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Chapter Text

Eddie

"No! What are you doing? That's my son! Why won't you let me near him?"

He was now struggling against a man was was at least a foot taller than him, with slightly bigger muscles. The man had dragged him out of the store. He struggled for a minute before the man had him pressed against the side of the building.

He could take the guy down in one swift move, he had the skills to do it, but it was not the time or place for that.

It would just make things worse. For him. For Chris.

10 minutes earlier...

Chris was moping in the back seat as they were pulling into the parking lot of the grocery store.

"Chris, I know Buck had said he would be coming with us to the park. He got delayed at work and will meet us there in a little bit."

Eddie glanced in the mirror at his boy, who was sitting stiffly and crossing his arms. It was rare that they had opposing schedules, but Buck volunteered to take the last few hours of Ravi's spot after being called away for a family emergency. He would be done about now. It meant their day at the park had to be delayed just a little.

He didn't understand why Chris was so upset. Or maybe he did.

This was one of their first full weekends off in a long time. After the blackout, after he broke up with Ana, which, surprisingly, Chris wasn't even phased by, and things kinda returning back to normal. Buck also broke things off with Taylor a few months later. She was always chasing a story and even started traveling. He gave the same speech to Buck that he had given him. Though he wasn't experiencing panic attacks, but holding onto the hope that Taylor would come to her senses and pick him over the job. Which he explained wasn't realistic. Buck knew this, but was still in denial that he was going to loose another partner. He did the breaking up this time. And was a wreck when he came over that night. All he could do to comfort the man was give him a beer, hug him and tell him all would be okay.

"But Dad, he promised."

He sighed. "I know he did, mijo. He sounded disappointed over the phone. But we will see him soon."

"I hate him! He always does this."

He sucked in a breath. "Christopher Diaz! He does not, and you know it."

"I hate you too."

"Good. Be mad at me. Buck doesn't deserve that. He would be incredibly hurt if he heard you say that."

It still hurt when his son directed his anger at him. But he knew it was just how Chris dealt with his emotions sometimes. He wanted to shield Buck from that as long as possible. Even though they've grown closer since everything. Buck's heart was still fragile.

Chris just huffed a response back. He shook his head as he parked in a handicap spot and placed the handicap placard on the rear view mirror. He wouldn't make that mistake again.

He jumped out and opened Chris's door.

"I don't wanna go!" Just loudly enough for some people walking into the store to take notice.

"Too bad. It will only take a few minutes. But I can't leave you in the car. No matter how mad you are."

They had a staring contest for about thirty seconds, before Chris caved and unhooked his seat belt and got out of the truck. He was tall enough to get out on his own now, but he was always ready to catch him if he were to stumble. He grabbed the crutches from the front and handed them to his son.

"No! I don't want them."

He pinched the bridge of his nose, and raised his eyes to the heavens in silent prayer. "Eres terco hoy." When his son just glared at him, he sighed. "Fine. Then you have to hold my hand and be dragged around the store."

Chris made a face and grabbed his crutches and moved aside so he could close the door and lock up. He placed his hand on Chris's shoulder, who jerked away with a whine and then whacked him in the shin with a crutch.

He let out a string of curses under his breath, rubbing his leg. Chris was already ahead of him, so he had to jog to catch up. "What's gotten into you? We'll talk about this later. We just need a few things."

There was a bench inside at the entrance. And to his relief the items he needed were stacked along the wall close to the registers.

"See Chris, we will be in and out. Sit on the bench and don't move. I'm gonna grab these chips and drinks."

Chris moaned dramatically and plunked himself on the bench. He made sure Chris was still in his sight as he grabbed a basket and started browsing the chips. A few minutes later he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see a rather large and muscular man standing there.

"Uh, can I help you?"

"Sir, I need your opinion on something."

"Uh, okay. I don't work here, so I'm not sure what I can do for you."

The man nodded. "It just looks like you are a working man. There are tools in the front I would like your take on."

He didn't remember seeing any tools, but he shrugged his shoulders and nodded following the man. He glanced over at Chris who was still on the bench, but now accompanied by a few women. Chris was now crying. His heart jumped into his throat. Did something happen? Was he hurt? He changed his direction to get to his boy, when the man he was following, quickly blocked his path.

He looked up at the man. "Excuse me. I have to get to my son."

"Sorry man. Not happening."

"What?"

He didn't have time to process this when the man suddenly grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the store. "Hey, let go! What are you doing? I have to get to my son. That's my son!"

Chapter Text

Chris

When Dad told him that Buck had to go into work for a few hours, he got mad. Really mad. He thought Buck cared more about family then work by now. But it seemed like he was coming over less and less. He didn't like it. This would be the first time they would all be together in a long time and he just ruined it.

Dad was upset that he made those comments. He felt bad, but he didn't know how else he could express his feelings. It just came out. He decided to make a point after he got out of the truck and whacked his Dad's leg with his crutch. He almost giggled when he heard his Dad let out a string of curses. And by the time he sat on the bench his anger disappeared and guilt set in. They were almost at the park and Buck would be meeting them. The day wasn't ruined after all. But he put a cloud on the situation and that made him sad. He didn't realize tears were falling down his cheeks. Out of anger at himself, rather than sadness.

He startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned expecting his dad, telling him that they were ready to go, but a woman in a yellow dress. She was smiling but looked concerned as well.

"Hello. Are you okay?"

He sniffed, wiping at his runny nose. He nodded, but didn't say anything.

"How did you hurt your knees? Your hands are all scraped up too. Jeez." She turned to the woman next to her, whispering. She was wearing a green flowery dress. She shook her head

Confused at the question, he looked at his scraped knees and his hands. He had fallen in the playground at school. Just a bit scraped up, but nothing serious. His dad didn't even have to come to pick him up, though he was informed and took care of him when he got home. Buck came over later too that day and taught him a card game that made him forget about the aches in his knees that started later. He remembered his dad smiling and also getting into the game as well.

