Work Text:
White Christmas
Eddie slowly got out of bed without disturbing Buck and went into Matt’s kitchen to get himself a cup of coffee.
Whilst the water was heating he stood in what was for intense and purpose’s his brother in laws kitchen. Despite how their first meeting had gone Eddie knew that he owed so much to Matt, he had helped him get the help he needed, he was a loving uncle to Chris, he got Eddie a cut throat lawyer to make sure he didn’t loose his job when his own stupidity put everything at risk and most recently helped protect Christopher when his mother tried to get custody telling the court that Eddie was unfit and a risk to Christopher.
“Hey brother” Matt said, padding his way into his kitchen, Eddie smiled and replied, “Hey Matt..” Matt raised an eyebrow, “What’s going on in your head ground pounder I know that look?”
“I was just thinking how much I owe you.” Eddie replied, “Eddie, don’t make me give you a nuggie, there are no debts in family.” Matt replied as he flicked on the TV to turn the news on.
The two families had fitted so well together often spending weekends with each other, neither Matt or Eddie wanted to deal with an angry Connor and Christopher if they kept them apart.
Watching the Weather forecast for the skiing resorts in Aspen Eddie turned to Matt, “You know I have never actually seen snow, is that weird? “Eddie said somewhat shyly.
“Not really brother, you grew up in Texas, you deployed to Afghanistan and live in LA, hardly known for their ski slopes. Dad has a house in Aspen, all the family spent Christmas up there a few years ago as it was the first time we all had time off at the same time... Say why don’t we do that this year, I know its been a tough year for you, it would be great, has Chris ever seen snow?” Eddie smiled, of course Matt would ask about Chris.
“No he hasn’t... its a pity, with my parents separating Dad was going to spend Christmas with us along with my aunt and grandmother” Eddie replied.
“So there is plenty of room.” Matt replied, “There are 6 bedrooms, three bathrooms, plenty of room, obviously the kids will share. If we split up the boys it would be war, you think my temper is bad, so is his mum’s and Connor go his temper from both of us.” Matt said laughing as the two friends began their plotting.
The planning for their first white Christmas took Eddie's mind off of his worries about work. Whilst he trusted everyone at the 118 to watch his back, no one could do it the same way Buck had. Eddie knew that it would be a bad idea asking Buck to come back as he was doing so well at the Academy but also having Bobby as his Captain was a bad idea of epic proportions.
That afternoon they all went down to the pier to watch all the ships. Eddie had told Matt that he needed to find some quiet time to talk to Buck about what had been going on at work. Eddie had explained to Matt to get an outside opinion as he had become a real confidant for Eddie.
“Ed’s” Buck said quietly “What’s on your mind.” Buck asked. Eddie explained what he was worried out, he loved being a firefighter but he was worried after a list of life threatening incidents in a short space of time that Eddie did not want something to happen to him to leave Christopher and Buck behind.
Buck listened to everything Eddie had to say. Since he had heard the news of a vacancy at the Academy Buck wanted to suggest it to Eddie but didn’t want to upset him as he knew how much Eddie liked the 118.
Buck put his arm around Eddie shoulder and explained about the opening at the academy. “With your skills you would be great for it Ed’s.
At his next therapy session Eddie had explained how he was worried that his life was too good to be true.
Plans for the trip to Aspen continued in secret, not even Buck could find out from Eddie or his brother who would often disappear off together whispering to each other which Buck just found funny and loved the fact his brother and Eddie got on so well. Eddie wasn't the only one worried that things were going too well. They had both been told by Isobel to stop borrowing trouble and to be thankful for life and live in the here and now rather than what if’s.
The plans were all set for the Christmas holiday, Matt would drive to Aspen with Eddie with all the luggage and Christmas presents whilst everyone else would take the flight up, as they would only have carryon luggage things would go quicker, plus Matt and Eddie did not like the idea of a flight of hyper children, both happy to let Buck deal with it.
Eddie and Buck were sitting in the restaurant on date night having left Chris with Eddie's dad who no doubt was spoiling his grandson.
“So are you going to tell me what you and Matt have been conspiring about?” Buck asked, grinning. Eddie explained his idea With the year the Buckly-Diaz family had had Buck thought it would be a great end to the year and to see in the new year with his family, whilst he would have liked for Maddie to be there she was spending Christmas with Chim and his family.
