeling the blush rushing over his cheeks.
“Why didn’t you ask to take an art class?” Athena asked. Buck shrugged.
“I-I didn’t know I could?” he said.
“Don’t you have to take an elective every so often?” Bobby asked.
“I think so? I’m just taking Spanish this semester,” Buck offered.
“Well, if you want to take an art class in the spring, let us know. We’ll make sure your counselor gets it cleared,” Athena said. Buck felt all the warmth in him disappear and he gave her a tight smile and pulled out of her embrace.
“I should probably do my homework,” he said, leaning forward to gather up the folders.
“Of course,” Athena said, sitting back.
“If you need any help, just holler,” Bobby said. Buck nodded and escaped to the dining room to join May.
It helped, now that everything was organized and he could find work for the different classes. He even found a study guide for History that he had missed earlier. He settled into the routine, forgetting about Athena’s comment and the empty promise of still being around in the spring. Eventually, he heard the tv turn on in the living room and relaxed a little more knowing Bobby and Athena would leave him alone for now.
He and May quietly worked, until they heard the adults go tuck Harry in.
“He’s kinda hot,” May observed, breaking the quiet.
“Who?” Buck asked, glancing up from his homework.
“Eddie,” she hummed.
“Oh yeah, he is,” Buck said.
“Yeah?” she grinned.
“I, uh, um, maybe?” he stuttered.
“It’s cool if you do think he's hot. Or not. Him or any other boys. I didn’t mean to trick you into admitting anything” she said. Buck bit his lip and stared at the homework in front of him. “I think I like both… or I might be pan. I haven’t really decided.” Buck glanced up, but found she wasn’t looking at him, but at her phone.
“I… I think I might like both too,” he said, barely above a whisper. May glanced up at him and smiled.
“That’s cool. You don’t have to tell anyone you don’t want to though. But if you ever wanna talk about someone you have a crush on or think is cute, I’m totally there,” she grinned. Buck gave her a small smile in return. She turned back to her work and Buck turned back to his. His concentration was a little broken after that, and he gladly packed his work up when Athena and Bobby came in to tell him and May they needed to get ready for bed.
Buck lay in bed staring up at the fading glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. Harry had proudly told him that he and his dad had put them up there a couple of years ago, when he’d given him a tour of their room. It had been a long day. His thoughts were still rolling around after everything that had happened. But the biggest thing that stuck out was that Eddie had offered his friendship back. It wasn’t just in Buck’s head that they were friends. The history still tickled the back of his mind, and the thought of going back to school made his stomach turn. But Bobby and Athena kept telling him they were taking care of it, and he was trying to trust them. He really was. It wasn’t like there was anything he could do about it anyway, whether they came through for him or not.