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It was about two weeks into Chris's stay in Texas when Eddie decided to go to the animal shelter for the first time. He passed it on the way to and from work every day, and sometimes, when he would go on runs, he hadn’t been there in a long time. It’s the type of shelter that lets people play with the dogs and cats to socialize them so they are used to human contact when they get adopted. Eddie had been there a couple of times to visit the dogs and cats with Chris when he was younger, but he quickly realized that it was a bad idea because it had Chris begging for a puppy or a kitten. After all, the kid fell in love with just about any fluffy creature he laid his eyes on.
After a tough shift, Eddie found himself in a sour mood, which wasn’t unusual lately, given his current situation. He’s sad about Chris being gone, mad at himself for multiple reasons, and feeling ready to snap at Gerrard if he makes another sexist, racist, or homophobic remark to him or his friends. However, he’s pretty sure that if he snapped the 118 firehouse, it would help him cover up the crime. Off the tangent of pure hatred, Eddie felt for their current captain. Eddie desperately needed a pick-me-up, and he’d normally go to Buck, but he had plans with Tommy, and he was not going to ruin his friend’s good time with his sour mood, so that’s how he found himself parked in the animal shelter parking lot this hot summer afternoon.
Eddie walked into the shelter, looking around, then at the front desk where the receptionist sat, looking at him with a slightly concerned look on her face.
‘Crap,’ Eddie thought, ‘I must look as rough as I feel.’
Then, the woman at the front desk said, “Hello, Sir, I’m Amber. Can I help you with anything?” in an upbeat customer service voice.
“Hello, um, yes,” Eddie paused, then continued, “I haven’t been here in a while. I wondered if you guys still allow people to visit with the animals even if they’re not looking to adopt?” Eddie asked.
Amber answered as he approached the desk, “Yes, we do! Who would you like to visit with today?”
“Um… I guess I hadn’t really gotten that far in my thought process,” Eddie said, looking down.
“Well, how about we start with the dogs? They’re always happy to make new friends,” Amber said, happily leaving her seat and gesturing for Eddie to follow her to where they kept the dogs.
They got outside, and Eddie approached a kennel that housed a precious golden retriever puppy.
“And who’s this little guy?” Eddie asked.
Amber smiled, “This is Buck. He’s a six-month-old golden retriever puppy. He's very high-energy and friendly! Would you like to take him out?”
Eddie smiled, genuinely smiled, because, of course, the first dog he meets is a high-energy, friendly golden retriever named Buck. He’d have to send a picture to Buck. Eddie ended up playing with Buck, the golden retriever puppy, for over an hour, sending a picture of the puppy to Buck and telling him they shared a name. Although Eddie thoroughly dreaded going home to his quiet, empty house, his chest, and mind felt a little lighter after going to the animal shelter.
A couple of days later, at work, Buck questioned how he met this dog. Eddie explained that he was feeling rough after their last shift and just needed to not be alone in his house with his sadness and anger, so he went to the animal shelter, and playing with that dog made him feel better.
“Well, maybe I can come with you next time. I wouldn’t mind giving those shelter animals some love.” Buck said with a smile.
“Sure, man. I was thinking about going when our shift is over. You’re welcome to join if you don’t have plans,” Eddie said, smiling.
Buck, of course, accepted, not having plans with Tommy until later in the evening. They had fun after their shift at the animal shelter. Buck looked like an excited puppy while playing with Buck the golden retriever and many other dogs. They snapped some pictures to send to Hen, Chim, Tommy, and Maddie. How much of a kid Buck turned into around animals was hilarious and adorable.
After being there for a while, Buck followed Eddie back to his house, where they had a beer and a deep conversation about how Eddie was doing, which clearly wasn’t great. Of course, Eddie crumbled a little, and Buck tried to help put him back together. Buck does what he can, but he’s not the person Eddie needs. Well, that’s not entirely true. Buck is his best friend and rock; he knows Buck will be there for him, just as Eddie would be there for Buck, but he needs his son. By some grace of god, Buck finally convinces Eddie that he needs to go to therapy through this conversation. So he does. He starts going to therapy again, and it’s hard; it hurts bad, but he knows that in the end, this is good for him.