The year had been an absolute whirlwind of emotions for Buck and Eddie, with the fallout of Buck leaving the 118, finding his brother and other family he never knew he had, finally getting together with Eddie to Eddies parents seperating when Eddies mother tried to get custody of Christopher as she felt it was obscene for Christophe to be brought up in such a corrupted house, refusing to recognise their family or home. Buck still remembered the huge confrontation at Isobel’s birthday party when she had slapped Helena’s face when she dared to call Eddie an abomination. Hell hath no fury like Isobel Diaz.
The following weekend both families were together when Eddie and Matt announced the surprise to the cheer of Connor and Chris, even though he didn't know why everyone was cheering Mason followed his brother and Chris’s lead and began to clap and cheer. Matt and Eddie gave up trying to get the boys to sleep. Connor had been to Aspen before so was regaling Chris with details of what it was like.
By the time the day of the flight arrived the excitement of the children was fever pitch, however Eddie, his father and Isobel were equally excited they too had never actually seen real snow.
As the plane began its descent Chris cried out, “Bucky look, look snow.” he cried out looking out the small window. Matt and Eddie had left early enough that they could make the drive in time to drop off all the luggage and to pick everyone up from the airport.
When they had first arrived Eddie could not believe how picture postcard the house was. As soon as they arrived Connor and Chris announced they were going to have the room on the ground floor, Connor had explained to Chris that he would normally stay in that room as he would sneak out when no one was looking and get snacks out of the kitchen.
That evening whilst everyone was chatting away Eddie stepped out onto the decking overlooking the ski slopes. He was disturbed from his thoughts by the presence of his father. “It is a wonderful thing you have done Eddito.” Ramon said. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Eddie looked at his father surprised, “Of course you would be invited Papa, Christopher has inherited your temper and he wouldn't have to try hard to get young Connor to gang up on me if I hadn't invited you.” Both men laughed. “I know I have said this before Eddito but I am so very sorry, I should never have supported your mother.”
Eddie could see the pain in his fathers eyes, “We can not change the past papa, when I needed you, you stood by my side in court when mom tried to get custody, am just sorry that you have seperated.”
“Well I am not, my family is very important to me, even when I didn’t show it, I swear before the heart attack the last time we came to LA we got into an argument with your Abuela, I swear I thought she was going to tan my hide.” Both Diaz men laughed, neither of who would dare to anger the elder Diaz. “I am just thankful that despite my not supporting you in the past that you have included me, because of our stupidity you would never have left Christopher with me.” Ramon said knowing that his own son was afraid that he parents would take his son back to El Paso, now however Ramon would regularly either look after young Christopher or take him out for trips around LA as his precious grandson would tell him stories when visiting all of his favourite places.
Over dinner Connor was chatting excitedly at how he was going to show Chris the sledging the following day after breakfast, however Christopher’s mood began to drop as he knew he wouldn't be able to go sledging like normal kids. Whilst he played along with his cousins that evening deep down he was consumed with disappointment, after going to bed he kept waking up during the night as he couldn't settle, s soon as the sun began to rise he quietly got out of bed and went to sit in the family room looking out the window as the snow covered mountains and he began to cry.
Not long after sitting down he was joined by Matt who had got up to go to the bathroom, concerned Matt made his way over with concern etched on his face, “Hey Superman, what's wrong?” he asked, using Buck’s nickname. His heart broke when Christopher told him that he couldn't go sledding because he was broken and not like normal kids.
“Oh Christopher.” he said hugging the boy who as far as Matt was concerned was his nephew. “You are not broken sweetheart. I promise you that we will all go sledging. Do you want to know a secret?” he said.
Christopher nodded his head tearfully. “Even grown ups have problems as well, sometimes you cant alway see that they have to do things differently like you did when you went skateboarding with your Dad and Buck.” Matt explained. “When I was in another country I was captured by some bad people.” Matt explained thinking how to explain to Christopher without going too into details, “Do you understand what I mean?” he asked. Christopher nodded his head.
