Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Buck woke up in a panic, not knowing where he was or how he got there. The first thing he remembered was water. Drowning. A sharp agonizing pain. The memory of the pain made his breath catch and panic overtake him. Especially as it was followed by images of Chris in the water. Pulling him out of the waves. Waiting for help but knowing something happened. The memories were blurry, but he could remember the tsunami and Chris. Looking around he knew instantly he was nowhere near the young boy he loved so much. It took a moment for the panic to settle, and he remembered passing Chris over to Eddie. It was a foggy memory and barely there. Especially since he knew he had been changed as his claws handed the young boy to another clawed individual.
At first, he thought it was all a dream until he noticed scales on his hands and claws where his nails had once been. Running his tongue over his teeth showed they were sharp ended. He couldn’t help his breath catching. He moved hesitantly getting up. He was in a bed of sorts, in a room that was pretty empty excluding the bed. There was a bathroom off to the side but nothing else telling him where he was.

When he pulled himself out of the bed fully, he expected pain, the sharp pain in his leg that was constant since the truck exploded was gone though his legs shook slightly when he got up. He was still wearing the same clothing he had had on since the tsunami. Torn. He could see where debris slit through his clothing. The clothing was covered in blood and salt water, torn and tattered. He

He went to the door only to find it locked which caused him to panic more. Why the fuck was he in a locked room? It didn’t smell like a hospital and there was no machinery keeping an eye on him. He had woken up in enough hospitals to know this wasn’t one. How did he get from with Chris on the firetruck to here in a locked sterile room. He pounded on the door at first hoping that someone would show up. He couldn’t think straight from where he was.

After a few minutes of no one coming in, Buck kicked the door growling inhumanly. Panic gave way to anger as he realized someone had locked him here and left him. Someone took him from Chris and his team. The splintered and bent and he kicked it again causing it to move further but it didn’t break. Clearly enforced, he knew how it felt kicking enforced doors, but the pain didn’t come as it once would have. He could hear someone shouting and he waited only a second for the door to be opened. “Your aggression is unneeded,” a man who in Bucks mind looked like a stereotypical pencil pusher said. “Please sit down.”

“Who the hell are you,” Buck demanded his voice coming out as a growl. If he wasn’t so worried about why he was there and where he was he would have been startled by it but right at this moment, he just wanted his family, he wanted Chris. He needed to know that the boy was okay. “And where the hell am I?”

“I’ve been told Guides are absolutely unaware but I wasn’t aware that you would be so slow to catch on.”

He was obviously being insulted but the truth was, he had no idea what was going on. “Unwhat now,” Buck demanded. “Where the hell am I?”

“At the center of course. You have just turned into a dragon so obviously you would be sequestered to the center,” he returned a hint of mockery in his tone.

It made some sense to Buck except he’d think maybe someone in his family would be there. He had been in a natural disaster. Why the hell was he locked in around alone. “Now your aggression has been noted. I’m here to give you an introduction to your new life and ensure you have the best opportunities for the life you’ve been gifted with.”

“Who are you,” Buck demanded annoyed at the arrogant man.

“I am Zachariah Josephs, I am the center representative entrusted to assist you in your new role amongst the community. Now, if you’ll have a seat we can get started. As you know you are now a dragon and I am to help you deal with all the new changes in your life and assist you in making worthwhile connections and meeting appropriate people. You have been given a great gift and we will help you manage the changes.”

Buck blinked confused. What the hell was he talking about? “Look, I don’t care what you’ve been entrusted with. I need a phone. I need to call my family.” Screw this nonsense. He needed to find Chris. God Eddie must hate him but surely, he’d at least answer the phone and tell him Chris was okay even if he never trusted him with his son again. And Maddie. She must have been so worried about him.

“That won’t be possible.”

That couldn’t have been what he said. “Excuse me, what do you mean I can’t call my family? They need to know what’s going on. I need to make sure they are okay.” They had been far away from the initial wave, but they were all first responders. Anything could happen.

“The center will handle that; you are too fragile to be permitted unapproved visitors.”

Fragile? What the hell did fragile mean? “Look, I don’t know who the hell you think you
are, but I want a phone.”

“And as I said, that will not be permitted.”

Buck shoved past him only to have the door blocked by two people who were built more like bodyguards then the semi scrawny man who had been talking down to him. “Let me through. Who the hell do you think you are? You can’t keep me here against my will.” If he hadn’t been panicked before, he definitely was now. He could maybe get by these two, but he wasn’t one to turn to violence and honestly, they seemed to come from nowhere and he wasn’t sure how many others were nearby ready to stop him.

“Clearly your nonsensible. You are at the center. We are trying to assist you. However, you are not able to leave at this time.”

Being at the center made some sense but Buck was not interested in listening to anything this guy had to say. “Why the hell should I believe you and those guys might look tough but like hell they are going to stop me if I want to leave. You got no damn authority to keep me anywhere.”

“Actually, we do,” he returned without hesitation. “I am the councils representative.”

Buck growled startled the sound came from him. But he was angry. He wasn’t going to be held prisoner here by some idiot. He was pretty sure he had zero authority to force him to stay here. “Prove it asshat,” Buck said angrily.

“I will give you the benefit of the doubt that your disagreeable attitude is due to the changes you are going through, however, as the centers representative I am here to ensure you follow protocols with your new changes.”

Buck didn’t want to hear anything else regarding the centers representatives or protocols or his changes. He didn’t care and frankly this guy was setting off all his warning bells. “I don’t care what you’re here for, I want a phone or I’m leaving. Why the hell should I believe anything you’re saying right now?”

“Very well, as the center is quiet, I will permit you to go see that you are where I say you are as I am trying to acknowledge your delicate sensibilities.”

Delicate sensibilities his ass. He shoved past the guard and was surprised he was at the center. He shouldn’t have been, even if Eddie hated him for getting Chris involved with the tsunami, he was too good of a person to allow him to be taken away from them by just anyone.

God he was tired. Even walking down there was enough nearly to cause him to collapse. He returned to the room still not sure if he wanted to but the individuals leading him did not seem to be giving him much of a choice and at least now he was convinced they really were the center instead of just lying their asses off. “I need a phone.”

“And you have already repeatedly been told you are not getting access to one.”

Why the hell couldn’t he get a phone. That didn’t make sense. “Why the hell not.”

“Protocols.”

“My family is out there right now,” Buck said angrily. Why the hell would their be protocols against contacting his family? “I don’t care about protocols. My teams our there in the middle of a natural disaster. I need to see Chris. I had him on the pier.”

“I understand but you are not able to be in contact with them. It really is for your best interest.”

“How is not seeing my family for my best interest,” Buck growled out.

“We are here to assist you in the changes you are facing due to the wonderful opportunity you were given.”

“Wonderful opportunity, I died,” Buck said angrily tired of his bullshit. How was this an opportunity. Dragons were created when people with the right genetics died usually violently. He was killed by something in the water and could still feel whatever it was piercing his skin as he thought on it. “I fucking died, with my best friends son in my arms. I don’t care about protocol or that you’re here to help me, Eddie can help me. He is a fucking dragon too but I want a damn phone.”

“I understand.”

“No, you fucking don’t,” Buck said angrily. He was clearly still human. He didn’t understand anything. “My family is first responders. They are out there.”

“So they are, however, you are making this much more difficult than need be and you damaged center property,” he returned. Normally that would upset Buck but he was too angry and didn’t care. “Your lucky we have another room prepared. Now, you have been brought clothing and should clean up. It is late and first thing in the morning, I will begin assisting you in the wonderful changes you are going to experience. Your lucky someone of my experience is able to assist you during this time.”

Buck had never been the violent sort but he really wanted to take the idiots head off. He was left alone though. He sat on the edge of the bed trying to calm himself. He didn’t even realize he was shaking. This felt all sorts of wrong. He felt wrong. Like slimy and awful. He did feel awful too. The sight and the smell of the dirt and grime and blood on him made him ill. He was hesitant but did take the opportunity to go to the washroom. He glanced into the mirror and was startled.

He had caught slight glimpses of himself in the water but had not really had the time to think on it but looking in the mirror was like looking at a stranger. He had scales coming up behind his ears, and down the sides of his neck, up the side of his hair line into his forehead. Taking off his shirt he could see that they came around the sides of his neck down his spine. He also had them down his arms onto his hands and out to the tips of each finger which had claws instead of nails. The scales were a pail blue with all sorts of shades leading into purples and greens of a sort. They were a sort of mesmerizing color and had a slight sparkle to them. He tried to remember what sparkly scales meant but his head was so foggy.

He couldn’t look in the mirror anymore and chose to shower instead. He cringed slightly as the water hit him in the face. Memories of the wave flashing through his mind. It took a moment to catch his breath. Too much was happening too fast. He couldn’t focus or think. It was just one thing after another.

Chapter Text

Buck was livid. He had asked multiple times to see Eddie and Chris, the team. Anyone but apparently, he was too fragile, and it wasn’t permitted, it was against protocol. Like seriously? Screw this guy. He was condescending and felt…almost dirty to Buck who was still overwhelmed with being a dragon and slightly empathic which was apparently a thing. He was pretty sure people shouldn’t feel dirty to him, but this guy did. He mentioned that he was empathic now in his nonsense rants about the center and helping him but if the guy felt dirty empathically that seemed bad.

He wanted to see Chris. He had foggy memories of the tsunami and dying. Dying felt blunt and like a pain he couldn’t ignore. He remembered rescuing people and constantly checking on Chris because he needed the boy to be okay, even with his instinctual mind which felt like led at the time. He just needed the seven-year-old to be okay.

