Work Text:
“What would you say would be the worst incident you’ve experienced since returning from overseas?”
Eddie looked across the small office at his assigned therapist. The room was small but comfortable, which was surprising to him. His doctor, a Dr. Lydia Pollard, had filled the room with different types of chairs in different locations, telling him at the beginning of their session that he could decide where both of them would sit. He’d appreciated that option greatly.
Seeing a therapist wasn’t something that he thought he’d ever do again, past what was required by the LAFD and the few times he’d been assigned while in the service. But Buck had practically tricked him into agreeing to see someone again, using Chris and his Abuela to get him to come and finally talk about the aftermath of Shannon running headlong back into (then out of) their lives, and his survivor’s guilt both over Afghanistan and the truck bombing in LA. He’d seen Frank for a few sessions, but the two never clicked. Then, Buck pointed out just how close the VA on Wilshire.
He was now three sessions in with Dr. Pollard, a kind but no-nonsense Navy veteran who gave him the time to think about his answers, but also didn’t let him get away with lying to himself. The rapport they’d set up had immediately settled well him him, and he was privately happy to continue to come back.
While she did focus on his service in their first sessions, this was the first time they were venturing further out.
The problem with Dr. Pollard’s question was that there were two answers. The first was of course Shannon’s accidental and senseless death, especially because he was by her side until the end. The other…
“Buck flatlining on the way to hospital after the bombing.”
Dr. Pollard raised an eyebrow at his answer, having probably not been expecting it. “And why that moment, Eddie?”
“The whole situation sucked, sure,” he acknowledged. “I was fighting away the flashbacks by being focused on Buck trapped under the truck.” He leaned back, sparing a quick glance to his phone where a new pic had come in. Buck and Christopher on Buck’s bed in the hospital, completely asleep, matching new stuffed animals in their arms. “Buck’s become my best friend, practically a second dad to my son. When we were finally able to get to him, he couldn’t let go of my hand.”
“Your team was able to get him free,” she said.
“Only for him to flatline in the ambulance and again while they were stabilizing him at the hospital. He’s doing better now. I don’t know if anyone’s told him yet.”
The doctor nodded, making a quick note on her notepad before checking the time. “Well, this would be a good time to go and check on him.”
Eddie gave a firm nod. “I’m on Buck-sitting duty tonight as it is. And I want to see my son tonight, and he won’t be leaving until someone drags him out.”
Keys and phone in hand, he quickly departed, heading off to join his family.