~~~3 Weeks Later~~~
Eddie also visits the animal shelter, sometimes after a tough therapy session, sometimes after work, and even on days off when he has nothing else to do. He goes enough that all the people who work at the front desk know him and update him on the adoption statuses of all the dogs and cats that he’s gotten to know over the past few weeks that he’s been visiting. He was delighted to learn that Buck (the puppy, not his human best friend) had been adopted by a small family with two young kids and a nice big backyard.
One day, about a month after the first time Eddie went to the shelter, he was sitting on the floor in one of the rooms where they let cats roam free. He thinks he likes being in here the most because it's quiet, and he almost always ends up with a cat or kitten curled up and purring in his lap. This is how Eddie comes to the realization that although he likes dogs, he's definitely a cat person. He likes the peace he feels around cats, even if they can be little menaces. That’s where he is when Amber finds him.
“Hey, Eddie,” she says, opening the door carefully. I know I said you shouldn’t move a sleeping cat, but we’re closing for the evening.”
“Shoot,” Eddie said, looking at his watch and then at the little black-and-white kitten sleeping in his lap. “Sorry, little one. It looks like it’s time for me to go,” he said as he put the kitten on a little cat bed.
“Sorry, Amber, I wasn’t paying attention to the time. I’ll get out of your guys’ hair,” he said, smiling.
“You’re all good,” Amber responded, smiling as she looked down, “It looks like Shadow likes you!”
Eddie looked down at Shadow, the black kitten with a small white patch on her chest. The kitten pawed at Eddie's shoe and stared into his soul.
“Oh yeah, I’d forgotten her name. She’s so cute. I’m surprised that no one has adopted her yet.” Eddie said, still looking at Shadow.
“I think she may have her heart set on you.” Amber laughed.
“Yeah, yeah. See you soon, Amber,” Eddie said, waving as he left the cat room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, Eddie was at the station showing Buck, Hen, and Chim pictures he'd taken of Shadow and other cats on his phone. At this point, they all know that he’s been visiting the animal shelter a lot in his spare time, and all wonder how he can spend so much time there and not adopt a pet. He mentions that Shadow climbs in his lap every time he goes and falls asleep and that when he needs to leave, she puts a tiny paw on his shoe as if trying to stop him. They all say it’s a sign he should adopt Shadow, but Eddie shuts them down, saying it wouldn’t be fair to her because he’s not home enough. Deep down, though, Eddie considers it because he’s starting to fall in love with that sweet little kitten.
By the end of the week, Eddie caves and goes to the pet store to buy everything he’ll need to take Shadow home, even a little pink and purple collar with a little tag with her name on the front and Eddie’s name and phone number on the back. It’s Friday morning, and he’s off until Tuesday afternoon, so he's got a good four days to help get Shadow acclimated to her new home. When Eddie comes into the animal shelter that day, the carrier in hand, Amber, knows precisely what Eddie’s finally about to do.
“Oh my god! Are you finally here to adopt Shadow?!” Amber said excitedly.
“Well, she chose me, didn’t she?” Eddie asked with a big smile.
“Oh, she definitely did! I knew it was just a matter of time before you finally decided to adopt her!” Amber exclaimed. “Come on then,” she said, standing up from her desk and gesturing for Eddie to follow her, “Let’s get everything ready for Shadow to go to her forever home!” she said as she handed Eddie the paperwork he needed to fill out.
As he filled out the adoption paperwork, Eddie talked to Amber, discussing his worries about his long work hours and having a new pet.
“Initially, I was hesitant to get a pet because of my work schedule, being a firefighter, and all. It can be unpredictable.” Eddie sighed. “I guess I just get worried that Shadow won’t get all the love and attention she deserves. You know she’s such a loving, cuddly little kitten. I wouldn’t want to be unintentionally neglectful to her.” he said, frowning.
“Honestly, Eddie, I don’t think you need to be that worried. Give what you can when you can. Cats are good at letting you know when they need something.” She paused, picking up Shadow momentarily, “You and this cat already have a strong bond, and you haven’t even lived with her. That says a lot. She’ll be much happier being in your space and around you more often.”
“I’m happy that I’ll have her in my space. It will be nice to have a reason to be happy to get home. Just the thought of having Shadow makes me smile,” Eddie said with a small smile while looking at Shadow in Amber’s arms.