When he didn't answer, she prodded a bit more. He was getting anxious. He looked up to where his Dad was, but he was no longer in sight. Tears fell freely once again.

"What's your name?"

He shook his head. "I shouldn't be talking to strangers. I want my Dad." Crying a bit harder now.

"Where is your dad?"

"I don't know. I wanna go home."

"I get that. We are trying to figure that out. Just calm down for me. Can you do that for me?"

He didn't understand what was happening. He looked around once more and saw a crowd gathering. He thought he heard his name being called, and then some shouting and it was quiet again.

"Do you have a phone?"

He shook his head. "Where's my dad?"

The woman sighed.

Buck

20 minutes earlier...

Buck was able to get out of the station earlier as there had been only one call when he got there and then nothing after. He sent a text to Eddie saying he would be getting a few things and then would meet them at their favorite park. He walked into the grocery store, grabbed a cart, and moving further into the store. He knew all the snacks and drinks that Chris and Eddie liked.

He was excited to hang out with the Diaz boys. His cart was getting full. Perhaps he was going a little overboard, but he planned on having stuff for when they had movie nights.

Suddenly there was commotion toward the front of the store. Some yelling and maybe a scuffle. Then a kid crying. He abandoned his cart to check it out. Hoping no one was hurt, but he was ready to assist in anyway he could. He made his way to the entrance and the crying had died down, but when he rounded the corner he saw Chris sitting on a bench, surrounded by a few women. Eddie wasn't there. What? Where could he be? What is going on? What happened? A million questions running through his head as all he could focus on was Chris. Chris looked distressed and quickly made his way over. He tried to break the chain that was gathering around the bench and reach out to Chris. Chris hadn't seen him yet, and he was about to call out to him. A hand grabbed his shoulder and yanked him back.

"What?" He struggled against a man. "What are you doing?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Huh? I have to get to Chris. He might be hurt."

"You're with the other guy? Mike! Help me get him out of here." Another guy appeared out of nowhere and grabbed his shirt, while the other man had his arm and dragged him out.

Buck tried to struggle out of the grip, but they seemed to have super human strength and he tried yelling for Chris.

"Chris! Chris, it's Buck! Where is your dad? Chris!" But he was already out of the store and roughly pushed down on a bench just outside.

"What are you doing, man? I need to find his dad. Where did he go? Eddie! Eddie!"

"Buck?"

He whipped his head around and spotted Eddie being pressed against the building by another man, who had his full weight pressed against him. Eddie's eyes were wide and shining. All that did was cause the guy holding him down, to pick him up and drag him further away from Eddie.

"What the hell!"

"Be quiet."

He watched in disbelief as a cop car pulled up, an officer hopped out, talked briefly with the man holding Eddie, before grabbing Eddie, patting him down quickly, cuffing him and shoving him in back.

The cop came up to him next just as another cop car arrived. Since he didn't want to escalate this further, he let the officer pat him down and drag him to the other car.

"I have no idea what's going on, but you need get Sergent Athena Grant down here. Now! Athena Grant!"

Eddie

"Hey man. I don't know why you are doing this, but I can explain. That boy is my son and he is scared!"

The man just tightened his grip on arm. His bad arm. Now recovered, but it didn't appreciate being held behind him. His face was also squished against the brick.

"Just shut up. We are waiting for the police to arrive."

"What? Police? Why? I have proof. Let me show you my phone."

The man just ignored him.

All of a sudden there was commotion at the entrance and two large men where dragging someone out. Seriously, where did these guys come from? They were huge! The man being dragged out looked familiar. The blonde hair and the birthmark. The birthmark! Buck! And he was yelling his name, looking wild. Why was he being dragged out too? Surely he would have been the one to calm things down.

"Buck!"

Buck whipped his head around and called for him, only to be dragged further from him. And the man holding him to the building, also dragged him, further while his head was still pressed against the wall. He could feel the hard surface scraping up his face. He winced.

An officer arrived, one he didn't recognize. The man holding him spoke up.

"This one has been combative."

What? "No!"

The officer patted him down, cuffed him, didn't even speak to him, and not so gently placed him in the back of the car. He watched as they did the same to Buck. Buck was yelling something before he got shoved in another cop car.

Then he watched as both officers headed inside.

Chris must be so scared and confused right now.

He hung his head and prayed.

Chapter Text

Athena

Athena was driving away from a scene when a call came over her radio.

"727-L-30 respond."

"Yes dispatch. What do you have for me?"

"We need yo to head to Albertson's Grocery Store on Tenth. Possible kidnapping. Young boy with injuries. Two suspects in custody. They were combative on scene. CPS has also been notified."

"On my way."

"Be careful Sergeant."

She gave two clicks to her radio in response as she threw on her sirens and made it to the store in minutes. She parked behind the cop cars already on scene. One cop was standing near his car and she could see the other cop talking to people near the entrance, though she couldn't see a boy. She was already ticked that there was no ambulance on scene. If the boy was injured, that should be a top priority. She got out and caught the attention of the officer standing by the car.

"Sergeant Grant. Officer Williams. I was first on scene. Officer Rivera is with the witnesses and the good samaritans who were concerned about the boy and called it in."

She held up a hand for him to stop talking. "Why isn't there an ambulance on scene already? The boy is injured, no?"

Williams shook his head. "No, ma'am. He does have scrapes on his knees and hands, but he said they were from falling on the playground at school. They were old and already healing."

"Not good enough. They should have been called regardless. You do that as soon as we are done here. Tell me about the kidnappers."

"Yes, ma'am. I am sorry about that. The man in this car was with the boy. The witnesses state they were arguing and appears he was being forced from the car into the store. And the man in the other car was already in the store, possibly for some time. His cart was full. He came at the boy after the first guy was pulled out of the store. They might know each other. So we were thinking they were gonna hand him off to the other. The boy hasn't been saying much. Just that he wants his dad."