The last memory of before waking up in this place was handing Chris over to Eddie before passing out. Then he woke up here. In this stupid building with no Christopher. No Eddie. No one he knew or trusted. Being told how his life would be now. How he was gifted and would need to match with a guardian since he was too important to let go. How he’d probably have to quit firefighting. The person who was telling him all this was condescending and awful. Zachariah Josephs was an arrogant awful little man who made Buck sick to be near.

The man wouldn’t get him a phone so he couldn’t get a hold of anyone. He was intent on ignoring anything Buck wanted. Just acting like this was a gift when it wasn’t. He died. He didn’t know if any of his team was hurt in the tsunami. A natural disaster like that was high risk in rescues. They probably lost first responders; it would probably be impossible not to. But this annoying little worm didn’t seem to care about him as a person. Just how useful he was.

He needed a plan. He wanted out of here. This whole thing seemed so damn wrong. He wanted out of here and didn’t care what the asshat said or the fact it was against protocol. He wasn’t staying but demanding to leave did no good. He just got called over emotional and aggressive and difficult. Apparently once he was mated his guardian would get him under control. Screw that. He wasn’t being sold off to whoever this asshat seemed to approve of. Because he didn’t care about protocol. It was meaningless to him. He was leaving here and damn the consequences. He needed to figure out how to get out of here though. They had too many people in the halls preventing it. Like he was some sort of prisoner. Except he had been treated better when in hospital jail or when he was sort of arrested and questioned about the theft at the bank. Was being a guide that big of a difference because Eddie didn’t have these sorts of problems with the center. He said they were fairly helpful. This…this wasn’t helpful.

The halls might be covered but the windows weren’t. He glanced out one. It was a descent drop. No fire escape and considering they had the door locked most of the time, that was definitely dangerous and against fire safety recommendations. Probably not the point but this was supposed to be a government business in a way so the fact that they weren’t following that was another check in the no column. He realized he was being petty but he was too mad to care. Especially when the man returned to give more information that Buck didn’t want or didn’t care about.

After another few hours of listening to Josephs nonsense Buck demanded he leave and started yelling angrily when the man got snotty with him. It was a hissy fit worthy of a toddler and if he used his size to scare the man a bit…well he could feel bad about it later when he was far from this place. He just wanted the man gone because frankly, he was feeling extremely violent and was going to remove him permanently if he didn’t shut up.

Buck was angry, tired and he just needed to see if his family was okay, so he didn’t care if he was acting like a spoiled brat. He heard the lock click into place. The lock following. It had to be illegal to lock him in a room with no safe escape. Still, he listened until they were far enough away, he felt it was safe to act. He knew the best way to get out but that meant he needed time, so he shoved the bed in front of the door. The only ones he saw were human and it would take them a bit to get that moved if they were trying to come in. He glanced out the window again and opened it up. He was relatively High up. He was three stories up at the moment and there were no trees or anything within reach but having spent years sneaking out of his own house and working as a firefighter, he knew he could make it.

He carefully and quietly removed the glass so he could fit out. It was a tight squeeze, but he ended up on the other side. The windows were uniform, so he allowed himself to drop catching the frame a floor down. He jolted slightly but caught it effortlessly. He did the same again before dropping to the ground and out of the site of the window. It was ridiculous that these idiots got him acting like a criminal, but he was quite proud of how easily he managed it.

He considered running but considering how there were people moving about, he just walked. No one noticed he didn’t have shoes or saw him too out of place as he had his hood up to cover his scales. The strong shine to them would draw attention as he knew guides were rare. He did not want anyone to place him. The rebellious child in him was relieved that years of sneaking around his parents was useful for something.

Walking through the streets full of people made him nauseous. It was like a wall of emotion, but he had a goal. He wasn’t going to allow the feeling to knock him back. There were a few times he pulled away from the crowds, but he was going to keep going regardless of the pain it was causing. He was too close to be getting answers to let that stop him.

Finally, he reached the familiar house, it had taken over an hour and he had hopped on a bus, luckily the guy was pretty understanding when he ‘lost’ his money. He made an exception. Buck was surprised but maybe he looked in such a state he made an exception since that wasn’t a normal response, or maybe it because the city was still reeling from the tsunami people were feeling like being helpful.

In the end, the why he was being helped didn’t matter since he had made it to Eddies place only to find out that the house was empty causing him to let out a distressed whine. He just wanted to know if everyone was okay, but the station was even further away. He wasn’t entirely sure on what day it even was but with the tsunami he assumed that Eddie was probably working. All first responders would be on call dealing with the cleanup. If Chris wasn’t at the house with Carla, he’d be at Abuela’s which was near enough Buck didn’t hesitate to leg it. Even if the boy wasn’t, she’d surely let him use the phone, even if she hated him for getting Chris stuck in a tsunami, she was too nice not to.

He realized he was probably going to scare her a bit even if she was used to Eddie being a dragon, so he knocked at the door even if he wanted to run inside. She had told him they had an open-door policy and had scolded him in the past for knocking like a stranger but better to be safe.

She opened it confused before clearly recognizing him. “Oh Evanito,” she said gently pulling him into a hug which he melted into. She was the first friendly face he had seen in so long. He had no idea what day it was but it had been far too long without seeing a friend. “How are you here? Are you okay? They would not let Edmundo visit you have they released you?”

“They wouldn’t let me see Chris or call anyone,” Buck admitted not answering about the release because he was sure that was going to eventually bite him in the ass. “Do…do you know if the team is okay? Is Chris okay? He was okay when I passed him to Eddie but…”

“Come see for yourself,” she said brining him in. Her eyes clearly went to his bare feet, but she said nothing on it. Instead, she just gave a little holler saying “Christopher.”

The young boy was sitting watching television and it was one of the best things Buck had ever seen. The boy was giggling at the show and looked untouched by the disaster he had survived. The seven-year-old looked up and it took him a second to realize who was there and when he did, his entire face lit up. “BUCKY,” He yelled. He quickly ran, stumbling to Buck who caught him effortlessly before he could fall as he had forgone grabbing his crutches entirely in his rush to get to him “Your okay,” Chris said holding him tightly. ‘They took you away and they told daddy and uncle Bobby that no one was allowed to see you. It’s been days.”

Buck hugged him tightly never wanting to let him go. Everything suddenly seemed okay with the young boy in his arms, the panic and unease he had been feeling since he woke up lessened. The boy had no obvious injuries even as Buck pulled away slightly to look him over. “Are you okay superman,” Buck asked worriedly wanting to be sure he was okay, and he wasn’t missing something.

“I’m okay Bucky,” Chris said seriously. “You saved me. I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too Buddy,” Buck said pulling him into another hug.

“Sit down before you fall over,” Isabel ordered guiding him to the couch. She was clearly concerned since even with the changes, he didn’t look alright. “You look like you haven’t eaten in a week. I’m going to make you boys some snacks.”

That sounded really good considering Buck had felt too sick and nervous while at the center to eat properly but honestly, there was something he needed more which was answers. “Isabel, do you know if everyone’s okay? They wouldn’t let me call.”

“As far as I know, the entire team is fine. Eddie should be back soon you boys sit.”

Buck sat and listened carefully to Chris telling him stories about while he was gone. He ate the food put in front of him, suddenly starving but before he realized, with Chris cuddling close they both passed out. It was the first time since waking in the center that he felt safe enough to sleep.

Chapter Text

Eddie came to Abuela’s as planned after his shift but was confused as the door was not only locked but also deadbolted, something he had been trying to convince his grandmother to do but that she never bothered with. It took a moment for her to answer and when she did, she ushered him silent. “Is Chris napping,” Eddie asked confused. He made sure to keep his voice quiet since if his son was sleeping that was definitely something he would encourage.
She quickly relocked the door. “Abuela,” Eddie said shocked.

“Shhh,” she said. “They are sleeping.”

Eddie blinked at her confused. They? He glanced to where she waved only to freeze as he saw his best friend asleep on the couch with Christopher on his chest. His best friend who had been sequestered away at the center and they were forbidden to contact in any form. “How,” Eddie asked unable to believe what he was seeing. How on earth was his friend here. It was definitely Buck, the changes he had seen on him after the tsunami playing a key role in his nightmares. His once clear skin now covered in scales, claws out. Seeing the clear evidence of his best friend’s death had been painful and then he was taken away.

“Evanito is very creative,” She returned smirking proud of the young man her grandson and great grandson were so fond of. “Apparently, he escaped. Let him have the quiet.”

Escaped? Eddie looked at her as if she grew a second head. What did she mean escaped? He was at the center being taken care of because he was a guide, and the process was different. “He’s a gifted,” Eddie said having wished he wasn’t because that was what they were using to keep everyone away. “He’s supposed to be sequestered until his abilities are stable. They said he’d be in trouble if he was in contact.”

“I do not care what they said. He came here, no shoes, desperate to see your son. He made a choice and I’ve not seen Chris sleep so well since that day so If he wishes to hide here, he will.”

Eddie melted slightly at his grandmother’s protective streak. He understood the feeling. His best friend was here, safe. His son was sleeping without any signs of a nightmare that had been a constant since Buck had been taken away. He had thought his son would be traumatized by the tsunami not the centers heavy handedness but the night before the young boy admitted he had a dream about the bad people who stole his Bucky stealing his dad too. That had broken his heart in a way he could barely understand. “God its so damn good to see him but what do you mean he escaped?” Escaped wasn’t a word he would use. Released? Signed out against medical approval but escaped was a very different term.