“You know, Shadow misses you when you don’t come in, Eddie. She gets all mopey and sad. So yes, she’ll miss you when you’re gone at work, but you’ll still be with her more often than if you didn’t adopt her.” Amber reassured. She also told Eddie he had chosen the perfect time to get her. His being off for a few days would help her feel comfortable in her new surroundings since she already knew him. When Eddie finished the paperwork, he picked up Shadow, who had been sitting next to his feet, looking up at him, waiting.
Eddie smiled, “Okay, Shadow, you ready to go home?” he said, holding the kitten close to his chest. And she just nuzzled into him and started purring.
He gently placed Shadow into the carrier, closing it before leaving the room and waving goodbye to Amber as he left the building. Eddie had never been so happy that he lived so close to the shelter because as soon as the car started moving, Shadow began to meow a sad little scared sound, almost like crying, which absolutely broke his heart.
Eddie said, “It’s okay, kitty. We’re almost home, Shadow. My poor baby.” As he rested a hand on the carrier, he frowned. Eddie wished he could just put the kitten in his lap and comfort her, but that would be unsafe.
When they arrived home, Eddie quickly took Shadow into the house. He brought her to his room, put the carrier on the floor, opened it, and said, “It’s okay, Shadow, no more car; come here, kitty.” in a slightly high voice, effectively coaxing her out of the carrier.
She slowly walked around the carrier, taking in her surroundings before slinking back toward Eddie, climbing into his lap before standing on her hind legs and putting her front paws on his chest. Eddie’s heart practically melted as he picked up Shadow, holding her close. He scratched her head and behind her ears until she started purring. Eddie spent the rest of the afternoon playing with Shadow and trying to get her used to his room. Later that evening, Eddie went to bed, and the kitten looked like a little ball of black fur curled up at the end of the bed, purring loud enough for him to hear, and that’s how he fell asleep. When he woke up the following day, Shadow was stretched out but cuddling close to him. Eddie was surprised he didn’t notice or accidentally squish her. He smiled, looking at Shadow and petting her lightly, causing the kitten to press closer to the touch in her sleep. This made Eddie’s heart flutter with a warm feeling, and he knew he had made the right choice.
Eddie spent most of his time off work at home, ensuring Shadow was acclimating well. He’d only gone out a few times when he had some errands, and Buck had invited him to hang out with him and Tommy. Although Tommy and Buck are dating, their friendship dynamic doesn't change. They all have a great time ribbing and ganging up each other.
By the time Eddie left for his shift, he was confident that Shadow knew where her food, water, and litter box were, but he was just worried about how she’d be left alone for 24 hours. She ended up being just fine, with no accidents and no scratched-up furniture. She just missed Eddie. When he arrived home 24 hours later, ready to do nothing more than collapse in his bed, Eddie opened the bedroom door to find Shadow sleeping on his pillow. When he closed the door behind him, she got up lazily as Eddie walked up to the bed. He stuck his hand out in front of Shadow, and she pushed her head into it. When Eddie’s head finally hit the pillow, he fell asleep almost immediately, but not before feeling Shadow burrow underneath his arm and cuddle into him.
~~~Two Weeks Later~~~
Eddie was on another one of his four-day off stretches, and lately, when he’s home alone, he’ll let Shadow out of his room to explore the house, although, most of the time, she just sticks pretty close to Eddie, staying true to her name, following him like she’s his shadow. On this particular day, he had an utterly draining therapy session, so when he got home, he let Shadow out of his room, and soon after, he passed out on the couch.
He woke up to Shadow sleeping comfortably sprawled across his chest and the sound of his front door unlocking. He would be worried. He knew it was probably just Buck anyway, and sure enough…
“Eddie?” Buck asked as he walked through the door.
“Mmmm,” Eddie hummed, trying to wake himself up, “Right here, man,” he said groggily, lifting a hand to show he was on the couch. He took a heavy breath and rubbed his eyes.
As much as he didn’t want to disturb the kitten sleeping on his chest, he did actually have to get up. So he moved Shadow, “I know. I’m sorry, honey,” he whispered when she made a sad little sound that made Eddie remember why everyone said never to wake a cat sleeping on you. Eddie smiled and stroked Shadow’s back until she started purring again, briefly forgetting about Buck’s presence until he heard who he could only assume was Tommy walking in and closing the door behind them.