Something felt off about that. "Ok. Did they say anything?"

"This guy didn't say much. The guy holding him outside just said he was being combative and yelling. He resisted a little when I put him in the car and hasn't spoken since. The other guy asked for you specifically. But also wouldn't say anything else."

"Alright. Thank you. I want to talk to this guy first. See what he has to say for himself. Can you open the door?"

He nodded and they walked to the car a few feet away. As soon as Williams opened the door, she gasped. "Eddie?"

The poor man must not have heard her as he had his head bowed and there were tears still clinging to his cheeks. He also had a nasty scrape on the side of his head and cheek as well. It was as if he had been dragged against the ground. She leaned in.

"Sergeant? What are you doing?"

She ignored the concerned tone of the officer and placed her hand on Eddie's shoulder, causing him to jolt and try and pull away from her. His eyes opened, scared. When he saw her, he broke. Tears started streaming down his face.

"Oh, Eddie. What happened?"

He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, Athena. One moment, I am shopping with my son, and the next I am being dragged out. No one would explain to me what was happening and even the guy who arrested me didn't say anything."

"Williams? Is this true? Do not lie to me. Did you even read him his rites?"

Williams looked like a deer caught in headlights.

"Get this man out the car. Right now."

Williams helped Eddie out the car and uncuffed him before stepping away.

Athena turned back to Eddie who seemed to be barely holding it together, he was looking at the entrance. "When can I see Chris? He was so scared." She softened her features and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I will get to the bottom of this. The witnesses are still with him and the other officer. Can you sit on this bench? I hope to resolve this quickly. I have to call off CPS too."

Eddie went white as a sheet. His knees buckled and he sat heavily on the bench. "CPS? For what? Why? They can't take my baby. El es mi vida entera." He buried his face with his hands. He was visibly trembling.

"It's not gonna happen. I promise you that. I'll be right back with Chris. Okay?"

Eddie swallowed and nodded. He looked up with concern. "Where's Buck? Did you talk to Buck?"

She frowned. "No. Why would I talk to Buck?"

"He was in the store too. But I didn't know. He must have gotten out of work early. I saw him get dragged out. He might have been arrested, but I couldn't see him after I was put in the car."

She turned to Williams with a scowl. "Did you drag a tall blonde man with a red birthmark over his eye out of the store?"

Williams shook his head. "One of the concerned parties did. I just got him in the car."

"Really batting 1000 here, Williams. I want that man out of the car. Yesterday."

She followed him to the other car and when Buck saw her, he shrank into his seat. Her heart clenched as she knew Buck was beating himself up over something that wasn't even remotely his fault. She placed a gentle hand on his chin, getting him to look at her, and she smiled. He gave a small grin but was still wary. She helped him out and William's immediately uncuffed him. Buck rubbed his wrists, shifting his feet as he usually does when he is nervous.

"What's going on Athena? Is Chris okay? Where's Eddie?"

"Well. Long story, short. The people inside thought Eddie was a kidnapper. You as well. So I have to sort out the mess inside. There were reports that Chris was injured, but they were old injuries from a playground incident?" Buck nodded. "But an ambulance is on it's way to check him out anyway. Eddie's might need a once over. His face is scraped up. I'll have to get to the bottom of that."

Buck sucked in a breath. "Eddie's hurt? Where is he?"

She pointed to the bench just beyond the cop cars. Eddie staring blankly at the entrance. Tear tracks still visible. Buck grabbed Athena's arm and looked at her. She nodded.

"Go to him. He's okay. Just shaken up. I'll go get your boy."

Buck frowned, before nodding, and he ran to Eddie's side. She watched as Buck sat down, carefully sliding an arm around Eddie's slumped shoulders. Eddie jumped a little, but as soon as he saw it was Buck, he all but collapsed into his arms. Buck wrapping his arms around Eddie, whispering into his hair.

She smiled and quickly moved into the store. There was a small crowd around the bench and Chris was in the middle. No longer crying, but looking confused and scared. Two women were sitting on either side of him, talking calmly. A group of men, looking like a group that could be part of the WWE, were also nearby. Officer Rivera was talking with one of them. They were laughing about something. They quieted down when they saw her.

She decided to go directly to Chris before dealing with the crowd.

"Excuse me. You two? I need you to leave this boy alone. I need to take him to his father."

The woman in the yellow dress smiled brightly. "You got a hold of the father?" That caught the attention of the group of men.

Athena raised an eyebrow. "You were looking at him. One of those hooligans dragged him out. Did anyone actually talk to the man before judging him?"

Yellow dress looked insulted. "That hooligan in my husband. How dare you insult him like that. I'm gonna report you..."

"I would like to see you try it. So. Who decided to act instead of investigate. Hmm? You almost ripped a wonderful family apart."

"He doesn't even look like the man. How was I supposed to know? It looked like he was holding the boy against his will. So, I acted."

"More like hid behind your husband. Who also injured the man. So. I'm done with you. Please vacate the bench. I have to get Chris back his family. But don't go anywhere. Any of you."

Chris was watching the exchange with awe. When he made eye contact with her, he lit up and smiled brightly.

"Hey Christopher. Tough day, huh? Can you tell me what happened?"

Chris frowned. "It happened so fast. I remember being mad at Dad and Buck. We were gonna go to the park, but Buck got called to work. It's been so long since we had a full day together. Those are always special. I was sitting here. Those two ladies in the dresses sat next to me, but I knew I shouldn't talk to strangers. They were try to ask me all kinds of questions. I couldn't find dad. I was scared. Is he mad at me? I kinda was bad and hit him with my crutch."

Her heart jolted. "Oh, baby. No. Your father could never be mad about that. You were just having a little disagreement. That's normal. He is scared and sad that you too got separated. He is worried sick. Buck was also here and is equally anxious to get to you."

Chris lit up again. "Buck's here?"

"He sure is. Your dad got a little scraped up, so I want you to give him a great big hug when you see him."

