Chapter Text
“That’s it. I am calling someone else to handle the two of you,” Athena huffed as she came out into her dining room.
Bobby and I had been pouring over the evidence against the rehabilitation clinic which killed his friend, and so far, we have our theories. But we have been working since yesterday, with very little sleep, and Athena was getting annoyed with us.
But because Bobby had to take a few days off due to an “incident” with this case, and I am still recovering from getting struck with lighting, we are finally able to pour in some real time to solve this.
“Sure honey,” Bobby nods and waves his hand to shoo her away. “That sounds nice. Whatever you want.”
“Do you not hear me?” Athena grew even angrier, glaring daggers at us. “You two haven’t moved in days. You need to sleep. And eat something other than coffee.”
She was about to say more but she second-guessed herself and walked out of the room, pulling out her phone.
“Want more coffee?” I ask as I stand up to get my sixth cup.
“Yes,” Bobby nods and hands me his cup. “And brew some more. We have no time to waste.”
“On it,” I say as I walk back to the kitchen.
I start another coffee pot and pour out the remaining coffee into our cups before bringing them back to the table. I am sipping on mine when I hear a truck pull into the driveway.
The doorbell rings and Athena rushes out of her bedroom to get it. “Don’t everyone stand up at once to get to the door,” she says sarcastically.
“Thanks, babe,” Bobby says, not listening. “What about Arizona? You said that there might have been a clinic out there.”
“It doesn’t fit,” I shake my head. “It can’t be the same people. They have different backgrounds and there was no one that overlapped.”
“There had to be something out there,” Bobby shakes his head, frustrated. “I just know they have done this before.”
“I know it too,” I nod in agreement. “It’s just that they covered their tracks well.”
“Well, we need to uncover them,” Bobby snapped.
“I see what you mean,” a familiar voice said from behind me. “How long have they been doing this?”
“Two days,” Athena answered as she crossed her arms.
“Why didn’t you call me sooner?” Eddie turned to Athena with surprise.
“They were harmless until I found them sitting at the same table the next morning,” Athena sighed. “I don’t think they have slept.”
“We have not,” I piped in, taking another sip of my coffee.
“This has become an obsession. They haven’t eaten, slept, or even stood up longer than going to get more coffee.” Athena rested a hand on Bobby’s shoulder.
“What are you talking about?” Bobby turned to his wife. “We aren’t obsessing over anything. We are trying to solve a murder and stop other people from getting hurt. You of all people should be helping. Police officer.”
“Don’t you raise your tone at me,” Athena stood down her husband. “You are obsessed. You can’t let this go even long enough to eat with your family. And now you brought Buck under this dark umbrella.”
“He wanted to help. It’s more that I can say for you,” Bobby glared at his wife, and I could feel the tension in the air. Same as Eddie, because his face showed just how uncomfortable he was.
“What am I going to do with you,” Athena let out a sigh. “How could this have happened? I thought Buck being here would be good for Bobby. I invited him over. But now look at them.”
“They are both bored,” Eddie nods in agreement.
“Right here,” I wave my hand to get their attention. “No need to talk like we aren’t.”
“Buck is still on medical leave and we both know he has to keep himself busy at all times. And as for Bobby, he is hurting from the loss of his friend,” Eddie explained like some therapist. “They
are taking this to heart, but I am sure it will all blow over once they can go back to work.”
“If I can ever go back,” Bobby mumbled just loud enough for me to hear.
Bobby was accused of starting a fire, which is not something a fire captain should ever be accused of. If we can’t clear his name, he might never come back to the 118.
“We are solving a real crime,” I shake my head, ridding myself of dark thoughts. “Bobby and I are good at this. We might not have all the proof, but look for yourself.”
“We know the names of some of the people in the program that left,” Bobby hands Athena a paper. “And we have a list of old employees that were fired or left.”
“Maybe one of them will talk,” I said, taking over. “I mean, if you were fired, maybe you want to squeal for the authorities to get back at the company.”
“This is stalker level of information,” Athena says as she flips through the pages. “How did you find all this?”
“Let me see,” Eddie comes over and Athena hands him the evidence. “How do you know all this about someone? Favorite places place? What book they just checked out? Where they live? Who has
pets and who doesn’t? What is this?”
“It helps to have a friend whose fiancé is a police officer,” I smirk, leaning back.
Honestly, without Carlos’ information, we would be nowhere. He gave us addresses and social media and I spent the day scoping out their profiles and getting to know them.
And Carlos was happy to help because TK was interested in this case as well. It seemed to have some personal ties for him.
“What do you plan to do with this information?” Athena puts a hand on her hip. “Kill their dog?”
“Buck and I know that most of the higher-ups have a weekly poker match at the casino. We could go in and infiltrate them. Learn information and maybe get them to admit to things.” Bobby
explains as I nod in agreement to our plan.