“Christ,” Eddie mumbled, “I can’t even get away with napping on the couch anymore.” he continued as he stretched, groaning as his back popped. “What’s up, Buck?”
“Just checking in. You weren’t answering your phone, and we were supposed to meet at my place two hours ago.” Buck said with a worried look in his eye.
“Shit,” Eddie said, frowning as he looked at his watch. “I’m sorry, you guys. I had therapy today, and things got a bit intense. I passed out on the couch as soon as I got home.”
“You alright, Eddie?” Buck asked, gently patting his shoulder.
“Yeah, it was an exhausting session, but it was good. I’m good.” Eddie smiled.
“Good,” Buck said with a matching smile.
Changing the subject, Tommy interjected, “So, what’s our plan, guys?”
“Well, I need to freshen up quickly so I don’t look like I’ve been sleeping on the couch for four hours.” Eddie chuckled. “If you guys are down, we can just hang out here,” he said.
“Yeah, sure. Sounds good.” Buck responded as Tommy nodded along.
“Okay, then. I’ll be right back. You guys make yourselves comfortable,” Eddie said, gesturing to the couch as he turned to walk down the hall.
While in his room, he faintly hears Buck and Tommy talking. Buck tells Tommy to sit on the couch while he raids Eddie’s fridge. Then he hears Tommy gasp and say, “Oh my god! Evan, come here!”
Eddie came out of his room, watching from the hallway as Tommy sat on the couch next to Shadow, who was awake and curiously staring at him. Tommy slowly extended his hand for her to sniff. Shadow sniffed his hand and then gently rubbed up against it, which caused Tommy to giggle and pet the small animal excitedly. This is a scene that Eddie couldn’t have guessed that he’d ever see. By looking at him, he also wouldn’t have assumed that Tommy was a cat person, but rather, the kind of guy who’d want a big dog. Yet, here Eddie was, watching Tommy Kinard baby-talk to a kitten that could probably fit in just one of his hands.
“Oh, oh my goodness, hello, little one, you’re so beautiful!” Tommy said as Shadow sat on his lap and meowed at him while pawing at his chest. “Yes, of course, I’ll pick you up!” he paused as he gently picked up the kitten.
That was when Buck walked back into the room from the kitchen.
“What is it, Tommy?” Buck asked, cocking his head to the side and smiling at his boyfriend, who now had a purring Shadow in his arms.
“Evan, look at this precious baby!” Tommy exclaimed, holding out the kitten like Simba from ‘The Lion King’ when he was presented to the kingdom.
Buck smiled widely at Tommy, “Babe, I’m not sure that they like being held like that very much,” he said as the kitten started squirming in Tommy’s hands.
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, baby,” Tommy said, bringing Shadow closer to his chest and started gently scratching her chin. “Oh, you love that, don’t you? Listen to that purr!”
That’s when Eddie stepped into the room again, and Buck and Tommy looked at him. Tommy looked mildly embarrassed at his reaction.
“When did you get a cat, Eddie?” Buck asked.
“Hmmm, about two weeks ago, her name is Shadow,” Eddie answered.
“Why didn’t you tell anyone?” Buck asked curiously.
“I’m not sure. I figured it would be overwhelming for her to meet new people while she was still getting used to the house. After all, I just barely started letting her out of my room a couple of days ago. Apparently, I didn’t have to be so worried, though,” Eddie said, gesturing at Shadow, who was clearly very comfortable with Tommy holding her.
“Eds, if you don’t take Shadow from Tommy soon, you may never get her back,” Buck said teasingly.
As if Shadow had understood what Buck said, she started wiggling out of Tommy’s arms, much to Tommy’s displeasure. He pulled a pouty face as she leaped from his arms onto the couch, stretching before jumping to the floor. She trotted toward Eddie, rubbing up against Buck’s legs as she passed. When Shadow made it over to Eddie, she meowed at him and stood on her hind legs, reaching up Eddie’s calf, basically asking to be held. Of course, Eddie picked her up. It was rather hard to say no to that wide-eyed begging look Shadow would give him. He had yet to build any resistance to those adorable green eyes that bore a hole right through his soul.