It wasn’t Abuela who spoke but Buck from the couch. “The idiot who was talking to me was an asshat and wouldn’t tell me if the team was okay, if Chris was okay. He wouldn’t let me talk to you,” Buck said running his hand down Chris’s back careful with his claws. “He felt dirty and like my parents.” The pure disgust on his face was telling and Eddie attempted to wrap his head around the information he was given. Wouldn’t let him call? They had implied it was a choice, that he needed time to come to terms with his changes. “I created a distraction and escaped. I didn’t think the dragon council could keep people prisoner. Wanted to see Chris. Eds I’m so fucking sorry. I shouldn’t have taken him to the pier. I’m so sorry.”

Sorry? It took Eddie a moment to understand that his friend was apologizing for a natural disaster that was completely outside his control. “Jesus Buck,” Eddie said going to him. Any warnings about how he had to keep his distance ended with hearing the pure pain and guilt in his friend’s voice. “You saved my son. You died protecting my son. You did nothing wrong. Hell, he’s been bagging to go to the pier for months and would have been so damn excited. I’m so sorry. God. I tried to see you but there are so many rules for new changes, and they were being assholes. They wouldn’t even let Bobby see you and he’s human. I knew they wouldn’t let me but…shit I’m so damn glad to see you man but if you ever blame yourself for a fucking natural disaster again, I might just smack you. You saved my son Buck. Never apologize for that.”

A lot of the tension had faded as Buck looked like the weight of the world was taken off his shoulders. “You don’t blame me.”

“I get I can be an ass, but Jesus Buck. It was a natural disaster and completely outside your control. It could have been Abuela or Carla he convinced to take him. That wasn’t your fault.”

Buck nodded but didn’t look completely convinced about what Eddie was saying. “Chris hasn’t been sleeping has he,” Buck asked since the boy had fallen asleep even before him. As if all the tension just left him and his body gave in. “Is he having nightmares?” he was so he wouldn’t be surprised if he was. Another thing to feel guilty over though.

“He’s worried that he couldn’t see you after, that he wasn’t sure you were okay,” Eddie admitted unwilling to lie but not a bit of him blamed the man for it. “Dios Buck. I’m so sorry. I wouldn’t wish being a dragon on anyone.”

Buck nearly broke at that. Eddie got it. Buck had thought he understood by having a dragon best friend the impact of such a change, but he had had no idea until it happened to him. Not one part of him thought this was a gift and he was really relieved that his friend wasn’t of the same stance as the center. “The asshat at the center was all your privileged and its such a good thing,” Buck said. “Dying hurts. I never realized how much…”

Eddie pulled his best friend and his sleeping son into a hug, a part of him having worried he’d never see either again. “I’m sorry you now know what that feels like,” Eddie said. “And he was an asshat. Least the army acknowledged my ‘sacrifice’ and made it clear it wasn’t a good thing but that I am a strong warrior to come back and that they were glad my death wasn’t permanent.” At the time it had felt callous to him but the idea someone saying it was a privilege made him nauseous.

There was a knock at the door and Buck cringed hugging Chris tighter as the boy whined glancing up. Eddie was shocked to see real fear on his friend’s face, wondering what actually had happened at the center that caused him to go running.

“They won’t be ignored forever,” Eddie admitted since after waiting a few minutes they knocked again.

It was Abuela who finally went to the door looking none to please as she ordered Eddie to sit since he had gotten up to go. “Ma’am,” Was said by the person politely but the strong-willed women just scoffed.

“Are you the asshat that has been holding my Evanito against his will and refusing to let him find out if his family including the child, he died for is okay? If so leave. I will be calling my Pepa and she will be making your lives hell. My Pepa is Josephina Pedro, and she will ensure that none of you get near my Evanito ever again.” There was a moment of silence as everyone gaped shocked. “Buck, is one of these the asshats who made you run away from the center? I would like to know before I shut the door in their faces.”

The two firefighters’ eyes widened in shock looking at each other unable to believe that the typically kind-hearted and welcoming women said those words. Buck sputtered unable to speak but it seemed like the women had no interest in an actual answer. “I am old but my Pepa has been involved with the center since she was just a child herself so I will not allow them to overstep again. I do not care how special they seem to think you are. You will be permitted to see us from this moment on and if you do not wish to go with them, they will not be taking you.”

No one spoke until Chris looked up from where he was still rested against Buck grinning. “Bisabuela’s awesome,” Chris said excitedly. “She won’t let no one take you away again Bucky.”

“Neither will I,” Eddie said to his friend. “Dios Buck I have no idea what’s happening to cause you to run but unless you choose to go, I wont let them take you.”
Buck nodded gratefully trusting his friends’ words. “I apologize for the clear overstep of the center and as I have only arrived in the city in the last few hours before firefighter Buckley decided to escape the center, I assume neither my mate nor I are the asshats you are referring to and I have a lot of questions now about what has been going on. Ma’am. I’m Blair Sandburg. This big lug is Jim Ellison and those at a bit of a distance is Spencer and Derek. We are representatives from the council not specifically the center. Do you mind if we come into your lovely home to discuss what caused such a clear reaction from all of you.”

“Eddito will remove you if you harass my Evanito. Understood. I have some very angry firefighters and cops who are ready to rampage…Eddito that is the right word yes?”

It was strange seeing the group of dragons bowing to the whim of such a small woman but they were respectful as they waited for permission and made no attempt to push their way through. Buck glanced them over, the four who came in were all dragons. Not like the centers representative. He could even see two of them were technically…gifted? He thought that was a stupid word. They were often called Guides. He could tell because their scales were always a bit shinier and pastel in color instead of the dark solid colors of other dragons.

“I promise, we will be a lot more friendly then the…asshat,” he offered as they still waited for permission.

“Very well,” she said finally allowing them through the door.

The guests quickly looked over the trio by the couch immediately focusing more on Buck who flinched at the looks. Eddie was between them looking ready to fight if they came too close but it was Chris who spoke first. “You can’t take my Bucky back,” Chris said angrily at the group. “He’s my bucky. You can’t have him.”

“We aren’t here to take your Bucky,” Blair offered.

“Liar,” Chris said angrily. “The people from the dragon place took him from the hospital and they said they were going to help him and then they took him. You can’t take him. He’s ours. You can’t have him.”

“Its okay Chris,” Buck said gently though he was taken aback by the little boys fierce statement.

Chris looked to Buck. “Its not okay. They took you away and wouldn’t let us see you. You needed us. I had daddy and Abuela but you were all alone. You were hurt.”

“I’m okay Chris.”

“I’m not little. You died. If you’re a dragon you d-died,” Chris choked out. “Th-they took you away and y-you needed us.”

If their hearts hadn’t been broken before it was now.

“Oh Mijo,” Eddie said shocked.

“Chris, we are going to go play outside,” Isabel said gently. “While your daddy and Bucky talk to these gentlemen. But your Bucky will still be here.”

“No, if I go outside then They’ll take Bucky away again.”

Buck gave him a hug again before setting him down for the first time since he originally ran into his arms. “Chris its okay buddy.”

“No, its not,” Chris said near tears. “I d-don’t want you to go away again. The w-water took you away and and then the bad people at the center. They stole you.”
The dragon guests had tensed since they had thought they had a slight understanding of the situation but very clearly didn’t. “What’s your name,” Blair asked clearly the spokes person of the group.

Chris glared nothing like the normally happy bright eyed boy who was friendly to everyone, “I’m not allowed talking to strangers.”

“I’m Blair. I don’t know what is going on right now,” Blair admitted. “We came to LA to help your Bucky and then were shocked to find him missing. We don’t know what’s going on but we want to understand but to do that we need to talk about everything. How about we promise when you come back inside, he will still be here,” Blair offered.

Chris looked at him judgingly, but the dragon just waited. “Pinky swears,” Chris demanded finally “Bucky says you can’t ever break a pinky promise.”

Blair offered his pinky as Eddie got his son his canes but didn’t let his eyes leave the group. “Do you mind if we sit,” Blair asked once they were gone.

“Seems like you people don’t like giving us choices either way,” Buck challenged still taken back by both Isabel and Chris’s defense of him.

“I really want to know just what the center here has done to make you lot so fucking pissed,” Jim said with a partial growl. “Because we were informed you weren’t fond of the process and left but this is starting to sound quite different.”

“I can guess,” The one introduced as Spencer said. “They secluded you for your own good while they told you all about your new life. Probably a human who has little to no actual knowledge of what being a dragon means and they probably used terms like how amazing it is that you’re a gifted dragon and how rare and special you are.”

This had a different feel then any conversations he had had with Josephs causing him to relax a bit. “I got how being a dragon a privilege as if I didn’t just die a few days ago,” Buck said finally. “And apparently I’m too fragile to see anyone and I need to be grateful that the center is taking care of me during this time.”

There was very clear annoyance and perhaps exasperation coming off the other ‘gifted’ dragons who seemed more understanding than the others who were more just confused. “Which is frankly just rude. You don’t look fragile at all though I assume the headache you’re beginning to get is the ideal of fragility amongst the center,” Spencer said rolling his eyes. “I assume they mean well but frankly there phrasing is insulting and demeaning. What they should say is being near too many people can cause you pain until you’ve had time to adjust to the changes your body and mind are going through and you’ll be weakened and in a vulnerable state and since some humans still view us as monsters, and about 5 dragons in the US are killed each year purely due to them being dragons, until your at full strength leaving is a danger and until your shields begin to appear your new abilities might cause you pain and irritation near other people that can be detrimental to your rest and healing from the sudden emergence of your dragon self. You have excellent shields. Otherwise, you’d probably have collapsed before you reached the primary house you stopped at.”

