Chapter Text
Back to the Start
“You’re exhausting!”
“The 118 is not a family.”
“When are you going to grow up, Buck?”
“My house, my rules.”
Early one LA morning two woman stood in front of a jeep watching the sun start to rise.
“You ready?” The redhead asked.
“You sure I’m making the right choice?” The other questioned.
“Are you?” The first countered. “This is your choice, your life. You should let anyone’s opinions change your mind.” The second woman looked at the rising light.
“Yeah, I need a change… before I lose myself.”
“Then go before-”
“I lose my nerve?”
“Before they find what you left for them.” The two women embraced. “Call me every day.”
“I will, thank you. Especially for this, I’m glad you and I became friends.”
“Me too.” They broke apart and the other climbed into her jeep and started the car starting to leave city and pain behind her.
“Time to remake myself… again.”
Two and a Half Years Later
“Hey.” A male voice echoed in the fairly quiet car. “You sleeping? Babe?”
Everleigh “Leigh” Buckley snapped out of her musings, she turned in her seat to face the man driving.
“Sorry, what were you saying?” The man raised an eyebrow.
“We have to stop for gas, want a coffee?”
“Uh… I wouldn’t say no to a doughnut?” He rolled his eyes.
“You and your sweet tooth.”
“You love it.” Leigh teased.
“Unfortunately.” He seemed to struggle with something and she sighed.
“Whatever you are going to say, say it. We agree the way we work, is honesty.”
“Where did you go?”
“Memories. Of… before.” He frowned.
“Leigh, are you sure this is the right move? We don’t have to go; you don’t have to go back.” Leigh smiled and grabbed his free hand.
“I know, and I love you for even considering this. But I’m not the same person I was a few years ago. I’m not Buck 2.0.” She snickered. “I’m Leigh. And for the first time in my life, I’m okay with that. I have you and this job is big for you. So, we do this, I left alone and broken. Now I’m coming back with the most important person in my life, and you.” He laughed.
“And she’s back.” A gentle coo was heard from the back. “Oh, someone’s awake.” Leigh turned around to see the car seat hooked behind her.
“Hey, love. Good morning, you sound so happy.” She greeted before crinkling her nose. “And ripe. I told you we shouldn’t have feed him the bananas.” He shook his head before pulling into the rest stop.
“Fine, I’ll change him. Can you fill up the car?” She nodded.
“Yeah, right after I pee, ever since I had him, I can’t hold my bladder like I use too.” He shrugged and tossed her the keys while reaching into the backseat.
“I know.”
“Besides,” she continued “3.967 million people in Los Angles, I figure I could go at least a year without running into them again.”