Eddie picked up his kitten, holding her near his face, and said, “Don’t worry, Shadow, I’d never let Tommy steal you from me.”
At that, Shadow squirmed, again not liking how she was being held, and swatted lightly at Eddie’s nose. He gasped in mock shock, pulling a pout at the small cat as he set her back on the ground.
Buck laughed, “Oh my god, that was adorable!”
The three men watched Shadow stroll over to the coffee table, hop on top of it, and sit down. She looked around at them, seemingly trying to decide whether to leave the room or ask for more attention. Then she hopped off the table again, rubbing up against Buck and Eddie before disappearing down the hallway.
“Well,” Eddie said, “I didn’t know you were such a big cat person, Tommy.”
Tommy smiled shyly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I usually try to be more low-key about it,” He paused, “I guess I was just surprised to see a kitten sitting on your couch, and she’s pretty damn cute, so I just didn’t reign in my reaction very well…” he said in a tone that Eddie had never heard from him before.
“You’re all good, man, don’t worry about it,” Eddie responded as he walked over to Tommy, clapping his shoulder.
Buck sat down next to Tommy, “You should have seen me with the puppies at the shelter, babe,” Buck said, smiling.
“Buck was like a kid in a candy store, and I think the puppies loved him just as much as he loved them,” Eddie said, laughing at the memory of that afternoon. He continued, “Now, I’m not usually one to call my best friend cute in any context, but Buck with puppies is one of the cutest things I’ve seen. Apart from my son and Shadow, of course…”
Buck blushed and hid his face in Tommy’s chest as Tommy laughed and said, “I mean, Evan is pretty adorable, though,” before kissing him on the head.
“It completely slipped my mind after we left the shelter. I took a video and some pictures; I’ll send them to you. You’re going to love them!” Eddie said, chuckling and clapping Tommy’s shoulder again.
“Oh, I’m sure I will!” Tommy said, smiling.
“Okay, can we please change the subject now?” Buck interjected.
“Evan, baby, I genuinely don’t understand why you’re so embarrassed by this. It’s just pictures of you with puppies, and I’m sure I will love any picture I see of you or with you in it.” Tommy said, taking Buck’s hand and kissing it.
That put a smile on Buck’s face, which soon turned into a devilish smirk as he quietly said, “And I can think of a few pictures of me that you really love…” in a very suggestive tone.
A blush arose on Tommy’s face. He sputtered and gasped, “Evan Buckley!” as he swatted at his boyfriend’s shoulder.
It took Eddie a second to fully understand what Buck had meant with that comment. At first, he understood it in a more innocent sense. Then he thought a bit deeper, realized what Buck had really meant… and very quickly stopped that train of thought dead in its tracks, eyes widening because there was no way he was going there.
Buck was now laughing his ass off at Tommy blushing and at the sight of his best friend realizing the kinds of pictures he was talking about.
“Okay,” Eddie paused, “I’m just going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” He clapped his hands and swiftly changed the subject, “So, dinner?” he suggested.
From there, the conversation quickly shifted to what they should get for dinner. The three men debated what they should eat. They promptly settled on pizza because it would be easy to eat while sitting on the couch. Eddie leaves the room again to order the pizza, telling Buck and Tommy to decide what they should watch. When he returns, he finds that his friends have found some kind of ex-first responder comedy special that quickly has all three men almost in tears from laughing before the pizza even arrives. They settle down a bit when the pizza does arrive, talking, laughing, eating, and enjoying each other’s company. As the night winds down, they decide to watch a couple of episodes of a show they’ve all been slowly working through. That was when Shadow walked back into the room, presumably searching for more attention.
“Oh, Tommy, look who’s back,” Buck teased as Tommy looked where he was, pointing to Shadow entering the room.
Eddie called for her. “Shadow, come here, kitty,” he said softly as he patted the space on the couch between him and Buck.