"I can do that."

"Good. I'll walk you out."

She helped Chris off the bench and walked next to the boy to show him where his dad and Buck were sitting. It warmed her hear to see that Buck still had the man wrapped in his warm embrace. Even though they weren't together, as far as she knew, they care for each other so deeply.

"Dad! Buck!" Chris tried to speed up to get to them quicker. Eddie popped his head up and seemed to sag in relief. He tried to get up from the bench and stumbled down to his knees, still shaken from it all. Buck quickly went to his side, hovering and Chris closed the distance, falling into his dad's lap. Eddie hugged him tightly. He blindly reached behind him, as Buck had given them space, and grabbed Buck's hand to pull him closer. Buck again embraced them. His long arms looping around them, like a warm blanket.

She could see the ambulance waiting. She nodded to them, pointing to the family before heading back to the group inside.

Yellow dress was watching the scene with a look of disgust. "So they are together? That's disappointing. They are poisoning that child."

Athena was fuming and got right in that woman's face. "Don't you ever speak ill of that family again. Do you hear me? Not another word, or I will have you arrested for disturbing the peace. Now for your husband. I will be taking him for assault. He injured that man. Rivera, cuff him, please, and take him to your car." Rivera hesitated, but nodded. "Sorry, man."

Yellow dress's husband just shrugged. "I did what I had to. I'll be out before you know it."

Athena couldn't believe what she was seeing. She was going to look up these two cops and check out their history. This probably wasn't their first time, skipping crucial protocol and not taking orders more seriously.

She turned back to the ambulance and it looked like they finished checking on Chris and Eddie. Buck was now carrying Chris and they made their way to the parking lot.

It was another hour before she wrapped up the scene, where she learned that the man purposefully kept Eddie against the wall and dragged him, causing the brick wall to scrape his face. She headed to the station to fill out the necessary paperwork and making a note to look into those two cops and then she headed home. Bobby was in the kitchen making dinner. He glanced up and smiled. So he hadn't been informed yet.

"Hey baby. Dinner will be ready in just a bit."

She nodded. "You have off tomorrow, right?"

Bobby frowned. "Yeah. Why?"

"I think we should invite Buck and Eddie and Chris for dinner tomorrow."

"Uhh...they have a 24 shift. Early. Don't think that's gonna work."

"Well, make it work. Get someone to fill in for them."

Bobby could sense something was wrong and came away from the island and walked up to her.

"What happened, Athena?"

She sighed. "Eddie and Chris were at a store. They were having a small argument. People at the store thought Chris was being kidnapped. Eddie got dragged out and injured. Buck also got dragged out by some arrogant vigilantes. And fool cops who didn't even bother to get the full picture. It was a mess."

"God, Athena. My boys are okay though?"

"Yeah, but Eddie was the most shaken. It was hard to see such a strong man crumble like that. Buck was there, so that helped."

Bobby nodded before pulling her into a hug. "Okay. I'll text Buck. And then make some calls."

He kissed her cheek before heading back into his office. She poured herself a glass of wine, savoring her first sip. Her goal was to comfort that little family that she had come to love, but also wanted to gauge if Eddie was willing to press charges.

Sighing, she headed to the bedroom to change. Her mind twirling with the days events.

Chapter Text

Buck

Buck was holding a trembling Eddie. He didn't know for how long they were sitting on the bench for. He pressed his cheek against his head and whispered soothing comments towards his friend, not really sure what he was saying as he kept an eye on the front door of the grocery store.

It was maybe a few minutes later that he saw Athena walking out with Chris. His face a little blotchy from crying, but had the biggest smile as he started pick up pace. So he jostled Eddie as soon as Chris called out his dad's name and then his. His heart fluttering at the joy in his face. Like they hadn't seen each other for days, when it had only been less than an hour.

Eddie popped his head up, Buck already anticipating this as he moved his head quickly out of the way, and gave a shout, moving to get up and reunite with his son. But he was still weak and wobbly, so he took one step and collapsed to his knees. Chris saw this and moved a little quicker. Buck got up, but didn't want to ruin the moment, so he hung back, smiling so wide as Chris launched his body into his dad's lap, where Eddie engulfed him. But then tensed his body. Buck got concerned that Chris was hurt and Eddie could sense it, but he didn't anticipate Eddie reaching behind him blindly and gripping his hand and tugging him towards them.

He greedily welcomed it and put his arms around the two.

Eddie

It was the greatest feeling in the world to hold his son. The only thing that was missing, was Buck. He was surprised that he wasn't right there with them. He could feel his presence, so he reached back and found the man's hand and dragged him closer. There was a small huff of surprise before Buck took the hint and wrapped his arms around them. They were complete.

They were interrupted by the paramedics. There was a little humor in the way they all had to untangle from each other. Buck rubbing the back of his neck as he watched them closely. Chris was cheerfully answering their questions. Satisfied that Chris was uninjured they turned their attention to Eddie. He explained what happened to his face and that his shoulder was a little tender from the force of which his arm was being twisted behind him. He could see Buck wringing his hands in worry when he heard that. He caught Buck's attention, taking a deep breath, which seemed to lesson some of Buck's worry. Only just a bit. It came back when the paramedic examined his face. He hissed when they flushed the scrapes. They weren't deep enough for stitches. They recommended it be kept open to the air, keep it clean, and only use bandages if completely necessary.

Chris looked like he was fading a little from the excitement, leaning into Buck, who was absently running his hands through the mess of curls. Chris looked up at Buck with a big smile and Buck returned it.

His heart fluttered as the paramedics released him.

"Dad? Are we going home now?"

"Yeah, bud. Home sounds good."

"Can you carry me back to the car?"

His face contorted as he glanced down at his boy and then to Buck. Buck nodded wordlessly and scooped the boy up with a laugh. Chris laughed just as hard and buried his head into Buck's shoulder as they walked to the car. He followed beside Buck and he pressed his hand to the back of Buck's shoulders, gave a squeeze before drifting his hand down to the middle of his back and kept it there til they reached the car. Buck turned and smiled so softly that he felt he could kiss the man right then and there.