“Primary,” Eddie said confused. “What does he mean Buck?”

Buck looked a bit sheepish. “You weren’t home. Chris wasn’t home. Didn’t know what day it was but if he was with Carla, he’d be home,” Buck admitted, he had been extremely focused on getting to Chris and Eddie. “Figured Chris would be here or Abuela would tell me where he was.”

That brought up a lot of questions that Eddie had had since he walked through the door and saw his friend. “Speaking of, how the hell did you get here,” Eddie asked since the man was still barefooted. “Your jeeps I’m assuming still near the pier, how did you get from the center to here?”

It was clear that the four guests wanted this answer too. “My jeep is at my place, we
took an uber since parking at the beach is a bitch and that way Chris wouldn’t have to walk from the parking area to the park, we could get dropped off at the pier itself,” Buck countered. The trip to the pier seemed so unbelievably long ago. “I’m glad. I’m assuming I’d not have a vehicle if not. And I ran?” He got a look from everyone. “What? I didn’t want to deal with the center assholes, so I left on foot. I caught a bus, guy took pity on me but the rest of the way I ran.”

It made some sense but also brought up a lot more questions. “How’d you get out of the building,” Jim asked. “They keep you guys on the third floor.”

“If I tell you that, how am I supposed to pull a future runner,” Buck challenged annoyed. He didn’t care about their questions he had a lot of his own he wanted answered first before he cooperated any further. “Since when can the center kidnap people? You going to be more useful than they are cause right now, I want a lawyer.”

“Lawyer?”

“Because I have no intention of going back to that hellhole and I’ll fucking sue anyone who makes me try.”

The other guides were taken back. They had hated the experience with the center but not at the level he seemed to. “Okay so lets talk about what should have happened and see where things went wrong,” Morgan offered.

“Before we go anywhere on that, we need to acknowledge that each case of a dragon emergence is different, especially amongst those who are guides. were you handling the emergence of a dragon self.”

Buck blinked at him. “I was a bit busy. What the hell are you asking?”

“He saved my son and 25 other people from the waters and only let down his guard and passed out when our team found them and Christopher was safe with me,” Eddie said bluntly since this part he remembered from when he emerged. A sitrep he could do. “He had a variety of injuries; from the rescues he made but obviously the big one and all he received prior to the change were gone.”

They had heard rumors about a dragon changing during the tsunami leading rescue efforts, but they had not been informed it was this dragon specifically. “Right so, in most cases, your still conscious,” Blair said getting on track. “You are brought to the center, and it’s explained to you why your being separated. What were you informed of when you regained consciousness?”

“I must be protected as I’m fragile and I obviously need a keeper and have to get ready for some meeting shit,” Buck said waving it off. “No one would let me contact my team or Chris to see if they were okay.”

“Okay, blunt to the point work with you,” Blair questioned.

“Preferred.”

“Gifted or guide dragons’ emergences are rare. In the United States, about 10 thousand dragons are reborn each year. It happens due to death of the human body. Now these deaths have to be violent in nature. People who die of cancer don’t get reborn. People who die of a brain aneurysm or old age or heart failure, do not get reborn. Its always violent deaths. Murder, natural disasters, accidents. Sad but true. It tends to run in bloodlines and occurs between the ages of 13 so puberty, and 65. Never older or younger.”

“Right,” Buck said. “I could find this information on google. Not worth being kidnapped over.”

“Getting there, just a bit of patience some background is helpful here and will make the rest make more sense,” Blair advised.

Eddie snorted, Buck wasn’t known for his patience. “Right, so normally, a dragon emerges, a sentinel. They have enhanced senses, enhanced strength, enhanced speed. In less then .001% so no more then one a year on average in the US, a guide emerges. They get slightly enhanced senses and strengths, so not quite the sentinel’s level but far stronger than humans. Instead, they get what we call spirit gifts. More psychic abilities. Different per person. But all have very strong empathy. Some have foresight. Others have spirit walking. Its person specific and no limit to options. I’m personally always finding new things. Sometimes people have multiple gifts, or the gifts come and go. BUT empathy sucks. Like really sucks. It makes crowds uncomfortable and even painful. New guides, it can be debilitating hence the seclusion. Minimal human or unmated dragon contact until mated dragons, so other guides show up to help. We’ve had some…issues getting here.”

“Tsunami.”

“Tsunami,” he agreed. “So, the original reasons is, the worlds nasty when you don’t have a buffer, cases severe migraines without creating blocks or protections and can actually be debilitating to the point of causing you to get extremely ill.”

“Why not just say that shit.”

“People are stupid. Now this meeting that was mentioned has a reason. Guides, struggle to function even with shields. Like some stubborn people make it a few months fighting the center and instincts before life becomes unbearable for them because of their gifts. They need a buffer or a partner. Always a sentinel dragon. Someone strong enough to be their anchor in their gifts, to balance them and to protect them because people can try to abuse guides and their gifts, because a look into the future, some nasties going to want that.”

“Oh, your selling this dragon thing,” Buck said dryly getting a chuckle from Morgan.

“Its traditional to have a meeting where you get to meet other dragons, feel if one is compelling you to be with. Someone you can stand being with.”

“Socially or fucking,” Buck said getting a startled cough. “What, I’m not totally inept. It’s a mate ship meeting. Pretty it up all you want.”

“Yes,” Morgan said. “Sorry Blair but your being too gentle. Kid…actually first how old you. I’m calling you kid in my head, but I bet we don’t even have a decade parting us.”

“26.”

“Right, not a kid. So, Evan?”

“Buck,” Eddie said for him. “He goes by Buck never Evan.”

“Buck, so it might sound, cruel to make someone who just went through a series of traumatic life changes go through a meeting. Especially if you’re dating someone already. But while its uncomfortable, according to every Guide I’ve ever met, it makes them feel whole in a way that its impossible to verbalize. Some manage to do majority platonic. Rare but it happens. Some do polygamy but the majority, a pairing. It increases and heavily stabilizes both the sentinels and guides abilities.”

This was all well and good but didn’t answer the main issue Buck had with everything. “Why wouldn’t they let me contact anyone?”

“Because they were asshats.” Morgan returned using the word that had been spat at them on arrival. “The person running it was clearly over emphasizing his own importance. You can’t see people because it can damage your natural shields, but you should have been allowed to call your family. Especially considering how you got hurt and what’s been going on in the area. Whose Christopher to you?”

Buck blinked at the question. “That’s no one’s business,” Buck countered defensively.

The defense was clearly strong and the tension that had been fading returned full forced. “No harm man,” Morgan said trying to deescalate. “Its just, if he’s your son, God no wonder you bolted. And I’m guessing you didn’t get a chance to really hear he was okay.”

“Yes,” Eddie said. “Christopher is my son, but Buck is his best friend and pretty much the most important person to him. He turned saving my son from the wave.”

“Are you both…”

“No,” Eddie said. “He was human I’d never do that to him.”

Buck blinked confused since he felt that they were having a conversation he couldn’t follow. “Do what to me?”

“They were asking if we were dating, but I learnt my lesson with my wife. Its not the best idea. Human dragon relationships are very risky and often do not end well, so its not a good idea. Some people make it work, I couldn’t.”

None of this mattered at the moment. He wasn’t getting a full answer. “Why wasn’t I allowed to see Eddie? He’s a dragon and is shielded or whatever.”

“He’s an unbonded unmated dragon. Essentially, the reason is they are worried that another dragon could essentially force themselves on you, and bond, without your complete consent or manipulate you into it before you know your options.”

“But…what? Seriously?”

“Vulnerable state for your first month after turning and until you’re mated. So, he wouldn’t be permitted.”

“Fuck them, I’m not playing games here. I won’t be kept locked away like a prisoner.”

“Of course,” Blair consented since from what was being said, none of what happened was by the books and that was clearly a strong point for him. “You have excellent shielding so you’re a lot less vulnerable then many of us after the turning. Probably because you’re a first responder you need to be good at building boundaries.”

Eddie hid a snort, “sorry.”

“Screw you man,” Buck said pouting knowing exactly what he was implying. “I can probably build boundaries.”

“Buck wears his heart on the sleeve and frankly has way way too much heart for the job we do,” Eddie said. “Its one of the first things our captain warned me of.”

“Dude seriously” Buck protested.

“I believe the phrase was, Bucks going to buck. Even if it drives us crazy, he wont stop until he got every last person and pet out because he’s got way too much heart for this job. You need to be a hard ass and pull him out, if need be, because he takes everything as personal and as seriously as if he was pulling out his best friend from the fires even if he never met the person.”

Buck blushed and couldn’t help but look pleased about it. Bobby thought that? It sounded more positive then the typical reckless lectures he received. “Look it was clearly ran very wrong. We will be looking into every idiot involved. We will ensure any visitors you want are permitted. Especially Christopher and Eddie if he’s willing to play by the rules before you at least get a couple meetings in. And you will get anything you need but I can literally feel your pain right now.”

“I’ve been crushed by a firetruck, choked on my own blood, had to remove the pins in my leg because they were killing me only to on my leave, get killed by a fucking tsunami all in the last eight months. Frankly, I’m feeling pretty good at the moment.”