She came to him, jumping on the couch and sitting between them. Shadow sat, looking at Buck curiously like she’d looked at Tommy earlier in the evening. Buck hesitantly reached a hand toward the kitten. Shadow sniffed his hand, then lightly licked the tip of Buck’s thumb and rubbed her head into his hand. Buck smiled softly, scratching Shadow’s head and stroking his hand down her back. She purred and pushed her head into Buck’s hand again, demanding more pets. Then she finally climbed into Buck’s lap, making herself comfortable as he pulled his hand away.
“Well, I guess Shadow likes me then?” Buck asked, turning his head toward Eddie.
“I’d say so,” Eddie said, smiling. “You’d better keep petting her, or she’ll start trying to grab your hand with her paws.”
“That sounds adorable. Shadow trying to grab your hand, so you keep petting her,” Tommy said.
“Yes, it is cute, except when she does it when I’m trying to sleep off a 24-hour shift,” Eddie said, arms crossed and giving Shadow a little scowl momentarily before smiling again.
“Well, I’m not sleeping off a shift, so I’m curious,” Buck said, keeping his hand off the small cat and putting it on his lap beside her.
Shadow looked at Buck’s hand, nudging it with her nose, trying to get him to pet her. She tried that a few more times before making a frustrated noise and getting up. Shadow turned around, sat down, still on Buck’s legs, and stared into his eyes.
Buck broke, just like when Christoper used to give him puppy dog eyes. “Okay, okay, I’ll pet you. Just stop staring into my soul!” Buck said as he brought his hand back up to continue petting Shadow. Buck began scratching her head again, and she made a content purr and pushed her head further into Buck’s hand again.
Eddie and Tommy both laughed at Buck’s reaction. They all settled, but Buck and Tommy stayed a bit longer, talking and watching their show. The night winds down, and his friends decide it’s about time they get going.
Eddie hugged each of them, saying, “Thanks for coming to check up on me when I didn’t show up, guys.”
“Of course, Eddie! It’s my job as your best friend to be there for you after all,” Buck said with a hand on his shoulder and a soft smile.
Eddie smiled, “We’ve got each other’s backs.”
“We sure do,” Buck said, patting Eddie’s shoulder.
“Oh my god, you two are two giant saps!” Tommy chuckled.
“You’re one to talk, babe. Don’t make me call you out in front of Eddie,” Buck smirked.
Eddie smiled, looking between Buck and Tommy, “No need to call anyone out, Buck; we’re all big saps, and that’s okay.” he said.
“Okay,” Buck said, “Seriously though, don’t hesitate to call if you need to talk, I’m here for you man,”
Before Eddie could answer, Tommy added, “And I’m here too. I know I’m not as close to you as Evan is, but you have me too.”
Eddie cleared his throat, and dear god, there was the sappiness that Buck had mentioned. “Oh my gosh, you guys are too much. I might actually cry,” he said, pulling Buck and Tommy in for a quick hug. “I couldn’t ask for better friends,” he said, smiling.
“Oh, Tommy, you don’t want to see him cry. It ain’t pretty,” Buck chuckled.
“Evan Buckley, you little shit!” Eddie said, pushing Buck playfully, “You ruined the moment, man,” He continued, trying not to laugh.
“Using my full name, are you now Edmundo Diaz?” Buck chides jokingly but with the straightest face, he could muster.
“Hey now, that was uncalled for,” Eddie said, trying to remain stoic. It was difficult, though. They all ended up breaking into a fit of laughter.
“Alright,” Eddie said, trying to reign in his laughter, “You two get outta here before I make you sit down for another episode.”
“Okay, okay, see ya soon, Eds,” Buck chuckled, squeezing his shoulder.
“See you at work, Buck,” Eddie smiled. Then he fist-bumped Tommy, “See you soon, man.”
“Bye, Eddie, see you soon, man,” Tommy said, smiling as Buck gently pulled him away from Shadow, who was sitting on the back of the couch watching them.
Eddie picked up Shadow from the back of the couch as he watched his friends leave. Eddie held her close and nuzzled his face into her soft fur as the door closed. “Well, what do you say, Shadow?” Eddie said, “About time we get to bed, huh?” He continued as he began walking down the hall towards his room. Eddie fell asleep that night, truly happy for the first time in a while.
