Chapter Text
Los Angeles pulsed with chaos in the wake of the earthquake, sirens wailing in an unending symphony of panic and urgency. Buck’s knuckles were white against the steering wheel as he navigated his Jeep through fractured streets littered with debris. His jaw was tight, tension coiling in his chest like a live wire. Beside him, Eddie Diaz sat rigid, his gaze locked on the road ahead but clearly seeing none of it.
Buck risked a glance at his friend. Eddie’s face was a study in barely contained fear, his normally calm and stoic demeanor replaced with an edge of panic that made Buck’s heart ache. Eddie didn’t just look worried; he looked like he was barely holding it together.
“You okay?” Buck asked, his voice softer than usual, though he already knew the answer.
Eddie didn’t respond. His hands clenched into fists on his thighs, his jaw working as if trying to grind down the emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
Buck didn’t push. He knew what it was like to be stuck in your head, weighed down by thoughts you couldn’t voice. Instead, he focused on the road, determined to get Eddie to the school as quickly as possible. Chris was there. Chris was safe. At least, that’s what Buck kept telling himself, over and over, like a mantra.
When they finally pulled up to the school, Eddie was out of the Jeep before Buck even had time to fully park. Buck stayed behind, watching Eddie’s retreating figure as he jogged toward the building, his movements sharp and desperate.
---
Inside the school gymnasium, Eddie’s heart thundered against his ribs as he took in the chaotic scene. Parents and children milled about, some crying, some clinging to each other, and others waiting anxiously for news. His eyes darted around frantically, searching the sea of faces for the one that mattered most.
And then he saw him.
Chris stood near the gymnasium doors, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his crutches planted firmly on the ground. Relief hit Eddie like a tidal wave, stealing the breath from his lungs.
“Chris!” he called, his voice breaking with raw emotion.
Chris’s head snapped up, and his face lit up with a wide, toothy grin. “Dad!” he shouted, hobbling toward him as quickly as his crutches would allow.
Eddie didn’t wait. He surged forward, meeting his son halfway and dropping to his knees to wrap Chris in a fierce hug. The familiar scent of Chris’s shampoo hit him, grounding him in a way nothing else could. Eddie pressed his face into Chris’s curls, his hands trembling as they gripped his son tightly.
“You’re okay,” Eddie whispered, his voice thick. “You’re okay.”
Chris pulled back slightly, beaming up at him. “I’m okay,” he reassured. “I knew you’d come.”
Eddie’s throat tightened, and he had to swallow hard to keep from breaking down entirely. “You’re not hurt?” he asked, his eyes scanning Chris from head to toe.
Chris shook his head. “I’m fine, Dad. Promise.”
For the first time all day, Eddie felt the crushing weight of fear begin to lift. He kissed the top of Chris’s head, holding him close for a moment longer before finally letting go.
But then Chris’s gaze shifted, his attention drawn to something (or someone) behind Eddie. Eddie turned to look and saw Buck standing outside by the Jeep, his hands shoved into his pockets as if trying to make himself invisible. Eddie frowned.
“Stay here for a second, okay, mijo?” he said gently, patting Chris’s shoulder.
Chris nodded, and Eddie stood, striding toward the door with purpose. He stopped just outside, his arms crossing over his chest as he called out, “What are you doing out here?”
Buck looked up, startled. “I just... didn’t want to get in the way.”
Eddie’s frown deepened. “You’re not in the way. Come on.” His tone left no room for argument.
Buck hesitated, then nodded, following Eddie back inside. When Chris spotted Buck, his face lit up, and he hobbled over to him as quickly as he could manage.
“Thanks for bringing Dad,” Chris said, hugging Buck tightly.
Buck’s chest warmed at the simple gesture. “Anytime, kiddo,” he said, ruffling Chris’s hair fondly. Chris laughed, and for the first time all day, Eddie felt like things might actually be okay.
---
The drive back to Eddie’s house was quieter, though not entirely silent. Chris sat in the backseat, chattering about his day with a nervous energy that betrayed his lingering anxiety. Eddie listened intently, his gaze flickering between the road, the rearview mirror, and, every so often, Buck.
Buck noticed, of course, but he didn’t say anything about it. Instead, he met Eddie’s glances with small, grounding smiles, as if silently reassuring him: I’m still here.
When they pulled into Eddie’s driveway, Chris hopped out of the Jeep and headed for the front door. Eddie lingered, turning to hand the keys back to Buck.
“You’re not coming in?” Eddie asked, frowning.
Buck blinked, surprised by the question. “I just figured... I’d let you two have some time. You’ve had a long day.”
For a moment, Eddie just stared at him, his expression unreadable. Then his breath hitched, and his fists clenched at his sides. “You’re leaving?” he asked, his voice unsteady.
Buck immediately stepped closer, concern flooding his features. “Eddie...”
“You can’t leave,” Eddie interrupted, his words tumbling out in a rush. “I can’t... I don’t think I can...” He broke off, his voice cracking. “What if something else happens? What if Chris... what if you...” He stopped, swallowing hard against the emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
“Hey,” Buck said softly, placing a steadying hand on Eddie’s shoulder. “I’m not going anywhere, okay? I’ll stay. I promise.”
Eddie blinked at him, his panic giving way to relief. “You will?”
“I will,” Buck said firmly. “Whatever you need.”
Eddie nodded, exhaling shakily. “Thank you.”
Together, they headed inside, where Chris had already made himself comfortable on the couch. The rest of the evening passed quietly, with Buck and Eddie helping Chris through his bedtime routine before tucking him in for the night.
Back in the living room, Eddie sank onto the couch, his body sagging with exhaustion. Buck sat beside him, close enough that their shoulders brushed, but he didn’t speak. For now, the silence was enough.
And for the first time since the ground had shaken that morning, Eddie felt like he could finally breathe.