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He trusts the team. He knows the team would like him. But they're so used to keeping it on the down low it slips his mind. Besides, he hasn't even gotten his shield yet.
1.
"Alright! Alright!' Hen calls 'Money goes in the box."
"What's going on here?" Buck asks as he enters the loft.
Everyone is eagerly surrounded around the TV.
"Fight night Buck.' Chimney says like it's obvious. 'The Eddie "Army" Diaz against Kaleb "Chipper" Feldon."
"It's the biggest fight of the year, Buckley.' Jones adds. 'Want in on the bet?"
Buck scoffs. "No Eddie Diaz is horrible."
"Whoa. What's with the hostility?" Hen asks.
"I think he's an inconsiderate jerk who can't keep his hands up." Buck shrugs.
Chim gasps. "How dare you. The best fighter of our generation."
Buck just rolls his eyes and plants himself on the floor right in front of the TV.
"For someone who doesn't like Eddie Diaz you seem invested." Hen teases.
"Maybe I just want to see him get his pretty face punched in." Buck sasses back.
Then the fight starts.
2.
"And after his third round knock out of Kaleb Feldon, the Texas native is back in the gym." Taylor Kelly reports on the news.
The camera zooms in on Eddie Diaz sparing in the ring with a padded trainer.
"I told you Buck the guys good, otherwise he wouldn't be on the 6 o'clock news." Chimney smirks at him from the couch.
Buck shakes his head and looks at the vegetables he's cutting to avoid a reprimand from Bobby. "And yet he's still a jerk."
"C'mon Buck what has the guy ever-shit." Hen cuts off leaning toward the TV.
"What?" Buck rushes over to look at the TV.
Eddie Diaz is kneeling on the mat fingers in the trainer's mouth.
The bell rings 30 seconds later. Hen and Chimney groan as they load up in the truck.
"What's the call Cap?" Buck asks.
"I think we just watched it. Eddie Diaz trains close by."
"C'mon Cap! Not you too." Buck whines.
Hen and Chimney laugh at him. "Just admit it, Buckaroo the guy’s likable."
"He is not! He's a grouch." Buck frowns.
"Hen, Chim you're up. Buck, try to be nice." Bobby smiles as they pull up.
"Hey.' Eddie Diaz says as they approach him. 'The face padding broke, I didn't realize until too late. I hit a piece of his nose into his cranial cavity then down his throat." He holds the piece up.
"Gross." Buck mutters.
"Buck." Bobby elbows him gently.
"Seem to know what you're doing, good job getting him upright." Hen tells Eddie as she takes over.
"I was an Army Medic." Eddie says absentmindedly.
"So that's where the name comes from." Chim said.
"Eddie, we have Rosie on the phone." One of Eddie's team hands him a phone.
"Which hospital?" He asks Hen.
"General Mercy. They should do more scans there but he seems alright." She smiles gently.
"Thank you.' Eddie says before climbing out of the ring raising the phone. 'Hey, we had an accident. He's being transferred to General Mercy. Go drop the kids at my place. Ev gets off in a few hours. I'll call my Abuela and Chris and Carla are there."
"We're ready to move Cap." Hen says and they load back up.
3.
"Hi, I'm looking for Henrietta Wilson?" A young woman asks 2 small kids with her.
Hen smiles. "Well you found her."
The woman sighs in relief. "Im Rosie. You treated my husband a few days ago. Eddie said this was your house."
Hen nods. "You're the trainer's partner."
"Yes.' Rosie smiles. 'This is Jack and Mikey. We just wanted to thank you. We know Eddie saved him too, but you got him to the hospital. Thank you."
"I was just doing my job. Is he doing okay?"
"Yeah, he's going to make a full recovery and will be itching to get in the ring now that he owes Eddie a punch.' She rolls her eyes fondly. 'He and Eddie made some brownies and cupcakes for you guys. Don't mind how they look the boys helped decorate."
"And they look great!" Mikey says and Hen laughs taking the brownies and cupcakes.
"Well even if it's not necessary, we never say no to carbs."
"Good. We should let you get back just. Thank you again."
Hen watches Rosie and the boys leave with a smile before running to her locker and hiding some of the treats. She takes the rest upstairs.
"Brownies and cupcakes." She sets them on the table and everyone rushes over.
"Did we get sweets?" Buck jogs to the table fresh out of the shower.
"Yes, and you can't say Eddie Diaz is a bad guy anymore. His trainer made these and he helped, and I'm sure having his trainers two boys over was no easy feat."
Buck snorts and shakes his head, cupcake in his mouth. "Eddie Diaz can't cook or bake."