~~~Two Weeks Later~~~
Summer is almost over. Eddie still has a lot of work to do on himself, but he's in a much better place than he was at the beginning of the summer. Eddie's been happier the last month, not just because he has Shadow or the therapy but also because Christopher has been steadily talking to him more. They've had some good, serious conversations about the situation, during which they may or may not have both shed some tears. They're working on their relationship, and Eddie knows it will take Chris a long time to trust him again. Eddie is happy that his son simply stopped giving him the silent treatment and can actually look him in the eye, even if it is through video call.
Eddie was surprised to hear Chris say, “Dad, I think I'm ready to come home. I’m still upset with you, but I don’t want to be here anymore,” when they talked on the phone a week and a half ago.
Of course, as much as Eddie, as much as Eddie desperately wanted Chris to come home earlier, he didn’t push it. Coming home had to be Chris’ decision and his decision alone. Eddie had initially thought that Chris might even stay with his grandparents through the new school year, but the fact of the matter was that even if Chris was extremely upset with Eddie, he still missed his dad and home. But of course, there was also…
“Oh my god, Dad, their wifi is horrible!” After all, He is a teenager and loves his screen time. “It’s driving me crazy. I can’t do anything; it was hard even to get Facetime to work!” Chris said, then he paused and looked around the room. His face dropped into something more subdued when he looked back at the screen. And when he spoke again, it was quieter, “I know Abuelo and Abuela love me and care about me. I love them too, but…” he paused again, “they’re treating me like a little kid, like I’m not able to do things that I’ve been able to do for years. It’s like they don’t see all the progress I’ve made.” Chris had said sadly.
Eddie knew it was time to get his son home after hearing Chris say what he did. When he spoke to Chris again a few days before he’d be leaving Texas to come home, the excitement in his son’s voice and his face made Eddie’s chest warm and fuzzy. Then, at the end of the call, Chris said, “I’ve missed you too, Dad. Love you.” before hanging up, it took everything in Eddie not to burst into tears before hanging up the phone.
He hadn’t realized anyone had come into his house until Buck knelt beside him and asked if he was okay. To which Eddie responded, “Yeah, yes, sorry,” as he pulled himself together, “happy tears.”
~~~~~~~~~~
All of this has led up to the present day. The day Chris will finally be back where he belongs, home with Eddie! Eddie has been practically bouncing off the walls the entire week, simultaneously excited and nervous for his son’s homecoming. He couldn’t wait to see Chris again (not over a screen), couldn’t wait to wrap him in a hug, and show Chris that he’s doing better and that he won’t ever make a mistake like that again, won’t hurt him like that again. He can’t help but feel nervous as he paces the kitchen floor. He can’t help thinking that Chris will get home, look Eddie in the eye, and decide he’s not ready to be home with him. Eddie didn’t get much time to dwell on that thought for long, though, as he heard his front door open.
His heart leaped into his throat when he heard feet shuffling and the clacking of Chris’ crutches, then, “Dad?”
Eddie got himself together as much as he could before leaving the kitchen; he couldn’t get his eyes to stop burning, though, and he knew he would cry and couldn’t stop it. As he rounded the corner, Chris was there. “Hey buddy, sorry I didn’t hear the door-” Eddie was starting to say before he was cut off by his son barreling into him. He wasn’t expecting Chris to hug him or at least initiate the hug and definitely was not expecting this amount of enthusiasm.
“I was so mad with you, Dad, and I’m still getting over that and upset. It’ll take me time, but I missed you more than I realized. I’m happy to be home.” Chris said softly as he gripped Eddie tighter.
Eddie let out a shaky breath as he pulled his son impossibly closer to him and embraced him. “Dios mío, Christopher,” Eddie paused to kiss Chris’ head gently, burying his face into his soft, dark blonde curls. “I missed you more than you could imagine, hijo,” he said tearfully.
Eddie knew his parents were there, seeing as they had flown with Chris, so he wouldn’t travel alone. He was grateful they stayed behind in the entryway and let him and Chris have a few minutes alone. They talked for a few minutes, Eddie holding Chris and apologizing to him for all the pain he’d caused and promising that he’d never hurt him like that again. Telling Chris he’ll do anything to earn his trust back because he needs his son more than anything. They finish their conversation with plans to discuss things further in a few days, then go to Eddie’s parents. Eddie talks with them briefly about Chris and himself, about how he’d started working on himself.
