Work Text:
Buck was writing a fourth book. He was completely unsure how the hell it happened, but he was actually trying to come up with something original, this time. Then the 118 was organizing a day at the park, donating time to a pet adoption fair of all things, for a no kill shelter in the 118's operating area.
Only his 'no pet's allowed' clause in his lease, and Eddie's stern 'Absolutely not!' kept Buck from adopting all the animals, or adopting them for Chris. A few minutes chatting with the volunteer in charge of the event, had him desperate to help. Not only with time, but, suddenly he had an idea for the new book, and a plan to donate his profits from the book.
For the sheer publicity alone, the publishing house matched him percentage wise, effectively doubling the amount he'd be able to donate to not only this no-kill shelter, but to others all over Southern California.
He also blocked out time to volunteer with the shelter, for both himself and Christopher, who loved the time spent with animals, even though it was a constant struggle to make sure he didn't 'accidentally' forget to return a kitten or three, every single time.
Buck perfected a signature for his pen name and had the publisher set times for Buck to show up and sign copies of the books at various indie book stores. Athena nearly saw him once when a couple parents started behaving badly, but he saw her coming and slipped into the back room of the store.
When the newest book released Buck secretly had three collars made up, sized appropriately for their animal alter egos. Christopher's proclaimed him to be Christopher, Fire Kitten of the 118, Alley Cat and Best Friend to Buckaroo. Christopher absolutely loved them.
Bobby was beginning to suspect something was going on, because apparently the number of requests for student tours of the 118 were ten times what they were for any other station in the city. Hen was actively campaigning for firehouse pets, and even Harry was snickering when Bobby complained about not wanting a fire dog. He just didn't understand what he meant by already having Buck, or why half the people in the room began laughing hysterically.