The moment was broken when Chris whined. "I'm hungry."

Buck just chuckled. "Well, seeing as we both came away from this empty handed. My shopping cart was nice and full before all this happened. So, we head back and order a pizza?"

He nodded as he climbed into the passenger seat of Buck's jeep. Buck quickly buckling Chris into his seat who cheered at the pizza idea.

His mind wandered and before he knew it they were already parked in his driveway. Buck opened his door with a little caution and unhooked his seat belt. He still felt a little jittery, so when he exited the car, he hadn't expected to feel light headed and wobbled a bit. A steady hand on his elbow guided him up the stairs and into the house. They were in the kitchen and a plate suddenly appeared in front of him. A small sandwich and a glass of orange juice.

Staring at it dumbly, he glanced up at a worried looking Buck.

"I thought we were ordering pizza?"

"We are, but you need something now. For the adrenaline crash."

Nodding, he took a bite and felt as if he were coming back to reality again. A pain killer appeared in front of him.

"For your shoulder. I know you still have some pain. This couldn't have been pleasant for it. Might help with your face too."

"Thank you, Buck."

Buck shrugged and watched as he took the pill. In his haze before reality set back in, he realized he didn't see Chris. He didn't bring him in the house. He felt the guilt set in and suddenly felt queasy. He pushed the last of his sandwich away.

Buck grabbed his hand. "What's wrong?"

"Sorry. I just zoned out. Where is Chris? Dios. I'm..."

Buck squeezed his hand again to get him to look at him. "Hey. No. Chris is fine. He went to go read in his room. I gave him a snack too. He is just fine."

He sighed and rubbed at his face, pausing as he heard Buck suck in a breath. He glanced at Buck who had his hand raised up as if he was going to stop his movement. Realising what he had just done, he pulled his hand away and his fingers had a little bit of blood on them.

"Shit."

Buck was already up and searching the cabinets before coming back to the table with a small med kit.

"It's okay, Eds. You just opened a small cut. I think this one will require a butterfly band-aid."

So he held still as he watched Buck's face who skillfully cleaned the cut. His tongue was poking out of the side of his mouth, one movement he does when really concentrating, applied the band-aid.

"There. Good as new."

He nudged Buck's shoulder. "Hey, watch it. I hope you aren't trying to jockey for my spot to be a paramedic." He was already feeling better.

Buck nudged him back, grinning. "It's all temporary, ya know. Chim said Maddie is doing really well on her inpatient program. They should be home soon."

"I know. I really miss working next to you. Hen is a great teacher. But she isn't you."

Buck just ducked his head.

He smiled and got up. "You take really good care of me. And Chris. I am so grateful." Buck glanced up at him with a shy smile. Now or never. He hooked his finger under Buck's chin, leaned down, pressed a soft kiss to Buck's pink lips. He pulled away just as he felt Buck start to kiss back. He smiled.

"I'm gonna check on Chris. Order us some pizza?"

Buck's eyes were closed, lips pursed a little. He opened them to see the retreating back of Eddie. His whole body tingling with warmth.

He was on cloud nine. He just kissed Buck. But he decided to be an ass and leave him in the kitchen. He'll check on Chris and be right back in front of Buck.

Chris was reading a book in his bed. He knocked on the door.

"Hey Dad. You doing okay?"

"I'm doing better, mijo. I just wanted to check in on you. Do you have any questions about today?"

Chris scrunched his face as he usually does when he is thinking about something. "No. Athena explained it to me. I'm just glad you didn't get more hurt. And, I'm sorry that I was being stupid. I shouldn't have hit you with my crutch. You're not mad at me, right?"

"Hey. First of all. You are not stupid. And two, I could never be mad at you. Never. You were having a bad day. We all have them. Those people just saw it differently. I don't think they meant to hurt me. They were concerned for you."

Chris nodded. "Buck is okay too?"

"Yeah, bud. He's fine. He took care of both of us."

"He's the best!"

"He really is. Speaking of. I have to get back to him. I kinda did something silly and just left him hanging."

Chris looked at him in confusion. "What did you do?"

"I kissed him."

Chris smiled so wide. "Really?" He clapped his hands in excitement.

"Really. He must be so confused."

"Why would he be confused, Dad? He loves us."

"You are right. My smart and wise little man."

"I am really smart. So why are you still here with me?"

He laughed. "I am sorry that our day didn't go as planned. We'll get you for dinner, okay?"

Chris nodded. "It's okay. I am just glad we are all together, now." Before pushing him off the bed and shooing him out. "Get garlic bread!" As he was halfway down the hall.

He entered the kitchen again and Buck was staring blankly at his phone, scrolling aimlessly. He sat at the table and grabbed Buck's phone, who started to protest, but quickly shut up as he pressed another kiss to those beautiful pouty lips again.

He pulled away again. Buck trying to chase him. "Did you order the pizza yet?"

He smirked when Buck pouted. "Noo...I was too busy thinking that my best friend just kissed me and then left me in the kitchen all alone. Abandoned."

"Oh, such a shame, isn't it?"

Buck smiled and leaned forward. "Yeah." Their lips met again. "Hmm."

"I." Kiss. "Yeah?"

"Need." Kiss. "Hmm?"

"You." Kiss. "Me?"

"To." Kiss. "Huh?"

"Order." Kiss. "Oh."

"The Pizza." Kiss. Buck grinned. "Fine. But don't go anywhere far."

"Wouldn't dream of it." He got up to to grab a drink and smirked when he caught Buck's eye as he took a sip from his beer bottle by the kitchen sink. He raised an eyebrow. Buck's eyes went wide and blushed before ducking his head and focused back on the screen. "Make sure you add garlic knots. Chris wanted garlic bread, but I know he likes the knots from this place."