When they finally left, Eddie sighed and whispered, “Thank god,” while running his hand through his hair. When he saw Chris sitting on the couch playing on his Nintendo Switch, he smiled, happy to finally have him back. What he hadn’t seen, though, was Shadow coming into the room and rubbing up against Chris’ legs.
Chris gasps, putting down his game, “Oh my god! Dad, you got a cat while I was gone!? And you didn’t tell me!?” He said, looking back at Eddie over his shoulder. Chris wasn’t angry, just extremely surprised.
“Uhh, yeah. Her name is Shadow. I got her about a month ago. Having her here made me feel better when you were away,” Eddie said as he sat down next to Chris on the couch next to Chris.
“You could have told me before, though, when we talked on the phone,” Chris said as Shadow jumped on the couch and rubbed up against Chris’ arm. He smiled and said, “I think she likes me.”
“If it makes you feel any better, no one even knew I had a cat until two weeks after I adopted her,” Eddie said quietly as the kitten settled between them.
“Not even Buck?” Chris asked.
“Not even Buck,” Eddie confirmed, “and he’d been here multiple times between when I adopted Shadow and when he met her.”
“Well, I guess it’s okay then,” Chris smiled, still petting Shadow.
“Speaking of Buck, he’s blowing up my phone,” Eddie said, chuckling, “you up for some visitors?” he asked.
“Of course, I’m up to see Buck!” Chris said, his smile widening, “He’s probably as excited to see me as you were!”
“Tell you what, Chris, we’ll make a night of it, like old times. Pizza, video games, and a movie. How’s that sound, buddy?”
“That sounds great, Dad!” Chris said excitedly.
“Okay, you go start unpacking, bud. I’ll get everything squared away.” Eddie said, picking up his phone.
Eddie called Buck first, who picked up on the first ring and demanded that Eddie tell him everything. After he laughed at how excited Buck was, Eddie told him everything, including that Buck was welcome to come and hang out for the evening. Buck gleefully accepts the invitation, asking if Tommy could join, to which Eddie said “yes,” figuring that Chris wouldn’t mind seeing Tommy too. After he got off the phone with Buck, he ordered a couple of pizzas, tidied up the living room, and checked in on Chris, telling him that Buck and Tommy should be here soon.
Buck walked into the house with a smile as bright as the sun, “Where’s my favorite Diaz!” he said excitedly.
At that moment, Chris exited the hallway, “Buck!” he exclaimed as they rushed toward each other.
Eddie watched fondly and secretly snapped a picture as Buck and Chris held onto each other and conversed quietly. Then Tommy walked in and smiled as he quietly greeted Eddie, who was standing next to him. Eventually, they pulled away from the hug, still smiling as they looked toward Eddie, who smiled back at them, and Tommy, who had found Shadow and was fawning over her again.
After that, things settled a little bit. Chris told them about everything he did in Texas over the summer as they waited for the pizza. While they ate, Eddie talked about his experiences at the animal shelter, and much to Buck’s dismay, he showed Chris pictures of Buck playing with puppies at the shelter. Then Buck and Tommy chimed in with a funny story from a call their stations had worked on together. Tommy petted Shadow, who was sleeping in his lap, and watched as Buck, Chris, and Eddie played a few heated Mario Kart games, which ultimately ended with them remembering why they stopped playing that game so often in the first place. They let Chris pick a movie, some kind of action comedy, which they all thoroughly enjoyed.
As their evening came to a close, the warmth in Eddie’s heart only grew. They’ve all been through so much, together and apart, and it’s only made their bonds stronger. After saying their goodbyes, Buck and Tommy close the door behind them, leaving Eddie and Chris on their own once again. They went their separate ways for a little bit, Chris getting ready for bed and Eddie cleaning up the living room. They meet again in the hallway, where Eddie pulls Chris in for another hug. Usually, he’d roll his eyes or try to wiggle away, but tonight, he just sunk in and hugged his dad back, exchanging “I love you’s” before going their separate ways again to go to bed.
The following day, Eddie woke up to find Shadow curled up next to Chris, and his chest filled with warmth again. He smiled at the feeling, knowing that a new chapter in his life was starting, and it would be a hell of a lot better than the last one.