The room was once again brought to a shocked silence as what he said was absorbed. “Oh, you’re that firefighter, well fuck your one tough son of a bitch,” Jim Ellison said impressed. It had made all the papers and news reports when it had happened. “How about we all go to the center, you can hear the chief here bitch out the asshat as he is now named, whose been running things and you can get some distance and barriers to keep you from passing out. The kid can come and anyone you want there but try to keep it minimal. But really, we’d like to know a but more about what the center did because clearly they fucked up if you thought your only option was to run off barefoot. We can help you, but we need to know the problems.”

They didn’t have the same greasy dirty feeling as Josephs. “I woke up locked in a room alone,” Buck admitted getting surprised looks. “The door was locked, I think deadbolted too. I pounded on it and waited but when no one showed up, I kicked it in.”

“Wait what,” Eddie said horrified.

“You were alone,” Morgan said shocked. “As in no one was in their waiting for you to wake up? Alone in a locked room?

Buck nodded. “Yeah. Um after I nearly took down the door, they came in demanding I stop. Then um…the asshat, um his name was Zachariah Josephs. He kept going on about how he was the centers representative and how grateful I should be they were helping me. He kept refusing me the phone or to see anyone. Eventually when I kept arguing, he let me see that we were actually in the center and then brought me to another room and pretty much told me to clean up and locked me back in.”

There shock was visible even if he couldn’t feel it. “Dios Buck,” Eddie said horrified that that was his friends experience, that he was completely alone.

“Okay we need to get this straight,” Morgan said. “So, you forced them to prove they were who they said they were, then they locked you back in a room alone?”

“Did he explain anything then,” Blair asked shocked trying to wrap his head around it. “About why you were being kept secluded.”

“Not really. He mentioned fragile at one point but the majority of the time, he was just making comments on how I was aggressive and emotional, I guess. Kept sort of saying I was unreasonable. I didn’t even know about the guide thing until I think two days later.”

“So, you were left to clean up,” Jim answered wondering if he was losing it because to hear this experience, it was like they were back in the stone ages before dragon rights became a thing.

“I um…was still wearing the clothing I was in since the tsunami,” Buck admitted. “Looking in the mirror was quite the shock.”

“Did they not tell you anything to prepare you and did anyone look you over, I mean you were brought in unconscious correct,” Spencer demanded. “Any medics. Sure, your previous injuries would be healed but you were still in a danger zone, dehydrated and in need of medical care.”

“I never saw any sort of doctor, the only one I spoke to was Zachariah Josephs. He did mention this morning about bringing some people for me to meet later but I didn’t…really care at that point.”

“Do you know how many days you were awake for,” Blair asked.

“Four,” Buck returned. “I don’t know how long I was unconscious for though.”

“Would be probably a full day and a half, the tsunami occurred six days ago,” Blair said seriously. “The moment you woke up you should have been checked over by a doctor. Hell, no offence you should have been checked over the moment you were brought in, unconscious or not. Neither Spencer nor I are that sorts of doctors, but we are going to have to see physically how are you feeling. We will get back to that layers of shit you went through but is there anything immediate that we need to take care of. Any injuries. We are durable but not unbreakable.”

“Bruises and scrapes are all healed,” Buck admitted. “And um…the major injuries healed when I turned.”

“Buck,” Eddie said. “Mind me doing field rep or are you actually good?”

“Most of the bruises and scratches already healed,” Buck admitted. “I’ve been drinking a lot of water and Abuela fed me. I’m okay.”

For once Eddie decided to trust his assumption. “Your feet are bleeding though,” he said. It had been something he had noticed immediately but had not been given a chance to figure out how bad they were.

Eddie got a cloth and bandages, and Buck allowed him to fuss as the guest dragons were talking angrily to each other agreeing it was best that Eddie handled it.

“I can’t even….” Blair started with a growl.

“Chief,” Jim said gently.

“No Jim. I have always considered the seclusion cruel and painful, and I don’t blame anyone who fights it. What he went through is not just cruel its criminal and I want everyone who let it happen investigated.”

“It actually enters into criminal law in a magnitude of ways. We can support and assist and help guide new dragons, but we aren’t actually allowed to hold them against there will or remove communication opportunities unless they’ve shown criminal acts,” Spencer listed.

“Chief, I ain’t arguing. What was done was shitty but you got to calm down. Once we get back their heads can roll but you need to relax.”

He clearly didn’t, he looked almost jittery. “Jim in no way is this okay. If all new guides are treated like this…God I wanted to run and I was treated far better. I knew there was something up for the fact it took three days for the council to be alerted. Problems due to the tsunami my ass but what he is saying, god I can’t even think about how awful it would be to wake up in a locked room no idea where you were and have some…some asshat come in and be a controlling dick no care even for the fact you’ve been through hell. No medical care. A new dragon isn’t to wake up alone. Someone should have been sitting in the room since he was brought in unconscious and assured him, he was safe and at the center. He should have seen doctors.”

“No ones arguing with you,” Morgan offered. “Clearly its going to be investigated but getting mad right now wont change what happened. All we can do is ensure it does not happen again and make things right.”

“How are we supposed to make right, traumatizing someone who just went through a natural disaster,” Blair demanded.

Buck just glanced between them wide eyed. Blair took some calming breaths. “I apologize, that is not helping the situation it is just extremely unbelievable that in this day and age this was allowed to occur.”

“No I appreciate the concern, I think,” Buck decided. He was glad to know that this wasn’t the norm and he wasn’t overreacting. Eddie had finished with cleaning up his feet and allowed him to sit more normally.

A few calming breaths later Blair spoke again. “Look Buck, I don’t blame you if you want nothing to do with the center but please give us a chance to make things right and help you. Because right now I can honestly tell you are in some serious pain and its just going to get worse. The iso area in the center will help you until your either bonded or have better shields. The fact you’ve lasted this long is little short of amazing but its very clear you wont last much longer. I don’t wish to in any way make demands, but very soon you probably will not be conscious and I’d rather you willingly go then bringing you there and being as bad as the center acted. I don’t want to make choices and act against your will when your incapable of agreeing. Let us help please.”

Buck was hesitant but he was feeling like he had a migraine at this point. He wanted
nothing to do with the center, but he hurt. “Ev,” Eddie said worriedly.

“I don’t know,” He admitted.

“My Tia is back in town, she’s been gone otherwise she already would have raised a stink over the no phone calls,” Eddie said worriedly. He didn’t want his friend out of his sight but he was in pain and their was a basis for the need of secluding guides. Its why he had not already stormed the center though if he knew how the younger man was being treated nothing would have kept him away. “But your obviously in pain. You want it, we can go. Rent some isolated cabin but that only works in the moment not for long periods. Sandburg and Ellison are the head of the council for the United States and play a pretty active role for the North American one. I think I’d trust them more then the local center. And I’d like to think as guides they wouldn’t allow another like them to be harmed. I won’t let them take you but shit man, I can tell your in pain.”

Buck was hesitant but finally nodded causing them to let out a breath of relief.

“Well we best call Christopher in because I made a pinky promise,” Blair said. “And you can’t break those.” Someone quickly fetched the young boy with his great grandmother.

Buck hugged the little boy tightly as he immediately went to Buck ignoring everyone else. “I love you superman.”

“Do you really have to go,” Chris asked worriedly.

“I’m afraid so buddy. But they promised you could visit me,” Buck said seriously.

Chris nodded and Buck was surprised to find the little boy putting something in his pocket. He slipped his hand in realizing that it was Abuela’s cellphone. The women smirked. Seriously, Buck wanted to be her when he grew up. She was sneaky. Buck gave the little boy an extra squeeze before hugging the older women and Eddie. He was barely conscious by the time he reached the center.

Chapter Text

The newly arrived dragons immediately started cleaning house and investigating what had happened and if Bucks mistreatment was due to neglecting their duties or something far more sinister. They made sure only the four of them and a doctor who they asked to check him over on arrival were in contact with him.

A large issue appeared and halted their investigation and split there focus as it was noticed quickly that Buck was very clearly in a lot of pain and refusing medication. Being near him was upsetting to the sentinels who were horrified that a guide was in such clear pain, and it was difficult for the guides because they could feel an echo of his pain. They needed to fix the problem because it was clearly agonizing but it wasn’t that simple. No matter what they said he wasn’t willing to take anything.

They had discussed what could be done but none were comfortable drugging him against his will or knowledge and they weren’t even sure if it was possible. Nothing they said made a difference and just being near him was agonizing to everyone. At the moment, the new dragon was asleep but barely and the pain wasn’t lessening. Hence the need for isolation for guides, once he got to this level there was only medication as an option to lesson the pain and he refused.

Jim had enough seeing how distressed it made his guide. So, he made a surprising choice that broke many protocols. The situation was unique, so he felt that there was no choice. He waited until the number he called picked up ignoring the confused looks of the fellow pairings. “Hello.”

“Diaz, this is Jim Ellison.”

He didn’t even wait a breath before spitting out, “Is Buck okay?”

“No, being in crowds with people with minimal to no shielding, while super vulnerable damaged his shields severely. They’ll repair over time but for the moment he’s in a lot of pain. He is also refusing to take any sort of medication to help with his symptoms Right now he’s asleep, but barely and we can still feel the agony he’s in coming off in waves. He can’t get any serious rest, nor can he rebuild his shields until he’s not in such clear pain. Seeing how he sought you out upon leaving the center, we thought you might be best suited to help us.”