Buck nodded and it took a few minutes of silence. "Done. Will come within the hour." He placed the phone on the table and got up to join him at the sink. Taking the beer bottle out of Eddie's hand, Buck pulled his arms so they were around his waist and then put his arms on his shoulders and this time leaned in to kiss him. It was sweet and unhurried. Buck then pulled away so he could bury his face in his neck. They held each other like that for a minute. He had to lower his injured arm just a little, so it was sitting just above Buck's belt, to ease the tension in the muscle in his shoulder. Buck breathed in, kissed his neck and then huffed out a little chuckle.

Eddie pulled way so he was looking at Buck, who was smiling ear to ear.

"What are you thinking about?"

Buck reached toward his face to sweep away a strand that was falling in his eyes. He has been letting his hair grow out a little bit.

"I just like the fact I don't have to bend down too much to kiss you or hold you. Taylor was like 5 foot nothing and I had to do all the work. Same for Abby. You are like the perfect person for me."

"So, what your are saying, is that I have to do all the work now?"

Buck smiled, shaking his head. "No way. I just like that we fit together. It's really nice."

Eddie smiled back. "You are something else. You know that?"

They were about to meet for a kiss again, when Buck's phone started ringing. He pulled away to look at the screen.

"It's Bobby. Give me a sec."

He nodded and absently rolled his shoulders to get the stiffness out. Buck frowned as he answered the phone and moved to the living room. He came back a few minutes later.

"Bobby and Athena are inviting us over for dinner. Athena wants to follow up with you, but they just mainly want to treat us to a family dinner. He's giving us the day off, even though we had the weekend off. Apparently we had been added to a 24 by accident." He shrugged his shoulders at the blunder.

"Good thing he called then. We might have gotten written up."

"We wouldn't want that."

"Nope."

Buck looks shyly at him before moving closer and grabs his free hand and brings it to close to his face. Slowly examining it, like he is memorizing all the lines and bumps and roughness. His hands can't be that interesting. They are far from beautiful. Buck runs his finger over his tattoo that is between his thumb and pointer finger and then moving his hand up to the tattoo around his forearm. One that kinda mirrors Buck's lined ones on his forearm. He once pointed that out and he couldn't get it out of his head ever since.

"I can't believe I can touch you like this. Your hands are amazing."

He felt his cheeks heat up. "Are they really? They are calloused and rough."

"Not really. They are smooth. Strong. Hands that help people."

"Wow."

"Yup."

They leaned in for a kiss again, only to be interrupted by the door bell this time.

He groaned. Buck rolled his eyes. "I'll get Chris and you get the door?"

He nodded and opened the door to greet the delivery guy. "Hey man." He was shocked at the large bag of stuff the guy was holding. He actually ushered the delivery guy to drop everything off on the kitchen table as it would have been too mush for his shoulder. He grabbed his wallet and pulled out some money for a tip. The guy thanked him and left.

Buck and Chris were making their way to the kitchen.

"Evan Buckley. What did you order? This could feed a small army!"

Chris's eyes went wide when he noticed the two large pies. Garlic knots. Wings. Pasta. A salad. A large soda. Was that a large chocolate cake slice?

Buck rubbed his hands together. "Tonight we eat like kings."

"Then we go for a run in the morning."

"Spoil sport! Chris, tell your dad that he is ruining all the fun."

Chris just giggled as he sat down. He sighed and grabbed a paper plate. Buck grabbing a slice to put on Chris's plate and pointing to a few things that Chris nodded at and added a small amount to another plate before working on his own plate. His heart just swelled again with how Buck was so attentive. Always has. He bent down and pressed a few kisses to Buck's head. Buck beamed at him with a mouth full of pizza. They ate in comfortable silence. Which was rare because Buck was usually has a fact in his pocket at moments notice. But it was just a sign of how they were all hungry and tired from the day.

"Can we watch a movie?"

He nodded and watched as Chris went to pick it out and then waited patiently on the couch. Buck grabbed three small bowls and scooped a slice of cake into them and then grabbed Eddie's hand and pulled him to the couch, so they squished Chris in between. He couldn't really pay attention to the movie as he watched Buck and Chris. They almost had their own little language between them. Pointing at a scene that they've seen before and reciting it word for word. Gasping and giggling at the right moments. But Chris faded and fell asleep during the last half. Buck running his hands through Chris's curls, still very much attentive to the screen. He smiled and put his arm out to rest on Buck's shoulder, absently running his fingers along the hem of his sleeve.

The movie ends and Chris is snoring slightly, curled up against Buck's side. "I'll take him to bed, Eds." Carefully picking up the boy and he watched them disappear down the hall.

He nodded and stretched his arms and legs, groaning a little at the stiffness in his shoulder. So he tried to stretch his arm more. He could feel a kink in his shoulder blade. It wasn't coming undone. Rolling his shoulders a little to see what he could work out. Sighing in frustration, he leaned back into the couch cushions. The discomfort continued. Buck tapped his nose and opened his eyes. He held out his hand and he grabbed it, letting himself be hoisted off the couch and Buck led them to the bedroom. A heating pad and what looked to be massage oils.

"Where did you get those?"

"I had them here. In your bathroom. When my leg acted up. It really helps."

"Oh."

"Do you need help with your shirt?"

He shook his head, but gave a look to indicate that he wanted the help anyway. Buck was delicate with his arm and sat behind him once his shirt was off. He grabbed the oils and put htme on his hands before moving to his back. They smelled good, but also seemed to be warming the area. Or was it just his imagination. Buck found the knot and pressed.

"Dios. Yup. You found it. Ow..."

"Sorry. Just bear with me."