“Because of that I don't like sleeping in the dark as I sometimes have nightmares.” Matt said, “But your a Marine.” Christopher said, “I know superman, but that doesn't mean I am invincible, because of that in my bedroom there is always a small lamp turned on and no matter where I stay there is always a picture on my bedside to remind me of all the good times I have with my family, the picture is from your garden the first time we all came to your house after you all moved in together. I want you to never think you are broken, you are perfect and do you know why Buck calls you superman?” he asked as Christopher shook his head.
“It’s because even though you have CP you never let it stop you trying new things with Buck and your Dad, the skateboarding, surfing and all the other cool stuff, no matter how bad my day has been at work everytime I see you with your cousins my day is always better, now why don't I make us some hot chocolate and we have a nap before breakfast.”
On his way back to the sofa with the hot drinks Matt grabbed a blanket, with two empty mugs on the table he wrapped them both in a blanket as they both settled in for a nap.”
Buck was the first one up that morning making his way to the kitchen to get breakfast ready, he was surprised to find Matt asleep on the sofa with Christopher sleeping on his broad chest, the sight of Matt’s head turned to the side with drool down his face was too much for Buck to resist as he grabbed his phone from his room as Eddie just finished getting dressed after his shower, Buck told him to follow him quietly. After secretly taking a picture to mock his brother, Buck and Eddie returned to the kitchen as the rest of the occupants began to stir and get ready.
After going back to his room to get dressed Christopher turned to Connor shyly asking if he could go sledging with Uncle Matt, “Yer, Dad is the coolest at Sledging as you and Uncle Eddie has never done it before you should definitely go with Dad.
The following morning the sound of squeals of joy from Christopher filled the air as Buck and Ramon were busy filming the Christopher and Eddie’s first time sledging, Abeula slapped Bucks hand away when he offered to take her.
After an enjoyable morning all the children were sitting around drinking hot chocolate as Ramon got up to challenge his son to a sledging race.
By late afternoon everyone made their way back to house for some hot dinner. Chris was chatting happily with his cousins about his first time sledging.
Whilst Buck and Abeula were busy preparing dinner Matt and Eddie were standing out by the back door.
“Every now and then I like a cigar.” Matt explained. “I was meaning to ask you, what was with Chris this morning?” Eddie asked. Matt explained his earlier conversation. Eddie hated the fact that Chris thought he was broken. “Eddie, I will do everything I can to make sure all the kids inside know how absolutely special they are.” Matt said emphatically. Eddie turned to Matt and hugged him, why was he not surprised that Buck’s brother would love Chris as much as Buck did.
Neither of them noticed that above their head Ramon stood with both Connor and Chris with his finger to his lip as the two boys tried to stop themselves giggling loudly as the three of them pushed all of the snow on the balcony over the side onto their fathers heads.
“FUCK” Eddie cried out as Matt threw his drenched cigar on the floor as the sound of three laughs above their head.
Buck burst out laughing when a drenched Matt and Eddie came into the kitchen. “Abuela” Chris called out, “Daddy said a super swear, he needs a time out.” The young by said innocently as Buck bit his lip.
Rachel was shaking her head fondly as Matt and Buck bickered over the table like 2 little boys, “Evanito, stop arguing with your brother.” Abeula said indulgently as buck pouted, “But Abeula, I thought I was your favorite.”
“Well Matthew was going to rip the head off the richest man in LA, so be nice to him” she replied as she turned back towards the kitchen as Matt looked smugley as he stuck his tongue out as his wife slapped his arm, “Behave you overgrown man child”
Eddie just sat back taking in his family all around him, it till hurt that his mother had tried to rip his family apart by claiming his wasn't caring for his son because of the risks he was taking at work as a Firefighter and that he was raising his son in an unsuitable home due to his relationship with Buck. Eddie could still vividly picture the moment that Grandmother slapped his mother across the face outside the court once her petition had been thrown out.
Buck and Ramon kept telling him leading up to the hearing that his mother didn't have a case, however the moment that the British Ambassador arrived with his attorney sealed the fate of his mothers claim.
When he had asked the Ambassador how he had known about the hearing his just replied “I hear things” he said enigmatically.
“Boys” Rachel said to Christopher and Connor, “I will be popping into town tomorrow as we need some more milk and bread, would you like to come with me?” She asked to the two smiling boys who had remnants of their chocolate pudding on the side of their mouths.
