Chapter Text
Tiny Human was sad. Wolf knew that much. His tiny human was in his room sobbing and Wolf couldn’t help him because he was stuck outside looking in on his window. His big human and two guests of the big human were arguing in the kitchen. The arguing made his Tiny Human sad. He had to fix this!
Chris didn’t like when his grandparents came to visit. It always ended up with his Dad sad, Bucky not coming over, and Chris hated it.
“He doesn’t need a dog Eddie. You would know this if you actually had time for him.”
“DON'T PRESUME YOU KNOW WHAT MY SON NEEDS.” He heard his dad snap and tears came down his cheek.
“That dog had a name and he has been a god send for Chris. Wolf has given him so much independence..”
“He doesn’t need independence, he needs family!” Great now his grandmother was crying. The voices tumbled together in a mix and Chris cried silently. That is until tapping on his window got his attention. Looking up, Chris wiped his face of snot and tears to find the concerned face of Wolf. Big paws came to tap at the window again and Chris got a brilliant idea. Struggling to stand up, he grabbed his backpack and began stuffing clothes, and a small first aid kit inside of it along with his emergency watch.
The watch was programmed with three numbers. His dad’s , Bucky’s, and 9-1-1. He would just call Buck to come get him. But first, he had to get outside. He slid into a puffy jacket and clumsily moved to open his window. He struggled a moment before Wolf was able to help by getting his head under the panel.
Chris shoved his crutches and backpack through and carefully slid through the window. He landed with a thump and wolf was there immediately to help him up, head under his butt to steady him. Christ grabbed the thick leather handle on Wolf’s collar and grabbed the crutches Wolf presented him.
He gave Wolf a pat and then pointed to the wooden gate as he slipped his backpack on.
“Open!” Wolf obliged instantly, using his paws to stretch and slide the bolt back with practice ease. The gate swung open and the duo set off, crutches and toenails clicking as they moved at a decent pace down the well lit street.
Chris would call from the next street over. He could make it. Wolf panted happily, liking the fact his Tiny Human was no longer crying and smelt happier with Wolf by his side. Stopped at each road, both dog and child looked both ways before Wolf would gently herd Chris across as fast as possible.
The youngster felt winded when they got to the next street over, standing by the telephone booth. Flicking his wrist out, he poked at it. Nothing happened. Chris tried again. Same result. Frustrated tears crowded the corners of his eye.
He had forgotten to charge his watch. Wolf looked distressed at the tears coming down and leaned up like a meh wrist at the zoo to lick those tears away. Sobs and sniffles came through and Wolf looked frantically around before he focused. The big humans used tiny things to talk into, but he had also seen the bug thing they were standing next to do the same. Wolf barked and bounded at the telephone booth. Looking back at Chris he barked again.
Chris wiped his eyes under his glasses and stared at Wolf before the lightbulb went off. OF COURSE! His dad had given him his allowance before his grandparents had arrived and Chris still had it in his pocket. A whole three dollars in quarters.
Except he didn’t know Bucky’s number by heart. Still he could call the one number he did remember. He walked over and struggled to reach, gasping when Wolf laid down so he could climb on and reach better. Chris carefully stood on his dog’s shoulders and placed his crutches on either side so he didn’t harm him. He placed the quarters in and managed to hit the numbers correctly.
9-1-1 what’s your emergency?
“Uhm my phone died and I’m trying to call My dad to Come get me. Can you help me?”
Are you injured? Are you alone buddy?
“No. Not injured. And I’m not alone. I got Wolf with me, he’s my German shepherd.”
Do you know your dad’s number?
“Not off the top of my head. My watch that I use to call him died.”
What’s your name buddy?
“Chris. I’m calling for my Daddy Buck.”
Did you say Buck? Like Buckley?
“That’s him! Can you have him come get me?”
I’m sending Buck a message right now buddy, can you stay on the line with me?
“Yeah. Sure. What’s your name?”
With Buck….
“Josh, what do you mean, I just… tell me where he is?” Buck demanded, his foot pressing on the petal harder than he should. Chris was out in the cold, with only Wolf for protection. It sent a whip of fear into his bones. He had to get to his Superman before anything happened.
He said he was at the next street over from his, by the big telephone booth.
Buck sighed, rubbing his face as he turned down said street. There in the light of the street light was Chris, cuddled up with Wolf and talking to the dispatcher still. The kid perked up as Buck threw the Jeep haphazardly into pack.