There was silence on the phone and Jim waited. He figured of all people these two had reason not to trust the center “I’m going to give you a number but know that they are pissed as fuck at everything you guys stand for. They might not be agreeable but if anyone can convince him to take meds its them.”

Jim accepted the number thanking him. “You are a genius,” Blair said seriously.

“I just hope that this isn’t a wild goose chase,” Jim returned as he quickly dialed the number. “Sergeant Grant-Nash.”

Jim almost laughed. The guy had no intention of prewarning him at all he was calling a sergeant, he’d guess LAPD, but he had read up on Diaz so maybe someone connected to the Army. “This is James Ellison, with the dragon council….”

He was quickly cut off by an angry voice. “You are one of the idiots keeping us from Buck, aren’t you? Or one of the descent ones Diaz made damn clear were handling it and promised that we’d get to see our boy before the weeks end.”

She had a dragon’s fierceness he could hear it in her voice and the ‘our boy’ was very clearly said in a challenging tone. He could respect that. Clearly the kid had a very strong support system. He had only read that he was close to his sister and his parents were in Pennsylvania, so he was pleased that the younger man wasn’t in this alone. “I like to think I’m one of the descent ones. The kids in a hell of a lot of pain from his shields. Its common with newly inherited dragons but his is worse because he left the center…”

“Because they were holding him against his will and not letting us contact him.” Clearly, she wasn’t one for ignoring the truth. There anger was understandable, and he didn’t judge them for it. He just hoped that it didn’t prevent them from helping him.

“Never said I wasn’t pretty damn impressed,” he countered. “We want him to take some meds to reduce his pain, but he refuses. Diaz said calling you would maybe help him.”

There was a short silence before she responded. “We will be there in twenty minutes.” She hung up and Jim pulled away the phone.

“So, I have a feeling she’s going to be terrifying and kick a tone of asses,” Morgan said with a laugh. “She sounds frightening.”

The whole situation was exhausting, and they knew that they were going to be bitched out, again even if they weren’t at fault. “Yeah, why don’t we leave her in the room with asshat instead of dealing with the righteous bitch fest the centers owed when we weren’t even in town,” Jim stated.

Of course it was Spencer who brought up a very important point. “So, who’s going to meet them at the front,” Spencer asked causing them to cringe. “Because do you really want them to meet anyone from this center?”

“Damn,” the others said together.

In the end it was Jim and Morgan who were waiting. They knew when they arrived since they had a very clear I hate your guts air about them especially the women. “Sergeant Grant-Nash,” Jim said. “And…”

“Captain Robert Nash,” Athena said speaking for him. “Where is Buck and explain in much better detail why I shouldn’t start pressing charges on every last one of you.”

Both men could respect that. “The asshats responsible for the first four days of bullshit aren’t here anymore.”

The man interrupted them impatiently. “Look, Athenas going to interrogate you, she’ll get the answers we all deserve about whatever mess this is. What I want to know is if Buck is, okay?”

“He is in pain because of shield collapse which can make his type of dragon very sick. He’s exhausted but he can’t really sleep either because of the pain as well as the nonsense here. We were hoping someone could convince him to take the pain medication.” A quick clear explanation seemed the best course of action.

The Sergeant was clearly sizing them up to figure out how honest they were being in this situation. “We’ll see,” Athena said coldly as they were escorted up to the room. Both guests looked horrified over the young firefighter. He had dark circles under his eyes and his face almost looked hollow. He also had his eyes closed tight trying to keep out the light, a motion he only did when he had headaches. “Oh Buckaroo,” she said gently.

Buck glanced up tiredly before his entire face lit up seeing who had come in, “Thena, Bobby” he said hopeful.

Athena didn’t hesitate to pull him into a hug. The four other dragons almost went to stop it but seeing him melt into her arms they took a step back. Touch wasn’t recommended for guides with shield distress but obviously he was responding favorably to it. “How you doing baby,” Athena demanded.

“I’m okay.”

It was very clear that no one bought that. “Bull,” Athena challenged.

“Oy no hogging him,” Bobby said pulling him into a hug. If anything, Buck melted even more into his arms. “Damn kid you just can’t catch a break, can you? Trouble has a nasty habit of finding you.”

Buck looked at them with wide eyed. “It wasn’t my fault, Bobby.”

“No. Your worst injuries don’t seem to be,” Bobby returned gently running his fingers through the young man’s hair. Normally he tried to keep at least some distance between them both but the last little while had been difficult. Especially coming off such a traumatic injury. They both seemed to need the comfort of the touch. “It’s just rotten luck.”

“Missed you both,” Buck admitted finally pulling away even if he didn’t want to.

“We tried like hell to visit, they didn’t even care that I was your power of attorney,” Bobby admitted. “Athena tried to go through work, but that didn’t help. We were about ready to call a lawyer to demand access to you when Eddie called and said you were okay and that we’d be able to visit soon.”

“Yeah um, the person who was…in charge I guess, got in on nepotism and he was a total asshat and he’s no longer permitted to work anywhere near newly turned dragons and if any of the other ones who showed up later, see him again they are going to lose their shit. He was telling people I didn’t want to see them and refusing to let me. Apparently, I’m supposed to keep my distance cause turning causes a shit tone of like empathy issues and it takes time to settle.”

Bobby blinked taking a moment to process the information he had just been given, “did you say asshat?”

“He was an ass hat. Seriously his head was in his ass at the very least. Is everyone okay, I know cleanup is still going from the tsunami and it’s a huge mess but the team, is everyone okay?”

“Nope,” Athena said. “Right now, we are focusing on you.”

“Athena, I’m so tired of focusing on me, I want to know how everyone is,” Buck challenged.

Both of them sighed because frankly, that was such a Buck thing to do. “Exhausted, beyond exhausted,” Bobby said seriously. “Sad. Really friggen sad because the scenes hell and there is a lot of cleanups. Luckily, we’ve been going back and forth to normal shifts, but everyone’s been working a lot of hours.”

“But no one at the 118 are hurt beyond basic injuries you guys get on the daily and shrug off like its nothing,” Athena added seeing him relax slightly with the given information.

Buck let out a breath of relief. “That’s…that’s good. I’ve been worried about everyone.”

That surprised neither of them. “Okay next question, did you seriously pull a runner and none of these morons found you until you got to Eddie’s place.”

Buck gave a slightly bashful look at the accusation but answered anyways. “Made it to Abuela’s and Eddies actually,” Buck returned. “And napped…for a few hours, I think. And had Abuela feed me so I was totally MIA for like 5 hours.”

“8,” Jim offered.

“8 hours,” Buck stated a bit hesitantly only to feel the pride coming off Athena in waves.

“That’s my boy,” Athena said grudgingly proud. Her approval caused Buck to grin brightly. “So, you’re a guide not a sentinel then. Should have known by your coloring. How are you handling that?”

“Freaking,” Buck admitted surprising himself as he hadn’t meant to say that. He continued anyways as he got that far. “Its…my best friends a dragon. Of course I’ve studied a lot of details about them. But its hard to know what’s propaganda and what’s true when researching. I also don’t think I’m in the right space to really listen either because I mean, clearly the center has its own agenda. Like they wouldn’t let me talk to anyone and that asshat I was with before was so controlling. I mean the ones who are working with me now are better, they’ve explained things at the very least instead of just telling me what to do and how its going to be, but I don’t know. I just…I just want to go home and forget the last eight months happened.”

“Life doesn’t work that way,” Athena pointed out.

Buck scoffed, “It really doesn’t I just wish it did.” The defeat in his voice broke their hearts since he rarely sounded so defeated. Even after a fire truck fell on his leg.

“So, you got to make it work for you,” Athena pointed out. “Demand answers don’t ask. Your too nice. You can’t be nice right now. You need to fight them on things. You need to show that backbone you had near when we met. You’re a strong kid. You know the rules and will argue for them in most cases. So do it. Demand your answers and paperwork and make sure they are giving you multiple sides of things. You have that empathy thing that’s a nasty surprise, right?”

“I can barely handle feeling my own feelings, I’m not liking feeling other peoples,” Buck admitted surprised at the advice.

“Use it,” Athena suggested. “Make sure you use those feelings. You can tell what they are feeling. So, you can tell if they are lying their asses off or trying to manipulate you. Don’t ignore it, use it. You got the power here. Don’t give an inch.”

Buck nodded understanding what she meant. “Right,” Buck said realizing he did have the power he just needed to figure out how to use it. That realization made him feel a lot more in control of everything. He however had a very important question for Bobby. “That makes sense. But they keep talking about…well the asshat did not these guys, but they were talking about me not being a firefighter anymore. That’s not a thing, right? I’ve worked eight months to come back to my family. I want to be a firefighter. The LAFD doesn’t stop that right? I know the center actually can’t. And I mean this mate ship thing, I don’t care. But there’s not rules right?”

Bobby was silent for a moment causing Bucks panic to show. “Breath, give me a minute its not a common issue Buck. In Minnesota we had one dragon on the team, and in LA, we have Eddie. I’m trying to remember the rules I read over before I invited Eddie to join us because it does differ. Just give me a second.”

Buck nodded and waited, a bit impatiently as the silence seemed suffocating. “If a dragon pair is mated, they are exempt from any fraternization rules,” Bobby said. “Fire departments as a whole want dragons to join. It seems strange but with there extensive abilities and the fact that they are more invulnerable then humans, they are an ideal addition to teams. They get paid a bit more as an incentive to join which isn’t highly advertised because it does upset human members. Guides are rare. I don’t know the exact numbers but rare right?”