“One, you are not allowed around anyone from that company due to your restraining order. Two, they know your face and would never play with you.” Athena shakes her head as she pulls apart
our plan.
“But they have never met me,” I chime in, knowing that I was on bed rest when they came to the fire station and threatened the team.
“But you can’t go in alone,” Eddie shakes his head. “That would just be reckless.”
“Even Reckless Buckley, at your service,” I smirk, knowing that I have done far worse (going up a ladder in a lighting storm comes to mind).
“They haven’t met Eddie either,” Bobby turns his attention to Eddie to study him.
“Don’t bring me into this,” Eddie shakes his head.
“No, it's good,” I stood up and put a hand on Eddie’s shoulder. “He was at my place that day so they have never seen us.”
“Unless they researched everyone,” Athena points out. “I am with Eddie. This is not the way to do things.”
“Athena, this could be our chance,” Bobby turned to his wife, pleading for her approval. “If we can just get some information on them, maybe we could shut them down. Think of the lives we can save.”
“And if things go wrong, what’s the worse that can happen?” I shrug. “I will just say I was acting on my own accord and leave Bobby’s name out of it. They would never know.”
“But they have guns. They are willing to kill to keep a secret, so what makes you think this isn’t dangerous?” Eddie stared me down, trying to get me to see reason.
“I haven’t died yet,” I smirk. “It’s my choice. And I want to take it.”
“How about we revisit this subject later? I am willing to hear all about what you found, but only once the both of you get at least twelve hours of sleep and some decent food in you.” Athena barged.
“You would hear us out?” I wanted to make sure.
“Yes,” she nods.
I turn to Bobby, waiting for him to say something. “If we sleep, then you will let us run our plan?” He asks, hesitating.
“No,” Athena shakes her head. “But if you sleep, I am willing to talk to you about it after you aren’t so sleep-deprived.”
“What do you say?” Eddie asked, crossing his arms. He wanted an answer now.
“Alright,” Bobby nodded before turning to me. “We can use the sleep and then we can come back with fresh eyes.”
“I’ll follow your lead,” I nod.
“Alright then,” Athena sighs. “Bobby, bed. Now.”
“I have to find my keys,” I say more to myself as I pat my chest for the keys.
“Oh, no you are not,” Eddie shakes his head as he grabs my jacket off the back of the chair. “I am driving so we don’t get in an accident.”
“I am a good driver,” I glare at him as I take my coat and put it on.
“You haven’t slept in almost two days, so forgive me, but I don’t believe you.” Eddie opened the door and waved to Athena before walking me to his truck. “Get in.”
“Where’s Christopher?” I asked as I got into the passenger side.
“Athena called and I dropped him off at his friend’s house. He was all too happy to have a sleepover on a school night.” Eddie explained as we started driving to my apartment.
“I bet he was,” I smirk, knowing that Christopher is probably enjoying his night with his friend.
“How much coffee have you had?” Eddie asks after a moment of silence.
“Not sure, why?” I turned to him, confused about why he was asking about it.
“Because you are all jittery.
“It helps to keep me awake,” I shrug and lean back in the seat. “Bobby and I used up most of Athena’s coffee, so I am going to have to buy her some more. Maybe I should go to the grocery store by my place.”
“Sure, but that can wait for another day,” Eddie sighs. “You need to get some rest first. Then we can go in the morning.”
“Are you staying over?” I asked, turning to him in surprise. I was just thinking that he would drop me off and go home, but I guess I was wrong.
“Someone has to make sure you don’t die,” Eddie rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “You seem to have a bad habit of that.”
“Lightning can’t be controlled,” I pointed out.
“But neither can a firetruck falling on you or a tsunami be predicted either.” Eddie gave me the side-eye.
“So, my life’s a little dangerous,” I smirked. “It keeps me alert. On my toes.”
“It gives me heart attacks,” Eddie mumbled under his breath.
“You are one to talk,” I cross my arms, annoyed at him now. “You almost died in front of me when you got shot. And then when you were sucked under the earth and almost drowned.”
“My stories are still calmer than yours,” Eddie turned to glare.
“Why are we fighting about this,” I let out a frustrated sigh. “We both almost died. What’s the big deal.”
“The big deal is… you can’t die.” Eddie seemed to be holding something back.
“You can’t die either but you don’t see me getting angry about it,” I point out. “So why is it any different for me?”
“Because… Christopher needs you. He loves you,” Eddie said but he couldn’t look at me. He was purposely keeping his head forward.
“He needs you too,” I shake my head, not understanding. Something was missing. Something Eddie wasn’t telling me.
“But… he let you in. He loves you. And if you had died that night… what would he have done?” Eddie’s voice became a horse and I could see the tears well up.