Buck dug into the spot causing him to groan in discomfort before it eventually eased up and it was becoming more pleasurable and relaxing. Eventually Buck stopped in that area and moved to his neck. He didn't realize he was holding tension there too. He leaned back so he was back to chest with Buck who had also taken off his shirt. His chest was broad and warm so he relaxed a little more and Buck chuckled, pressing a kiss to the side of his head. Then he oiled up his hands again and massaged his chest and stomach. He didn't go anywhere near his belt. There would be time for that another time. He couldn't remember a time he had been so relaxed. Buck closed up the massage oils and scooted them both on the bed until they were laying down. HIs back was still pressed against Buck's chest, his long arms wrapped around him.

"You make me feel so safe, Buck. Thank you. Mi amor."

He could feel Buck smile and so he turned around enough to capture those lips once more. They made out for a little before they settled for cuddling again.

"What do you think Athena will tell us about today? About that guy? Or guys? They were like crazy big. I bet you could take them."

He nodded. "I probably could have. But that would have only made the situation worse. I guess we will find out tomorrow. Let's not worry about it now. I just want you to hold me."

"I can totally do that Eds. You make me feel safe too, ya know."

Chapter Text

They indeed went for a run the next day. They waited until Carla picked Chris up to take him to school. She raised an eyebrow when she saw the two adults sitting on the front porch. Both still in their pajamas, sitting on the large bench. Eddie was reading the newspaper and Buck was scrolling through his phone. The thing to stand out was that they were holding hands. Her heart soared when Eddie leaned over and kissed a blushing Buck in front of her. She went inside to gather Chris and his school supplies, then paused to pinch both their cheeks in congratulations before heading out with the boy.

Buck borrowed running clothes from Eddie and they ran to the park and along the trails. They were drenched in sweat by the time they returned home. Eddie feeling bold, stripped his clothes in the living room in front of Buck who just stared in awe. He moved toward the bedroom so he could take a shower. When he turned around, Buck was still standing by the couch looking a bit shell shocked.

"You coming?"

Buck looked at him with confusion.

"To shower."

Buck raised his eyebrows. His finger lifted up and pointed at himself and then Eddie. When he nodded, adding a smirk, Buck's face lit up, stripped just as quickly and they dashed to the bathroom attached to Eddie's bedroom. He had never been in this bathroom before and it was surprisingly large. He watched Eddie as he turned on the shower and then grabbed a few towels from the small closet and placing them on the sink. Satisfied that the water was warm enough, he grabbed Buck's hand and pulled him under the spray, crowding him against the wall and pressing kisses to his neck. Buck just sighed in contentment.

They explored and kissed and touched and washed each other, never loosing connection. Buck was careful of Eddie's injured cheek. It was looking better, but bruising had appeared, eerily reminiscent of the scratches he got from the tsunami.

He didn't know how long they had been under the water, but he did know that the water started getting colder. He sighed, not wanting this to end. Eddie turned off the water and stepped out. Buck grabbed a towel and was about to dry himself off, but Eddie stopped him. He flipped a switch that turned the light above them red, and it started producing warmth as they stood below it. Eddie grabbed him by the waist and pulled him close as they started swaying gently, even though there was no music.

The warmth was starting to dry them off. Usually he is quick to get out of the bathroom and dry off because he was cold and wanted to put on his warmest hoodie and sweats. He turned his head up and let the warmth hit his face.

"Oh my God, this is so frickin' nice."

"Shannon had installed one in our bathroom when I returned from Afghanistan. I was still sore and achy from my injuries. Showering was an ordeal and I was always cold despite the Texas heat. The one thing she did right before we really started having issues. She let me have my time after my showers to warm up and become human again."

Eddie grabbed a towel and wrapped it around Buck's shoulders, using the other one to dry off Buck's legs.

"What are you doing?"

Eddie just shrugged, continuing to dry him off. "You don't like it?"

Buck smiled. "I do. Just not used to someone caring for me. It's different. I like seeing this side of you."

"Hmm." He grabbed his towel and wrapped it around both of them. Buck's arms came around to his back, hands going up and down his back in slow movements. He happened to glance at the clock on the toilet and sighed.

"Time to come back to reality for a minute."

"Why? What time is it?"

"12:30. Chris will be home in an hour. We have to take him to Abeula's and then we go to Athena and Bobby's. Gotta give my statement I guess. See what else there is."

So they got dressed, ate a light meal, hyped up Chris and kissed Abeula on the cheek and found themselves knocking on Athena's door. Eddie was nervous, so he grabbed Buck's hand. Buck squeezed back, pressing a kiss to his temple.

"You're okay with them knowing about us, Eds? I don't want to risk anything."

"I don't care. I wanna shout to the rooftops if I could to let people know we are together. Too much has happened for this to be secret."

Buck just leaned his forehead to his and smiled. 

The door opened and Athena blinked, she glanced down at their entwined hands and back up the shy faces of her boys.

"Finally! Come in, come in." She frowned when she noticed the bruising on Eddie's face. Bobby rounded the corner and took in the moment before placing his hands on Eddie's shoulders, giving him a once over, and then pulling him into a bone crushing hug.

"I'm okay, Cap."

He felt Bobby nod, but squeezed back just as hard, surprised that they both came away a bit teary eyed. Even Buck looked a bit choked up.

Bobby cleared his throat. "Sorry. Dinner is just about ready. Do you guys want wine?"

They sat and Athena clasped her hands and cleared her throat.

"Ok. So, lets get this out of the way. The man that assaulted you, Greggs Riley, has already made bail. Apparently has a lot of money and followers. He is some famous YouTube wrestler/mixed martial art guy. Anyway, if you want to press further charges, let me know. I will start the paperwork."

Eddie sat back. "I don't know."

Buck grabbed his hand. "Babe! This man hurt you and almost took away Chris."

"I know, but who's to say that if I had seen something like that, that I wouldn't act in the same way. Maybe I wouldn't go as far as hurting someone. God, I hope I never do. Just saying, I don't think it would do anything. You say he has a lot of followers? They could easily turn on me. Expose me or my family. I don't want any of that. I don't want that kind of attention."

