Work Text:
Athena's investigation into the blaze in which her husband Bobby, has been hospitalized and her home torched. She suspects Captain Gerrard is responsible, being jealous and hating the fact Bobby made the 118 into a cohesive bonded unit where Gerrard only created discourse.
As 118 and Athena close in on Gerrard in an attempt to get justice, he sets another fire in which the team are all in danger, the station is set ablaze, Gerrard thinking if he can't have the 118, no one will, and he'll destroy everything and everyone Bobby holds dear.
Eddie unable to sleep, due to the mess he's made of his life, discovers, Gerrard in the station spreading excellerant, about to set the 118 ablaze. Gerrard knocks Eddie unconscious, and returns to his plans.
Setting the place ablaze, causing utter chaos as everyone is at rest and scrambling to get out and save their coworkers/chosen family. Everyone gets out with the exception of Eddie, realizing eddie isn't accounted for the Buck and Chimney race to find him as the station burns. Finding Eddie unconscious, and barely breathing, they race to get him to the hospital.
At the hospital everyone is gathered, in shock and grief as their station, captain and coworker are in danger of all being lost.
The doctors work to save Eddie as he, been knocked unconscious and inhaled much smoke.
Hours later as everyone is gathered waiting to see if Eddie will ever regain consciousness. Everyone shuffles in and out of Eddie's room, crying, and taking to him as he lays there on a ventilator.
Buck in grief devastated Bobby and Eddie are both going to be lost forever, walks into Eddie's room, tears rolling down his face. With the realization, buck is quite possibly is going to loose him again, flashbacks run through his mind, the house explosion when Eddie climbed the rain spout, the well collapse, Eddie's breakdown in his room, destroying everything he owned, and the day Eddie was shot by the sniper.
Trembling and overtaken with trauma and grief, Buck holds Eddie's hand, speaking softly, voice shaking. "Eddie don't go, we've been through too much, you have Chris to live for, and me". Thinking this is the last moments with Eddie still living, Buck says, "it's aways been you, I love you, I don't know what I'll do if you go". Bending down Buck places a kiss on Eddie's forehead, thinking it's his last and only chance to express his true feelings.