“In the US, about 10,000 dragons turn each year,” Buck said. “And typically, one to two of them are guides.”

There was a look of surprise at that. “Well, I wasn’t aware that they were that rare,” Bobby admitted. “I’ve heard of one working in the fire departments, but I think its in Florida maybe. A pair. As far as I’m aware there is no specific protocol preventing guide dragons from joining. I think they just have to follow the same protocol as sentinels. Which requires tests to prove they are stable enough in their extra abilities to work in the field. Since their senses are stronger, some struggle to the point they can’t function in jobs like firefighting because of the overwhelming sensory reactions.”

“I worked too hard not to come back. When the doctor said that all they’d have to do after the pulmonary embolism was take the equipment out of my leg, at least I had an end date in mind. Two weeks, then another two weeks of blood thinners following the surgery and then I could go back short term as modified and, in a month, following the removal of blood thinners I could go back to normal. I had a goal. This feels like I don’t know how I’m getting back.”

“You will be back,” Bobby said. He had been hesitant so he had been pleased when the doctors on Eddie and Bucks urging chose a clear timeline, he could approve of instead of just pushing him back into the job. He hadn’t wanted to see his firefighter, who he could admit he thought of more as a son then an employee, die. But that decision ended up in his death anyways. He was worried but he wanted him back on his team where he could keep an eye on him at the very least. His death really put things into a new light. Losing him permanently in any fashion wasn’t an option he could accept. Over the last few days where they weren’t permitted to know anything about him, that became real.

Buck relaxed some since he actually believed Bobby when he said that. “Right.”

“And now you’ve made it very clear we aren’t going to be kept away,” Athena pointed out. “So, you don’t have to worry about being alone anymore. Everyone is biting at the bit to come check on you. We had to fight Hen for the chance to come first when we got the call that we could come in.”

There was even more relief on Buck’s face at the mention of that. He missed his family. “I just…I wish this wasn’t happening. I wish I wasn’t a dragon.”

Athena wasn’t having any of that and it was clear. “I’m glad you turned Evan Buckley. I will always be glad you turned.”

“What.” It was clearly he was confused as were a few others watching the conversation.

“Buck, if you didn’t turn, you’d be like the other five thousand or more dead in Santa Monica. So, this dragon thing, we’ll deal because it means your alive to deal with it with us. The rest, fuck it. Your alive. People act like being a dragon is a gift, its not in the traditional sense. Because you had to die to be one. But it’s a gift to everyone else because they don’t have to live without you. So, think of that. Would you rather be like one of the other five thousand dead in Santa Monica or here dealing with this shit if it means you can come home?”

“I’d rather be a dragon,” Buck decided almost right away. Had he died he wouldn’t have saved Chris or those other people. He’d be away from his family. He could deal if it meant that he was alive to deal with it.

“Good. Now go in thinking about that because kid, you dying is…we’ve come too close too many times. We are glad your alive even if you’re different.”

Buck nearly cried at that not knowing how much he needed to hear things put that way. Athena pulled him into another hug and Buck broke down crying unable to stop himself. Bobby was hesitant because he had been trying to keep boundaries up, but he just went and comforted him. “Sorry,” Buck said. “I’m kind of a mess right now. I don’t even know half of what I’m feeling,” Buck admitted. “I’m just…done.”

“Never apologize for that,” Athena countered. “We would rather have you back this way then not at all. Its shitty cause what you went through is damn awful and we don’t even know the half of it, but you being alive is what matters. Think about Chris. He’s here because you fought for him. He’s just happy his Bucky is okay. And Harry and May, they think of you as a big brother half the time. They are demanding to see you, but we didn’t want you overwhelmed. The team. Being a dragon, all the nonsense that comes with it, means your alive. End of the day that’s all we care about. So don’t want to hear that shit got it.”

Buck nodded, “Got it Thena.”

“Now, they said something about pain medications. No offence but you look like shit.”

Buck choked on a laugh wiping his eyes. “I feel like shit,” He admitted. “Its just a headache mostly.”

“Scale,” Bobby demanded.

“Bobby.”

“Choking on bread and getting a thoracotomy, with a steak knife, to the fire truck to an embolism. Your perception of injuries is kind of screwed up kid. How crappy do you feel and no bullshit.”

Buck was slightly hesitant. “Remember when I got hit in the head with a bowling ball and fell off a ladder?” There was a choked cough from the other dragons in the room. “A bit worse than that. And exhausted like a 24-hour shift that went about 5 hours over for a five alarm.”

Bobby cringed since his explanation was explicit and very clear how awful he was currently feeling. “So, exhausted and in a hell of a lot of pain, that should be debilitating if you weren’t used to things like bowling balls to the head.”

“That only happened once but yes.”

“Why aren’t you taking meds Buckaroo,” Athena asked worriedly guiding him to the bed. “Clearly you need it and I know you firefighters are defensive about that nonsense and pain management but if you need it you need to take it.”

He cringed not sure how to answer that. It wasn’t that he would turn down the meds. He needed them and he knew it. “I don’t want to not know what’s going on,” Buck said before getting a look demanding he explain further. “I don’t trust the people at the center. Last time I was out of it I woke up in a room with a locked door and no idea where I was or how to get a hold of anyone and I just…I can’t.”

That caused both guests to glare at the other dragons who put there hands up defensively making it clear they weren’t involved. “So, what if you weren’t alone,” Athena countered. “What if we stayed in here instead of leaving you alone so you know you can wake up safe. Hell, they can bring in another bed and we can stay here as long as you need us to.”

His eyes widened in shock unable to believe the offer she gave him. “I can’t ask you to do that?”

“Did you ask,” Bobby countered realizing what his wife was doing and he loved her all the more for it. “Buck, you have to know how much you mean to us right? We were told, you were in the middle of a natural disaster…turned which meant you were injured to the…” he couldn’t form the words. “Then we were kept from even knowing if you were okay for days. Sure, your original injuries were healed. But at least with the leg and embolism, we had updates. We could definitely use a nap. That okay?”

“Would you really,” Buck asked hopeful.

They nodded. “We can grab a bed,” Jim offered.

“And you are taking the meds. You can’t heal if you’re in pain,” Athena scolded. “And we are ready for you to get back to your life. So, bed. You, whoever the hell you are, go get him his meds.”

“Yes Sergeant,” Morgan said right away as Blair rushed to give him the meds.

Buck still hesitated, looking at the drink. “What is it,” Buck asked worriedly. It didn’t look like anything he had ever seen before.

Athena practically preened proudly giving the boy a nod of praise. “Good always ask,” Athena said looking for an answer from them.

“It is a herbal drink that works specifically for dragons in shield failure to put them in a state of rest and not affect them in other ways. You’ll get a good nine hours of peaceful sleep where your shields will repair.”

Buck was hesitant. Spencer shocked him by taking a mouthful. “I need a nap anyways,” he offered. “Derek, I’m going to need a good sleep and this stuff is godsent, non addicting except anything that feels extremely good has addictive properties but no chemical addiction and really just works well for us. Its something I regularly use if the bonds not enough and my shields are in tatters after I work.”

The new dragon was appreciative of the fact that he was willing to do that to make him feel comfortable. Clearly a large difference then the first group. “Thank you,” Buck said downing what he was offered.

He was asleep in minutes; a bed and some comfortable chairs were brought in as well as drinks
and food so Athena and Bobby could remain comfortably in the room. The other dragons left the group alone feeling it was the best course of action.

Buck woke up amazed they stayed and feeling better than he had in a very long time. He tried to apologize for making them stay but they wouldn’t hear of it. In fact, they stayed a few hours more just talking to him and telling them about the cleanup, how everyone was doing and just being there.

Chapter Text

Buck took a breath as he met with Blair and Spencer. He was definitely going in with a different perspective then he had before he saw Athena and Bobby. Maybe this all sucked but he survived. There were over five thousand dead in Santa Monica, or suspected dead. They were still cleaning up and would be for months. No one would ever know the exact number of dead. So, he was alive, and Chris was alive. Even if everything felt overwhelming and different, it was worth it. He could deal with the rest knowing that. Plus, now he was rested and not in pain which allowed him to focus on things a lot better.

Still, he needed information. Now that he had that in mind he had to figure out where he went from here and what would become of him. Which is why this meeting was taking place. It was very clear the two guides were waiting for him to say something to start. Letting him lead the discussion since so much had been out of his control since this all started. “I need information on what’s going on and not the bullshit the centers giving me. So, I’m asking you both cause you’ve gone through it personally. Not the turning nonsense but even now I can tell things are different because of what type of dragon I am. I need facts. I can’t deal until I know what’s coming to me.”

“Absolutely,” Blair said having heard bits about the meeting and realized letting the two humans that clearly, he had a close relationship with, more then his captain and his wife relationship was a good choice. “What do you want to know?”

Buck hesitated here for a moment. He had a lot of questions. “How many people turned due to the Santa Monica tsunami. I’ve not got any of the statistics. I know thousands are dead. I’d assume close to five thousand minimum, but I don’t know how many are dead, missing or presumed and I know numbers of dead relate to number of dragons but I’m not sure exactly how that works.”

“In total, not just in Santa Monica, the last count was 3,982 dead,” Spencer stated. “1 912 are still missing presumed dead and we may never know some of the missing or dead due to the fact that they may not have been reported. The numbers might differ as it has been 7 days since the tsunami and more information is coming out every hour. 29 people turned.”