The following day Rachel took the boys into town whilst the men folk put the finishing touches to the tree as Abeula and Pepa sat and watched on.
The tree decorating was disturbed by the banging of the front door as Connor stomped into his room as RAchel called out. “You can stay in your room and think about what you did. Christopher, no playing with Connor.” Rachel said as everyone looked on intrigued.
After Christpher went over to Mason who was playing quietly Rachel explained as she turned to Matt, “Your son threatened to shut a boys head in the freezer.” she explained turning to Matt, “What happened?” Matt asked. “It seems some little brat, thought your daughter was in the way and tried to push past them, Christopher said something to the boy, I didn't hear what he replied, but it angered Connor that I heard him threaten to shut the boys head in the freezer. Knowing how close the boys are I am more concerned they didn't get me rather than Connor making threats, you need to go and talk to your son.” She said looking at Matt as Eddie went to find out from Chris what the boy had said, although he could probable guess if it made Connor respond the way that he did.
Eddie hugged Chris when his fears were proved right. Seeing his cousin get a hug, Mason got up holding his arms out to his Uncle.
Matt recognised the look on his son’s face and there was no doubt who his mother was as the similarities in their features when they were furious were the same.
“Connor, can you tell me what they said please.” Matt asked, “The Gillpollas called Chis the C word, no one calls Chris that!” Connor said angrily. “What does that word mean?”” Matt asked.
Connor was not a good liar as he shrugged his shoulders, “Its just a made up word.” he replied. Matt sat and talked to Connor explaining whilst he was proud of him for defending his family it would have been better or him to have got his mom.
Leaving Connor on his room Matt left to check on Chris. Seeing Eddie on the sofa Matt asked “How is Chris?” Matt asked. “Sadly its not the first time he has been called that.” Eddie replied.
Abula just tutted and shook her head disapprovingly at the thought of her dear grandson being upset.
Eddie got up to get himself a drink, “Hey Eddie, what does Gillpollas mean?” Matt asked. “MATTHEW” Abeula called out disapprovingly “Watch your language.” Eddie looked at Matt standing there like a naught school boy, a decorated combat veteran looking like he just got his hand caught in the cookie jar and being told off by a woman who didn't even reach his shoulders. Eddie rushed out of the room. Ramon lent over a whispered in his ear what it meant as Buck went to find out why Eddie rushed off. He too burst out laughing when
Eddie explained what was so funny.
The rest of the afternoon was uneventful until the cry of “RAMON ALEJANDRO DIAZ” Abeula called out at the sigh of her son sliding down the bannister to the delight of the two young boys. “What are you grinning at you over grown man child?” Rachel asked Matt.
Eddie just stood in shock at his father getting caught sliding down the bannister. He still could not believe the huge change for the better in his relationship with his dad.
Over dinner that day Matt was teasing Buck about the muscles in his arms as everyone found out how Buck had broken a jar just by trying to opening it causing a small cut on his hand.
“Well you now have a scar to match the on on your shoulder and butt.” Matt said. Without thinking Eddie replied as he tucked into his dinner, “You can hardly see the scars now.” He said to total silence apart from the strangled noise Buck made, immediately dawning on Eddie what he had said as he too was blushing along with Buck as the adults burst into laughter as the children looked at the grown ups strangely not understanding why they were laughing.
Chris had told Connor what his present for Buck was making his young cousin cheer who promised Chris he would get to go first when psents were given out. The two young friends stayed up into the night before Buck came in and told them to try and get some sleep as he turned off the light.
The following morning morning all teh agauklts were woken up by children’s shouting for everyone to get up.
Once everyone had a steaming cup of hot chocolate with marshmellows everyone sat around ready to open presents. Coonor announced that Chris had to go first because they had agreed the previous night. The adults smiled at the look on Connors face daring any adult to disagree with his announcement.
Handing Chris his present for Buck Connor sat down. Chris looked shyly at Buck as he handed over the gift bag to Buck who has a beaming smile on his face.
Opening the box quickly he reached in taking out a brown manilla envelope. Opening it up he pulled out the sheets of paper, turning it over he read the script his eyes began to fill with tears as he read Petition for Adoption.
Hugging Chris tightly he said ……….YES.