Hen frowns in confusion but the bell goes off before she can ask.
4.
"Top fighter Eddie Diaz is in some controversial waters after a recent press interview with Taylor Kelly.
The fighter made his opinion of the reporter clear to everyone including her."
Eddie and Taylor showed up on screen and the whole house gathered in curiosity.
"I mean saving your own trainer, no need to call 9-1-1 with your skills." She smiles flirtily.
"Is that a joke?' Eddie frowns. 'Always call 9-1-1 even if you're not sure if you need professional medical help. Dispatch can tell you if you need help."
"Right of course.' Taylor laughs softly. 'So, who is Eddie Diaz? No one knows much about you."
"Because I don't want them to." Eddie answers shortly.
"What made you start fighting after leaving the Army?"
"That's private."
Taylor's smile is strained. "I'm sure Fighting with all the bells and whistles widely varies from your time in the-"
"Can we be done here?" Eddie cuts her off looking off to the side.
"It's just some questions Eddie." Taylor says placatingly.
"No It's you continuously ignoring my boundaries and wanting to get your own name known. Are we done?" He asks again.
"I'm sure we can-" Taylor tries.
"Im sure you're a vile bitch that doesn't give a shit about morals or ethics or other people. And it's been proven time and time again by you hounding and harassing first responders after bad calls. And even though you claim it's for the truth it's just for your chances of advancing in your field, and I'm even willing to bet you spent your whole life running from your own truth. Because it has to be ugly."
"The camera was shut down shortly after.' The main anchor said. 'And some who watched the exchange say Mrs. Kelly walked out without another word."
"Damn Buck, I think this is the closest-' Hen started 'Where’d he go?" She asked the others when she turned to find a Buckless loft.
They all exchanged confused looks.
5.
"Hey Buck, come here, you'll love this." Chimney calls from a couch.
"-it is unclear what was said during the weigh-in but Diaz, who has never been baited before, has a knockout before the first round."
Buck sighs heavily. "Turn it off Chim. I don't wanna hear it."
"You don't like the fact Diaz lost control?" Hen asks skeptically.
"Doesn't look like he did.' Buck said steadily 'Looks like the asshole fucking deserved it." He shrugs and walks downstairs.
"I think that's the first time he's been pro Diaz." Chim tells Hen.
"What I wanna know is why was he ever anti Diaz."
+1
"Buck' Bobby smiled as the young firefighter entered his office. 'So it's almost time for your shield ceremony. Chief Alonzo will be there, along with the team, and their families if you're okay with it. What I'm wondering is how many seats we should get for your family."
Buck smiles slightly. "Just three Cap. My Husband, Son and Sister."
"You have a kid?" Bobby asks, surprised.
"Yeah. I'm just used to keeping work and home clearly separate. My husband is well known so we try to keep our son out of the spotlight."
Bobby nods understandingly. "Well alright, I'm glad we get to meet them."
Buck snorts "Me to Cap."
The bell rings and they share an indulgent smile at the slow day finally getting a call.
----------
Buck sees him in one of the mirrors and crouches down in the truck.
"What are you doing Buckaroo?" Hen asks with amusement.
"Shh!' Buck whispers. 'If anyone asks, I'm not here."
The team share concerned and amused looks and jump out of the truck.
Hen and Chim stare at Eddie Diaz standing on their floor while Bobby frowns in confusion.
"Hello, I'm Captain Nash. Can I help you?"
"It's good to meet you sir.' Eddie reaches a hand out. 'But I'm alright." He stares willingly at the truck.
They all stand in awkward silence for a minute.
"Evan James! Get out of the truck!" Eddie calls in his Dad voice.
A loud whine comes from the truck before Buck hops out eyes fixed on his fidgety feet. He glances behind him.
"Chris is upstairs. You can't run." Eddie says.
Buck shoulders drop slightly. "I-uh I had permission." He tries.
"Mm-hmm.' Eddie nods easily. 'Is that true Captain Nash? This dumbass have permission to pull that stunt."
Bobby hesitates before he smiles slightly between the two. "He had permission to free climb to the first victim and then hook both of them back on."
Eddie nods again. "So he didn’t have permission to free fall after the second victim and hook back on 50 feet from the ground?" Eddie asks, still staring at Buck.
"No, I can't say he did." Bobby tells him. Hen and Chim are looking between the three with lost expression.
A giggle comes from the loft and they all look up. A little boy with crutches is watching through the rail.
"Daddy's mad at you Papa. I thought it was awesome." He says slowly.
Buck Cringes. "Thanks Buddy."