“Yeah. Daddy Bucky is here! Thank you!”
“Chris! Baby. Jesus it’s cold out Superman. What are you doing out here?” Buck asked, sliding down to pull Chris into a massive hug. Wolf panted and licked Buck’s face, content that his Tiny Human was safe now with Big Human’s mate.
“Grandma and Grandpa wouldn’t stop yelling at Daddy. I couldn’t take it anymore. So I went out the window and Wolf got me here. I tried to call on my watch you gave me but I forgot to charge it!” Chris sobbed. Buck rubbed his hands against his back and sighed.
He knew Ramon and Helena Diaz were never going to accept Eddie and Chris doing fine. So Buck hardened his resolve and stood, placing Chris in the backseat so he could warm up and he whistled for wolf to join him up front.
“Ok Superman, this wasn’t a great idea. I bet your dad noticed you and wolf gone and he’s worried sick. I’m sorry that your grandparents were causing you stress buddy, but hopefully we can fix it. I need you to understand though, you will have to apologize and you might be in trouble with your dad ok?” Buck explained gently, buckling in and looking at Chris. Chris nodded and Buck pulled out to take the short drive to Eddie’s house.
Which was total chaos at this point. Athena was there and Eddie was panicking in the front yard. Pulling up, Eddie raced over to tell Buck Chris was missing to only find Buck opening the back door and a crying Chris waiting for him.
“Chris? CHRIS!” Eddie cried out, diving into the jeep to hug his son. Both Diaz boys cried and Buck watched before letting Wolf out and he whirled steely baby blues on Ramon and Helena Diaz who were charging forward.
Athena stepped up then, stopping the two grandparents from coming closer. Buck looked at Athena, eyes conveying a whole conversation before he really focused on what was being said.
“See Edmundo! This is your fault! Not watching him.” Ramon sneered, face red with fear and anger.
“He should be with us Eddie, you know it’s what’s best for..”
“SHUT UP!” Buck snarled, Wolf at his side pinning his ears back and showing teeth. That sure startled everyone into silence.
“Do either of you realize, if you hadn’t been dragging Eddie down, Chris would have been enjoying an evening with you?”
“You weren’t even there!” Ramon snapped, fists bawling.
“No I wasn’t, but Chris left because you wouldn’t stop screaming. He left through a goddamn window and called 9-1-1 to get me because you, two people who supposedly say they love his father and him, wouldn’t stop fighting with his dad. Who is his idol. Do either of you realize the most common denominator in all the problems in your family is you?” Buck said, voice cold as ice.
No one dared to breath.
“Eddie is the best dad anyone could ask for. He admits when he is wrong, does everything in his power to help Chris have a better life than what he had, and all you guys do it bitch and complain that you didn’t get your way. You don’t even realize you're destroying bridges. Enough!” Helena sobbed, but Buck didn’t care. They needed to hear this.
“Parents can be wrong too. I can tell you right now, you’re wrong about your son. You should be thankful he turned out the way he did. Now leave.” He hissed, fire in his eyes and a wolf let out a savage snarl to back his words.
Athena gently nodded at Buck, realizing he was a man protecting his family and escorted the two Diaz to their car. They didn’t protest and soon drove away. Deflating, Buck wobbled, dressing himself when Wolf nudged him.
“Damn Buckaroo. Do you feel better?” Athena asked, a twinkle in her eye. Buck smiled thinly before hugging her. Athena nodded in silent understanding and sent everyone home, before driving away.
“Come on guys. It’s bedtime.” Buck said simply, gently leading Eddie inside while a wolf bounded to the Jeep to get Chris’ crutches. Buck turned and locked the door as everyone filed in and saw Eddie holding a sleeping Chris.
“Babe, why don’t you go put him down for the night with Wolf and I’ll meet you in your room?” Buck asked/suggested. Eddie nodded absently, heading down the hallway. Wolf followed after giving Buck a panting laugh.
Buck moved around the house, locking up, closing windows and turning off the lights. Entering Eddie’s room he got two pairs of sleeping pants out and got ready for bed. He crawled into his designated spot and waited in the dark.
Soon Eddie joined him. He paused in the doorway and Buck watched. A quite sob had him sitting up and he caught Eddie in his arms.
“It’s ok. He’s ok. You’re ok. I love you.” Bucky whispered, running his hands down Eddie’s back. A hiccup met those words and Eddie managed to get out.
“I love you more. Thank you for standing up for me.”
“Always my love. Always.”
TBC…..