Chapter Text
The first time it happened, Eddie was worried about his son.
Of course, as soon as they moved to L.A. a damn earthquake had to happen. And he wasn’t with Chris. He knew where he was, at least. His thoughts kept going to his son being scared and alone and he wanted to scream. Maybe Buck could see it in this face, because as soon as they were alone climbing into that building, he started talking.
“After Northridge, FEMA spent twenty million dollars retrofitting every school in L.A.U.S.D. ceiling tiles, lighting fixtures,” Eddie could see where he was going, he was trying to reassure him, “Eddie, your kid is in the safest place he can be,” Buck finished. Eddie didn’t know what to say, so of course he made a joke.
“I thought that were a high rise?” he said with a smile. He got inside the building before Buck could think of a response.
On their way up a thought kept coming back to him. Buck was the only one who had thought of offering some sort of comfort to him after learning about Christopher. And sure, he figured the rest of team had other people to worry about, but still, it was touching that Buck had done it.
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Okay, he understood, he would try to comfort a concerned coworker or friend too. But then he offered to drive him to Chris’ school, which was in no way near his own place, for what he could tell. What the hell. Who did that? Not many people, but okay, he figured Buck was probably just trying to be a good friend. Were they friends? He would like to think so. Even though they've known each other literally for only a few days, Jesus, it seemed much longer, he already felt a connection to him.
Anyway, as soon as they got out of the building and got into the station, Buck offered to take him to see his son. Eddie hadn’t even asked, he hadn’t even mentioned it. Buck must’ve assumed he was going to want to see his son as soon as possible.
The drive to the school was a silent one. Eddie was jittery, and anxious to see Chris, and Buck must’ve noticed because he kept quiet too. It was nice, feeling understood, like he didn’t have to explain anything because Buck got it.
When they arrived Eddie couldn’t even wait until the car had stopped, he opened the door and got out. When he saw Chris, standing next to his teacher, he broke into a run. Soon enough, he was hugging his son, spinning him around which he knew was going to make him laugh –hearing his son laugh with glee was one of the best things in the world. As he set Chris on the ground and raised his head, he froze. He would’ve thought Buck would’ve already left.
He thought wrong. Buck was looking at them from his truck, smiling from what little he could see from afar, and as he saw Eddie look at him he gave a little wave and motioned for them to come.
“Who’s that, daddy?” asked Chris, curiously. Eddie looked down at his son and answered.
“His name is Buck, he is a friend from work,” because there was no way they weren’t friends by now, after everything Buck had done, in only one day, for Eddie.
“So he’s a firefighter, too?”
“That he is, son,” he replied with a smile, “Wanna meet him? I think he’s gonna drive us home.”
“Yeah!” and he could help but smile at Chris’ enthusiasm.
“Hi, Christopher!” said Buck as they got to the car.
“Hi, Buck!” and Buck seemed a bit surprised Christopher knew his name, but then he smiled and looked at Eddie, “So, where to?”
As Buck opened the backseat door and gave a smile to Chris as he climbed to the seat, Eddie got the feeling they were going to get along really well.