Eddie rubs his face. He sighs and walks over to Buck. He grabs the back of Buck's neck and forces eye contact.
"I need you to tell me that you know." He says quietly.
Buck eyes glisten. "I know."
Eddie nods and his lips twitch up. "It was pretty cool."
Bucks breaks into a smile and he ducks his head bashfully with a blush.
"Papa, can I go down the firepole??" Chris asks.
"No." Eddie says.
"Sure buddy." Buck says at the same time.
Eddie raises an eyebrow.
Buck rolls his eyes. "He'll be safe. Chim and Hen will help."
Eddie closes his eyes and shakes his head.
"Mwah." Buck kisses Eddie's cheek dramatically before he jogs upstairs.
He reaches Chris and spins him around. "How about' Buck tilts his head. 'Chim and Hen lower you down and me and Dad catch you?"
Chris nods eagerly.
Chim and Hen nod and walk upstairs obviously still a little confused.
They let Chris go down the firepole a few times when Bobby calls for lunch.
"So." Hen raises an eyebrow expectantly.
"Wha-?" Buck asked with food in his mouth.
"Chew." Eddie says while Chris giggles.
Buck swallows obediently. "What?"
"I seem to recall a few words about your husband." Chim adds.
Buck rolls his eyes. "I meant every word."
"Hmm.' Eddie smirks. 'Oh tell me. I wanna know what he said."
Hen and Chim share a glance.
"Inconsiderate Jerk who can't keep his hands up." Chim says and Eddie's smile grows.
"Just want to see him get his pretty face punched in." Hen adds.
"Same time right?" Eddie asks.
Hen and Chim nod.
"What else?" Chris asks laughing.
"Jerk."
"Grouch."
Eddie laughs at that one.
"Cant cook or bake." Bobby adds, sending Buck an apologetic smile as the man pouts.
Eddie laughs harder.
"He interestingly ran away from the Taylor Kelly interview."
Eddie ruffles Chris' hair. "We don't say any of those words right Buddy?"
"Not until I'm older." Chris nods.
"And I think the only time he's had something good to say, it was about the last weigh-in." Chim says.
"I believe he said it looked like the asshole deserved it." Hen adds.
Eddie's smile slips a bit and he stares at Chris who is stuffing his mouth with a sandwich.
"He did deserve it. I hate Taylor Kelly. Have since the roller coaster interview.' He rubs Buck shoulders and the others all cringe a bit. Remembering how they were giving Buck space and Taylor Kelly popped up. 'I admittedly can not cook or bake. I was given less tasks than Jack, and Mikey for those cupcakes. I'm only a grouch when someone wakes me up at 5am because he's bored. And we don't even do anything fun.' He gives the others a suggestive look keeping it kid friendly. 'He was also not very happy with me when I took a free shot to the face just to prove a point. Thats why I'm an inconsiderate Jerk."
"You are." Buck says sulkily eating his own sandwich.
"So why didn't you tell us?" Chim asks.
"Not that you have to." Hen glares at her best friend.
"My fault.' Eddie raises a hand. 'I try to keep Evan and Chris out of the spotlight so we don't really talk about each other until we know we can trust people and it's just become habit."
"Well we'll have to have a party to introduce your family Buck."
Buck shrugs. "You guys would've met them soon anyway. They're coming to my ceremony next week."
"Yeah!" Chris cheers and everyone chuckles.
"And your sister correct?" Bobby asks.
"Yeah. Maddie." Buck smiles brightly.
"Aunt Maddie's the best.' Chris says then freezes. He looks up at Eddie with wide eyes. 'Don't tell Tia Ari and Tia Soph I said that."
Eddie chuckles. "It'll be our little secret."
---------
"Maddie? Uh-what are you doing here- not that it isn't great to see you." Chim stumbles.
"Um-Hi Howie. My brother is getting his shield today." Maddie answers and said brother engulfs her in a hug.
"Hey Mads."
"Hi Evan." Maddie laughs.
Buck pulls back and looks at Chim. "Oh! This is Chimney, Chimney this is my sister Maddie."
"Uhh- we've met." Chimney says eyes wide.
"Really? Where?" Buck asks, looking between them.
"Um-' Maddie hesitates. 'Evan, remember I said I was dating again."
Buck nods then slowly frowns in confusion looking between them more critically.
"I got it Mads. Why don't you two head in." Eddie says coming from nowhere and wrapping his arms around Bucks waist.
"Thank you Eddie.' She smiles brightly then grabs Chimney's hand. 'Run now." She drags him inside.
"What? NO!' Buck shouts toward them fighting Eddie's tight grip. 'MADDIE! Maddie come back!"