Buck cringed at the number. Jesus. He knew it was probably close to five thousand but actually getting that confirmed was agonizing. He had seen so many bodies, pulled so many people out of the waters and left others with no pulse floating because there wasn’t space on the trucks and he had to focus on the living, but hearing those numbers was terrifying. There was probably at least another thousand not reported as missing yet. he knew the statistics and that some people might not yet be aware their loved one was close enough to the site or whole families were wiped out on a day our and there was no one to make the report. “29…that’s…”

“More then average for a day but a pretty typical number for disasters like these,” Spencer stated. Facts came easy to him, so he continued. “3 including you were firefighters. One was the captain of the 136 who was on the pier during the initial event, the other was a firefighter who was injured in a second swell.”

Buck cringed, injured was a nice way to put it. The second was a firefighter who was killed while on duty trying to save lives in the tsunami. That was horrible. God. “How are they…handling things.” Did those dragons get the same mistreatment as he had or, was he special in that regard?

“Less changes for them in comparison to you. Fifteen are sequestered to stabilize their senses since they are struggling a big, the remainder were able to go home…or to relatives’ homes if they lost their own in the disaster. Both firefighters remain as their senses are above average. They need additional training.”

Those were clear facts but didn’t answer the point of his question meaning he needed to specify it, even though what had happened to him was difficult to think about. He needed to know that others weren’t left to suffer as he was. “And are they being treated better than I did when I showed up because that guy was an arrogant asshole.”

“He’s been fired and the reason you’re not getting the full, newbie guide package and things are a bit slower is they are completely overhauling the center to find out why he was given this job when he was unqualified. Turns out, his grandfather is a higher-ranking dragon and his mother, uncle and a few other relatives work the center, so it was pure nepotism. Things are being looked into but luckily, your situation was more unique. Sadly, you still went through it.”

“What should have happened?” Knowing how things should have gone would hopefully give him more insight into what questions he should be asking.

“Once you woke up, you should have gotten the spiel we gave you about your new abilities and how seclusion was to help insure you were okay, we would have given you phones to contact your loved ones and visits over the first few days while you got your dragon lessons on what was going on and adjusted to your new circumstances. We would have judged how bad contact with others affected you to insure you weren’t causing yourself damage or unnecessary pain with the visits.”

That made a heck of a lot more sense than waking up, being told what a gift it was to be a dragon and how he’d have nothing of his old life and wasn’t allowed to see or contact anyone. “Why didn’t he let me contact people? It seems like such a stupid flex. Hey, I’m in charge so I decide when you get to call people? Its ridiculous and cruel. do you have any idea what was the point of him acting like that?” Now that he was well rested and able to think, he really couldn’t wrap his head around why he would choose to do that. It seemed targeted but he couldn’t figure out why.

“So far, what we figure is the reason is based entirely on control,” Spencer said wishing he had more answers, but he didn’t. “He wanted to control every aspect of these events. He wasn’t actually fully up to date with the protocol which is that no visits until your levels are checked to prepare you, part of it was probably him being inept but the majority was focused on control. He’s a narcissist who wants to control things and it was a show of power. I don’t use that word lightly. He shows signs of being a true to the definition narcissist. In his opinion you should be grateful he took the time to help you, and I highly doubt he has an actual understanding of normal people’s emotional responses.”

Considering he was pretty sure Spencer had mentioned being a member of the FBI at one point. A profiler he was fairly certain that him defining him as a narcissist held a lot more weight and was closer to a diagnosis then an insult. “So, he’s just an asshat or a mentally ill asshat?”

None of them seemed sure of the answer “So far, to our knowledge, just cruel but I do promise we are looking into it,’ Spencer said seriously. “We are still investigating and will continue to do so until we have answers for you.”

Buck nodded, that was slightly easier to accept. He could wait as long as he got answers eventually and someone was handling it. “Right, next question I guess, what’s these meetings for and what are they like,” Buck admitted since that had been one of the biggest questions on his mind since the initial mention of them. “Not the council detail of how I need a guardian. I haven’t bothered with that crap even when I was a kid. I want details by people who’ve actually been stuck going through this shit. What’s the point of these meetings and why are they necessary?”

“The meetings are for finding a mate. You’ll be introduced to a number of Sentinels from the community that you’ve not had a chance to meet thus far. You get a chance to speak with them, then allow your instincts to lead you. Some will feel comforting which means your psionically compatible. Some won’t be comfortable at all. Not because they are bad people just because they won’t be able to buffer you, you lack compatibility on a spiritual level. Then once there is a more reasonable amount of people, you can actually get to know them. It will be mostly instinct. Which is unsettling to your human brain, but it will feel right to your dragon one. The person that feels the most right is the one you should choose. It sounds, extreme right now but its comforting presence. The ideas seem so wrong, but it will make sense once you get started with the process. The meetings are just a way to allow you to meet other dragons because frankly, its not common for non dragons to have had the chance to meet a lot of our kind unless they are involved with the center.

That made sense even if he couldn’t stand the idea. But he could understand in part how it would feel natural. He could feel his instincts going a bit crazy in ways he never felt before. “Okay, and the reasons are what exactly, because it will blunt these crazy things going on with my head, hold back this empathic bullcrap,” Buck asked. He never imagined that he could possibly find his forever for this reason. He thought there would be love or something actually understandable pushing him to find a partner.

“Your gifts.”

He hated that term. Gifts was a stupid word for it. “Nothing feels like a gift right now.”

“Your abilities,” Blair offered clearly understanding his point. “The changes you are feeling.”

Buck could consent to that word choice. “Because it will blunt my abilities and shield me so I can have a normal life.”

“Yes, but also because companionship which is a good thing. It makes it better when you can share the experience with someone,” Blair said.

That might be true but there wasn’t a lot of things that could make this better. “The asshat made a very strong point to insist how my careers gone,” Buck said since he wanted to go back to work. He was ready to think of everything he had said was wrong, but he needed to be sure. “Is it just bullshit?”

“Can you explain what you mean,” Blair asked. “We weren’t here so we don’t know what he told you about anything?”

“He talked about how I won’t be going back to being a firefighter. Actually, laughing over how absurd the idea was. Pretty much implying my career would end up being whatever my mate wants. How much is bullshit and do people in the dragon community actually think that bullshit.”

“Its bullshit,” Spencer stated without hesitation letting Buck take a breath of relief. “Derek is super overprotective of me but frankly, he was when I was a human too. If I wanted to change careers it would be difficult, because we spend a lot of time away from home with our jobs, but he’d accept it. He gets no more say in what I do then any other husband would. A lot of us, especially first responders or FBI prefer working closely with our mates. Being together feels natural and safe. I believe that rumor and it’s a rumor tends to come from times where it may have been required but now dragon killing is equal if not more frowned on then human killings meaning those protective instincts are less obvious. You don’t have to quit you job and frankly, doing so would likely upset you and your mate won’t want you to be upset by things.”

“They tend to be protective but also comforting. The, looking down on guides is a human ideology, not dragons. They view guides as weaker probably because our abilities are harder for people to really understand. The change in sentinels is enhanced senses, people understand that. Our changes are empathy and other abilities that are hard to picture so people dismiss them. Anyone mated to a guide is aware that technically the bond, the marriage and in day-to-day life, we have more power, we have enough power that we need to be bonded to control it. Their abilities increase as a response to the mateship but we are stronger and more skilled in a variety of ways when compared to them. They’ll be crazy overprotective but frankly, dragons are like that with everyone. But you might feel desire to follow your mates career choices, but it is up to you. They might follow you into your career instead.”

That was a relief. Still confusing and conflicting feelings but some of his anxiety lessened. He had to admit that the protective nature was something he already understood with Eddie. He was protective of his family and friends, and it was on a level that most humans didn’t really experience. “How many people will be at this mateship thing?’

“Probably over 200,” Spencer stated causing Buck to go from calming down back to instantly tense and worried. “There was 283 at mine.”

“394 at mine,” Blair said.

Buck groaned because that was horrifying on every level, “I hate you both. That’s horrible information. When do I have to deal with this?”

“Due to the natural disaster slowing things down, a week and a half to two weeks of lessons, then the meetings.”

Buck was at the end of what he could handle. “Okay fine,” he said taking a breath. “But this…lesson is done, and I need to go think.”

“Absolutely,” Blair agreed gently. “I know what a mess this thing is Buck. We just want to help make it easier on you. Any time that you need to go relax and get away from things, tell us. You’re running this show now.”

The moment he entered his room; he instead went to the bathroom. He didn’t trust the privacy of his room, but he hoped that the bathroom was at least off limits. Sure, it was probably paranoia, but he figured he was owed some paranoia after everything that happened. He pulled out the phone that had been slipped into his pocket and found Eddies number. It was under Eddito which made sense since it was Abuela’s cellphone.

Hey Eds -Buck

It was a few minutes later when he got a text back. Abuela-Eddie

Buck laughed, apparently Chris and Abuela never filled him in on their sneakiness.

Its Buck your Abuela gave me her cellphone when I left and surprisingly it still has battery -Buck

How are you doing -Eddie

Im ok. Just needed a friendly voice for a second because everythings just a lot. -Buck.

The phone rang a second later and Buck answered it relieved to hear his friend’s voice. They talked for a bit then he was passed to Chris who was so excited that Buck was using the super secret phone. He’d have to get a charger. Eddie promised to bring one because just having the ability to now call his friend was a huge comfort.