Buck was buried in his phone now. Mumbling under his breath. "The guy has like 10 million followers. That's only on YouTube. And like 20 million on twitter. Fuck. Shit. Sorry, sorry 'Thena. He has a reputation for getting into trouble and getting away with a lot. Yeah. I'm with you on this one, Eddie."

Eddie nodded looking at Buck's phone now too. "Hey, it looks like he travels a lot. So probably little chance I will run into him again. If I do see him again and he wants to cause issues, I'll come to you Athena and file a restraining order. For now, I just want to leave it alone."

Athena nodded, sipping her wine. "Alright. For what it's worth, I'm glad it brought you two together. You both look really happy."

Bobby nodded, smiling. Glancing at Eddie who was blushing a little. He grabbed Buck's hand.

Buck suddenly became serious. "Are we gonna get separated, Bobby? I swear to God, that this is not going to be a fling or anything. Eddie is my everything. My family..."

Bobby held up a hand. "Hey. Just need you to fill out paper work. Don't give me a reason to change your shifts around. Keep it out of the firehouse. Keep it in your pants."

"Bobby!" Athena smacked his arm as Buck's jaw dropped before collapsing on Eddie and breaking out into laughter. Eddie couldn't help but laugh a little too. Embarrassed a bit, and confused. Obviously an inside joke between them, and before his time. He sipped his wine and glanced at Athena who just gave him a wink. He smiled shyly around his glass.

They moved on to lighter topics. May was struggling with what she wanted to do. College essays were due soon and she was procrastinating. Harry was all about the newest video game. Chris has a science fair coming up at the end of the year and wants to submit something. He was leaning towards something robot related.

"And what about you two? What does your future look like. Hmm?"

Eddie chuckled. "We've only just got together."

Buck scoffed and elbowed him gently in the ribs. "A second ago, you were ready shout from the rooftops."

"Ok, maybe just from the firehouse rooftop. But I love how we are now. And maybe another kid down the line. Bigger house? Anything is possible."

"You see all that with me? You've been thinking about it?"

"And you haven't?" He challenged. Buck smiled. "Touche."

~~~~~~

It was a few weeks later, Eddie was at the grocery store again. He was in one isle and Buck and Chris had wandered off, no doubt to the candy or snack isle.

He was staring at the selection of soups when he felt someone standing next to him. He paid no mind, until they cleared their throat. He looked to his right and Greggs Riley was standing there. Startled, he took a step back. Greggs help up his hands.

"Woah, man. I didn't meant to scare ya. I just wanted to apologize. I did some research on you. Decorated, injured Veteran."

Eddie scowled. "I don't need your pity."

Greggs shook his head. "No, nothing like that. Like I was saying. Veteran, accomplished firefighter, single dad. Wife dies. You were shot on duty, like 6 months ago. And I only added to the trauma. So, I apologize. I wasn't thinking. I used to be a bouncer at a bar in a tough neighborhood. All I did was wrangle and toss trouble makers out the door."

Eddie nodded. "You are a bit of a trouble maker yourself, so it seems."

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Buck and Chris round the corner. Buck stops when he notices Greggs and tenses up. He shakes his head minutely, a small gesture of his hand. Buck nods and moves away with Chris who was busy looking at something on the shelves, but stays in his line of sight. Grateful, he turns back to Greggs.

"Yeah. I'll admit that I am a bit of a showoff. I've learned a few things since our run in. I actually talked about it on my channel. I never gave your names or circumstances. But my fans were quick to scold me. They even told me stories of things like that happening to them. With less than ideal outcomes. It's opened my eyes."

Eddie folded his arms. "I really hope so. I heard what your wife said about my family. I hope it's opened her eyes too. It's a shame to have such a narrow perspective on things."

Greggs nodded. "I am trying. We've gone to a couple counseling sessions recently. So I hope. I really love her. Once again, I want to apologize. I am sorry I hurt you."

"I appreciate it."

"One more thing. I have a fight coming up. I have some tickets. You can invite your family."

Eddie shook his head. "As thoughtful as that is, I've seen some of your fighting. They get violent and I don't want my son seeing that kind of stuff. And you usually have it televised. I don't want your fans to realize that we are there and start finding stuff about us. I've seen that happen before. My boyfriend has done a lot of research. It doesn't always end well."

Greggs ran a hand through his hair. "Fair. If you change your mind, here is my card. And I will make it a private event. No cameras."

He took the card and put in in his wallet.

"Take care Eddie. Say hey to Buck and Chris, will ya?"

~~~~~~

6 Months Later

"Hey, Eds!"

He looked up from his newspaper. They were sitting on the porch again, eating breakfast. Buck was buried in his phone, wedding planning.

"Greggs Riley is taking a break from his youtube channel. Says he going to travel to find himself."

"Huh. Hope it's legit. A not some ruse to gain fans."

Buck shrugged and returned to his planning.

8 Months Later

"Hey Eds! Greggs is getting divorced. Irreconcilable differences."

"Good."

1 Year Later

They had just gotten married and were sitting at their table ready to eat. Music was playing. People laughing and drinking and having a good time. Eddie was drooling over his filet mignon.

"Hey, Eds!"

"Yes, husband?" He couldn't stop smiling.

"Greggs is quitting his channel and wants to open a martial arts studio."

"Huh. Okay. Stop researching and come dance with me."

"Gladly, my love!"

2 Years Later

They were filling out paperwork for adoption.

"Hey, Eds!

"Yeah, babe?"

"Greggs finally opened the studio. It's in downtown LA."

"Great."

"Any interest in going down there?"

"Not really. But thanks for the updates."

"Okay."

3 Years Later

"Oh. My. God."

"What? What? What?"

"Greggs. He just came out as gay!"

"Huh."

"I know!"

"Still any interest in going to see his studio?"

"Nope."

"Kay.

"But, I am interested in going to pick up our little girl. What say you?"

Buck smiled brightly.

"Danielle Everly. Here we come!"

~fin~