By now we were parked in the parking garage of my apartment, but Eddie still had his hands on the wheel and was looking straight ahead. Avoiding me.
“Eddie,” my voice was soft, which surprised even me. “I am alright.”
“But it could have gone the other way,” Eddie’s voice cracked and I could hear the pain behind his words.
“We can’t think about what could have been,” I put my hand over his, trying to ease his grip on the wheel.
“I can’t see past it,” Eddie shakes his head.
“Eddie, look at me,” I ask, being gentle. When he doesn’t respond, I put my hand under his chin and gently move his face to look at me. “Eddie, talk to me.”
His eyes look down as he avoids looking at me. “We should go inside,” he mumbles, trying to change the conversation.
“Not until you tell me what is wrong,” I stop his hand from opening the door. That meant I was now leaning closer. My face was now only inches from his. “Tell me.”
“I am angry,” Eddie’s eyes snapped to mine, and for a second I see his anger, but it doesn’t last. His eyes become hooded with sadness as he looks at me. Really looks at me.
“What are you angry about?” I whisper, only inches from his face.
“You could have died,” he repeats what he has already said.
“So?” I stare him down, not letting him go without an answer.
“So? So you could have died. You would have left me. Left Christopher. Christopher needs you. He wouldn’t be able to move on if you ever died.”
“He would,” I nod, sure that Christopher would be okay if I ever died. But I knew this wasn’t about Chris. Eddie was just hiding behind his son. “And so would you,” I say with all the sincerity I
could muster.
“No, I wouldn’t,” Eddie pulled back, but I caught him before he could leave the truck. “Let me go.”
“No,” I say firmly. “Not until you say what is really bothering you. Stop hiding behind Christopher and just come out and say it.” My tone rose, but I stared him down, waiting for him to talk.
“What do you want me to say?!” Eddie let out a burst of anger. “What would you like me to say?” he repeated, but his voice softened. “That I am in love with my best friend and I only realized it
when I saw him stop breathing? That I wouldn’t be able to live without you, because you are my rock? That Christopher and you are the only family I have left?”
“Eddie…”
He cuts me off. “Is that what you wanted? Because it’s all true, Buck. And I have never been more scared in my life than when you were hanging off the ladder, not moving. I couldn’t think. I felt
like I was drowning.”
“Eddie,” I grabbed both his hands. “I am here. I am okay.” I brought his hands to my chest and let him feel my heartbeat. “I am here. I am not going anywhere.”
Eddie just sat there silently, feeling my heartbeat for a few more seconds as his breathing slowed down. “Buck,” his voice was weak. “We should go inside.”
“Alright,” I nod.
Eddie slowly got out of the truck and I followed, making sure to walk beside him. We didn’t say anything as we walked up to my apartment, but I saw him wipe his eyes a few times.
Once inside, I set down my keys and took off my coat before turning to Eddie, who was looking at the ground, avoiding me again.
I sighed and walked up to him, cupping one hand around his neck and pulling his head down. His lips felt soft against mine, and though he was surprised, he soon kissed me back.
I felt his body melt into mine as all that tension in the air left. I brought my other hand to wrap around his waist as I held him close to me, wanting this moment to last.
Our soft kiss soon became more passionate as our tongues started to fight for dominance. A flutter of excitement grew in my stomach, and I felt something, unlike anything I have ever known.
Eddie’s arms wrapped around me as he moved our bodies closer. I felt his excitement against my own, making me groan in pleasure.
“Ignore it,” Eddie mumbled against my lips.
“Hard to ignore something like that,” I smirked through our kiss.
“Try,” he said before capturing my mouth once again and ceasing all conversation.
I wasn’t sure how long we stayed like that, but as we pulled away from the air, I wished I could just stop breathing altogether. Too bad you need oxygen to live.
“Feeling better?” I smirked as I gained my composure first.
Eddie glared at me but soon softened as a smile grew in its place. “Is it bad if I say yes?”
“Not at all,” I smirked. “Just gives me an ego boost.”
“It’s not like you need one,” Eddie chuckled.
We both shared a laugh before I went to the kitchen to scrimmage for some Pop-Tarts. “Want one?”
“It’s two in the morning,” Eddie shakes his head as I pop them in the toaster. “How can you be hungry?”
“Because I haven’t eaten all day,” I shrugged. “Crime solving tends to distract you from important things. Like eating.”
“Then shouldn’t you be eating something more… healthy?” He sat at the dining table.
“Don’t judge my eating habits,” I cross my arms. “If I remember correctly, you lived off of mac and cheese for almost four years straight.”
“Fair enough,” Eddie leans back in his chair and watches me.
“What?” I say after a minute, annoyed with all this silence. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking about, and it was bothering me.
“Should we talk about it?” Eddie leaned forward, looking serious.
