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There were four people outside his team of doctors that knew some of the finite details of his leg injury. Maddie, of course, who had helped him navigate said doctors to get the best possible care, and not let them just take his leg when he first started having complications. Then there was Carla, who became his confidant, and who dealt with the red tape so efficiently, she still received a bouquet of flowers weekly in thanks, two years later. And of course there was Eddie, who’d walked in on him one night dealing with a flare-having collapsed due to a flare-up and unable to walk up his stairs. That night had been an eye opening moment for both of them, though they still kept the change in their relationship from the team. No need for them to actually make money on them, thanks.
The fourth was Bobby. Initially, it was just what was necessary, as he had been his secondary emergency contact since Buck had finally settled into being a member of the 118. Then it was what he needed to know for the job, such as “maybe you don’t need to do every rope rescue, and yet there you go again,” but also “yes, you can stand on the moving fire truck, but let Eddie lead for once.”
The one thing that seemed to have missed being told to Bobby was about the flare-ups.
It was something that Buck had been dealing with privately, or lately with Eddie. His leg was fully healed, and the rod and screws had been removed after a quick outpatient procedure. However, there were still some lingering issues that would probably never get fully healed, thus was the nature of the injury. And unfortunately, that left him in pain.
Bobby discovered this little detail at the end of a long shift. It hadn’t been a q-level shift, but it was bad enough that everyone was aching. Bobby was already stripping out of his turnout jacket when Buck made his way out of the truck. One step onto the smooth concrete floor was enough for his leg to demand a break.
Buck’s knee buckled. He grabbed onto the door of the truck to keep his balance. He bit his lip to keep from loudly swearing, feeling the pain of overworking the limb start to creep up his body.
After a second, it calmed. It was more of a warning than anything. He’d need to ice his leg as soon as he got home (or to Casa Diaz, need to ask Eddie first where Christopher was, have to double check that), but he’d be fine.
Buck took a quick breath, then took a step. His leg was still aching, but he could walk on it. Just change and leave. Thankfully, everyone had already left the area-
“Buck?”
Or not.
“Heeey Bobby. I thought you’d already headed to the locker room.” Buck went for a sheepish tone to his voice, which didn’t work. Bobby just raised an eyebrow.
“Urgent Care. Now. Get Eddie to take you,” Bobby ordered, looking completely unimpressed. “I want a full work up.”
As if summoned, Eddie stepped around the truck to see what the hold up was. When he heard Bobby’s order, he shook his keys as acknowledgement and immediately took off to grab his truck.
Once he was out of sight, the Captain turned back to his subordinate. Buck hadn’t bothered moving from next to the firetruck, waiting instead for Bobby’s reprimand, which he knew was coming. It was all over his face.
“And while we’re waiting for him to bring his truck around, care to explain to me why you’re hiding an injury?” Yep, reprimand. And angry-dad face. He needed to shut it down.
“I’m not, I swear. It’s just my leg. A flare-up. I’ll be fine with a couple rounds of ice.”
The angry-dad face melted into a more concerned-dad face. “Flare-up? How long has this been going on, Buck?”
The younger man started to carefully move to his locker to finally remove his turnouts. He was not about to show up at Urgent Care still in full uniform. He already knew there was a massive bet about when he’d next be brought in for a work related injury. If he was at least dressed like a civilian, he could probably get away with it.
Maybe.
“Since… since the accident. Everything healed fine, but I get flare-ups in my leg every once in a while. Hurts for a couple hours, then calms down. I’m in for a long night, but I’ll be fine tomorrow. Especially if I get it iced down before it gets worse,” he explained, absentmindedly rubbing his leg.
“Buck, why haven’t you ever told me about this?” And now concerned-dad was moving towards an almost distraught-dad. Bobby really looked concerned about Buck and his wellbeing.
Buck gave him a small smile. “I thought you knew. And normally, I’m back at home when I get hit by a flare-up. This is my first one I’ve had here since I got back, I swear.”
Bobby moved to Buck and helped him out of the last of his gear, then threw one of his arms over his shoulder. “Let’s get you to Eddie’s truck.”
“Thanks Bobby.”
The two men slowly made their way outside, every step feeling worse for Buck’s leg. Bobby was concerned enough that he considered calling for Hen and Chim to just go ahead and bring Buck to Urgent Care by way of the ambulance. Buck’s face was getting more pale by the second. Luckily, Eddie chose that moment to pull up and help Buck into the passenger seat.
“Sorry, was just grabbing our bags,” Eddie said, while making sure Buck was comfortable in his seat. For his part, Buck was rolling his eyes and grumbling quietly that he was totally fine, and damn it Eddie, you already know what to do, stop worrying about me.
Bobby took one last look at Buck before closing the door for him. He gave Eddie a look and said, “This has happened before when you were around?”
Eddie nodded. “Yeah, I know what to do. Just need to ice it, and maybe chuck him into a hot bath. I’ll let Christopher be in charge for a bit, Buck will be just fine.”
“Good. If he gets worse, head over to Urgent Care. I trust your judgement.” Bobby clapped his hand onto Eddie’s shoulder. “Thanks for taking such good care of him.”
Eddie smirked. “He’s my best friend. And my kid’s best friend. Gotta keep him around.” With that, Eddie hopped into his truck and drove them away.
Bobby made his way to the parking lot once he was sure the boys were good and gone. But as he made his way over to his own truck, he noticed something. Buck’s jeep wasn’t there. He gave a rueful head shake. Buck was in good hands with Eddie.