Work Text:
Buck remembers the moment he heard Eddie's struggling breath through the radio. His heart nearly stopped. He didn't realize he was holding a breath until he was gasping for air and clutching to his radio like a lifeline.
Buck shook his head and turned the keys to his apartment door. Pushing his way inside, he noticed how quiet it was. "Cameron?" He called out. No answer. He turned his head as he caught a glimpse of a notepad sitting on the table. He picked it up and set his keys on the table.
Hey Buck. Thanks again for letting me stay the night. I finally answered Connor, and we figured some things out. I hope you're doing alright after the bridge collapse. I'm thankful everyone made it out okay. -Cameron
Buck smiled softly and put the note down, stretching his back. Man, his joints were feeling that fall. He jogged upstairs and grabbed some clothes and a towel for a shower, wanting to wash away the grime and blood from his body.
The water ran down his face, turning red at his feet. He grimaced and closed his eyes. He shivered as the beating drops on his face made him think of the night he died. He still had traces of the Lichtenberg scars littering his shoulders, reminding him of that day. He thought he had moved past the flinches at thunder and the flashbacks, but nearly seeing death again brought it all back.
His heart raced as he exited the shower, reaching for his phone.
Can I come over?
Eddie: Sure. Though, I won't be much fun with these pain meds.
That's alright. Be there soon.
Eddie: I'll have the beers ready.
👍
Buck quickly threw on a green Henly and some jeans. Was this shirt Eddie's? He didn't know.
Before he knew it, he was pulling up to Eddie's house. He hopped out of the Jeep, flipping through his keys to find Eddie's spare. Before he could reach the door, it opened, revealing Eddie. He looked a bit miserable, which made Buck want to turn around and go home to let him sleep.
"Hey, Buck. Chris wanted to watch a-"
"Buck, come on! We're watching Luca!" Chris called from the couch, making Eddie chuckle softly.
Buck smiled and followed Eddie to the couch, sitting to the right of Christopher—his spot. Eddie slowly sat down, grimacing slightly as he leaned back against the couch. Chris started to ramble about the film and spoil the entire plot, but Buck didn't mind.
(Cut to the absolutely adorable Henren scene of them finding out they're going to foster a baby girl, then to Bathena going to their cruise ship.)
(Cut back to our beautiful Buckley-Diaz family)
Buck yawned as the end credits began to roll. There were definitely NOT dried tears on his cheeks from the ending of an animated movie about fish people. He went to speak but stopped himself when he looked at his Diaz's. Eddie had his arm around Christopher, who was asleep against him. Eddie was breathing deeply with his head leaning back against the couch. Buck's smile grew as he took them in. His family. His heart bloomed with something he'd pushed deep down, a warmness he hadn't felt in a while.
Oh... Oh.
(cue "To Build A Home" (feat. Patrick Watson) as Buck smiles and puts a blanket over his boys.)