“About the undercover thing?” I turned with my plate of Pop-Tarts. “Yes,” I nod. “I think we should. If we are going undercover, then you need to be good at gambling. I have never seen you play,
so we should play a hand or two. And I need to see if you have a poker face.”
“Evan, you know I wasn’t talking about that,” Eddie’s face grew dark. “And I am not going along with your idiotic plan that will surely get you and I both killed.”
“So, you want to talk about the kiss,” I nod in understanding as I take a bite. “Okay, what do you want to talk about?”
“I don’t know,” he sighs in frustration as he runs a hand through his hair. “I just know we should talk about it.”
“Do we talk about the kiss itself or what it means?” I asked, genuinely not sure what he was wanting.
“Both, I guess?” He sounded unsure.
“Well, I liked the kiss,” I took another bite. “You are a good kisser, no surprise there. And I think it’s pretty clear what it meant. You said you loved me, and I kissed you. Connect the dots, Diaz.”
“So… what does this mean? What’s next?” Eddie folded his hands to keep himself from fiddling with them. Then he turned to face me, giving me his full attention.
“Well, I should sleep,” I leaned back, thinking. “You can stay here of course, but I don’t think it would be a good idea for us to go further until we are both ready.”
“Agreed,” Eddie nodded.
“But I guess the next step is a first date,” I shrugged. “I mean, that is normally what you do when you like someone.”
“But what about the 118? What about Christopher?” Eddie started to ramble and I could see the wheels in his head go overtime.
“Eddie,” I placed my hand over his to calm him. “Don’t overthink it. We don’t have to tell anyone yet. We should just explore whatever this is at our own pace.”
“Yeah,” he nods. I could feel the tension in his body being released as he sits back in his chair. “You know, you are wise when you are sleep deprived.”
“So why won’t you go undercover with me then?” I smirk, trying to convince him.
“I take that back,” Eddie shakes his head as he stands up. “Your plan is still stupid. And clearly, you are too sleep deprived to see the dangers yourself.”
“I am not,” I stand up and place my empty plate in the sink.
“Let’s get you to bed,” Eddie comes over and gently grabs my arm.
“I can go to bed on my own,” I glare at him, but I don’t fight him because a part of me like being taken care of by him.
“How do I know you will actually go to bed if I don’t walk you there myself,” Eddie gave me the side-eye as we walked up the steps to my bedroom.
I huff and walk ahead, heading straight for my closet to get some sweats. Eddie goes back downstairs and turns off the kitchen lights that we both forgot and I change. Then I climb into bed and
turn on my phone, checking to see if Bobby has any updates.
Of course, Athena probably took away his phone and that is why Bobby is silent. Or at least, that is my theory.
“Hand it over,” Eddie reached out a hand. I didn’t even realize that he was standing beside me until now, so I am a little startled.
“Why would I give you my phone?” I bring it to my chest so he can’t take it.
“Because you won’t get any sleep without it,” Eddie said in a knowing tone.
“I am fine,” I insist.
“Buck, hand it over,” he wasn’t asking anymore. This was an order.
“Fine,” I placed the device in his hands with a sigh. “Just make sure it gets charged.”
“Yeah yeah,” he nods and starts to head back downstairs.
“Where are you going?” I asked, confused.
“Downstairs,” Eddie pointed to the steps.
“I know that, but why?”
“Because you need to sleep,” Eddie sighed.
“But I don’t have a couch,” I stand up, getting out of bed. “Where do you plan to sleep? That tiny chair?”
“I was going to sleep on the floor,” Eddie rolled his eyes.
“You are my guest,” I shake my head and gesture to the bed. “You can sleep in my bed. I will sleep on the floor tonight.”
“No,” he shook his head. “You are still in recovery. You need to sleep more than I do. And I sleep on the ground when I am camping. This isn’t much different.”
“Sleep on the bed,” I cross my arms, not taking no for an answer.
“No, you sleep on the bed.” Eddie crosses his arms, not budging.
Then it hits me. “Fine,” I sit back on the bed. “I will sleep in the bed if you do. If you don’t want to sleep on the bed, then I will sleep on the floor with you. That’s fair.”
“What are you talking about? You are more sleep deprived than I thought,” Eddie shook his head.
“Take it or leave it?” I climbed under the covers and pat the empty space beside me.
“I am only doing this because you are stubborn when you are tired,” Eddie sighed and walked over to the other side of the bed.
He got in but stayed above the covers. I gave him a sideways look, but he just ignored me and turned to face me the other way.
“Night,” I said as I flipped off the light.
“Night,” he mumbled back, but I could already hear the sleep taking over his voice.
I chuckled softly to myself as I settled into the bed and closed my eyes. And somehow, all the weeks of recovery and the pain of getting struck by lighting seemed to be worth it.