Work Text:
Buck always intended to fess up. It’s just whenever he tried to, the topic changed too fast for him to confess. The more time that had passed, the more he realized his found family may be offended to be kept out of such a big part of his life. The choice was ultimately taken away from him as an old friend walked into the 118 apparatus bay.
“Can I help you, sir?” Bobby asks, curious and cautiously.
The man, in his dress Navy SEAL uniform, answers, “I’m looking for Evan Buckley. I believe he’s currently on shift.”
Hen joins Bobby in looking the Navy SEAL up and down, “What for?”
Buck and Eddie choose that moment to come down from the loft.
The man gives a small smile, “Bubba!”
“Smooth Dog!” Buck engulfs the man in a tight hug, “So good to see you!”
Chimney, curious as ever, joins the group, “So we’re all confused right?”
Eddie laughs looking to Buck, “You fooled everyone, huh?”
Buck lets go of Smooth Dog as he rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, “It wasn’t my intention. I just didn’t want to talk about it and then it sort of went too long without being mentioned. After a while, I wasn’t sure how to bring it up to anyone. I sort of liked the version of myself I am to all of you.”
Eddie nodded in understanding and reached his hand out to Smooth Dog, “Staff Sergeant Eddie Diaz, sir.”
Smooth Dog shakes Eddie’s hand, “Commander Steve McGarrett. Can’t believe Bubba’s boyfriend was an army medic.”
Eddie laughs again, “I’m sure you and your team will give him plenty of shit for it.”
“If they could, they would,” Steve answers.
Eddie looks horrified before Buck cuts him off, “No need to apologize. I never said so it’s my fault. I’m sorry for not being more open about it.”
Eddie nods.
“I mean, apology accepted, I guess, but can we be clued in?” Chimney asks.
“Chim!” Hen playfully smacks her best friend.
Chimney rolls his eyes, “Come on, Hen, like you and Bobby aren’t curious?!”
“Of course we are, but Buck just said he wasn’t sure how to bring it up,” Hen says, “And Buck just know whatever this is, you can tell us, no judgement.”
“Hen’s right. Captain Bobby Nash, by the way. It’s nice to meet you Commander,” Bobby says as he shakes Steve’s hand, “This is Hen and that’s Chimney.”
Hen and Chimney shake hands with Steve.
“I know the sentiment won’t be shared, but I have heard a lot about all of you. Thanks for having Bubba’s back while I couldn’t. Now, is there somewhere him and I could talk in private for a bit?” Steve asks as the bell rings.
The group and other firefighters run to the trucks.
“Buck, you’re man behind. Feel free to use my office,” Bobby says, running after the group as Buck nods.
The trucks and ambulances are out of the bay by the time Buck turns to Steve, “Bobby’s office is this way. Now that no one’s here though we don’t have to go in the office, unless you’d be more comfortable in that setting?”
“Whatever works for you, Bubba. It’s just not a pleasant conversation.”
Buck nods as he gestures for Steve to follow him up to the loft. Steve takes a seat at the kitchen island. Buck puts a tea kettle on the stove as he grabs the tea packets from the cabinet.
“Hungry?” Buck asks.
Steve shakes his head no as he picks out a tea bag.
“I’m sorry that my presence is forcing your military service secret out. If I had known, I would’ve waited until you were off shift.”
“It’s my own fault, Steve. I’m not sorry you showed up because I want them to know. I just didn’t know how to bring it up.”
Steve nods in understanding, sighing.
Buck has known Steve long enough to know that whatever his mentor has to say is beyond difficult. He doesn’t want to push.
“How’s Five-0?” Buck asks.
“Danno’s good. Gracie’s graduating high school if you can believe it. We’d gotten two new recruits a couple of years ago, young and ambitious, Lou helped to train them. Adam even joined. It’s just not the same without Chin and Kono.”
Buck pours the water in two mugs, handing one to Steve as he pours sugar, honey, and lemon in.
“I can’t believe Grace is going to be in college soon. She was just seven yesterday,” Buck laughs.
“I know Danno and Rachel wish time could just stand still and I agree,” Steve nods his head, “At least we all have Charlie.”
Steve takes a sip of his tea and Buck does the same.
Steve takes one final deep breath, looking Buck right in the eye, “Joe’s dead.”
Buck nearly drops his mug. He slowly puts it down on the counter.
“How?”
“We were hiding out at a ranch of his in Montana. We were ambushed. Catherine, Danno, and I were helping him-“
Buck slams his hand on the counter angrily, “Why wasn’t I there? I would have been there in a heartbeat. You and Joe were my mentors, my rocks.”
“He didn’t want you to risk your new life. You have Christopher to think about now.”
Buck scoffs, “Like you four had no one. I would understand what I was signing up for-“
“Would Chris? Jee-Yun?”
“Don’t use them against me, Steve. I don’t appreciate it. I’m not the same dumb kid I was when I joined or when I served. I understand all I have, but you all needed me. You didn’t even bother asking me, just decided for me!” Buck cries.
“What is going on here?” Athena, who neither man realized had joined them in the loft, stood with her arms crossed. She gave Steve a once over. Her expression was guarded as she looked directly to Buck.
“Are you alright baby?”
“Um no, but Steve’s not a threat, Thena, so,” Buck stammers out. He honestly doesn’t have the energy in him to explain further as he tries to get it together.
Athena nods and loosens her stance.
“Why don’t I stay as man behind until the team gets back. Head on home, Buckaroo.”
“No, it’s fine-“
“You’re not fine baby. Finish whatever conversation you were having with this gentleman at home. I bet you’ll feel more comfortable,” Athena says as she opens her arms for Buck.
Buck falls into Athena as she rubs his back.
Buck turns to Steve, “I just have to grab my bag.”
Steve nods as he grabs both mugs and puts them in the sink. He goes to wash them, but Athena stops him.
“I don’t know who you are, but if a hair on that boy’s head is harmed-“
“I have no intention of bringing Buck harm. I’m just an old friend bearing some unfortunate news about another old friend,” Steve says solemnly.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Athena says.
“Thank you, ma’am. I’m Steve,” Steve reaches out his hand as Athena shakes it.
“Sergeant Athena Grant.”
Steve puts on a small smile, “I know.”
Steve goes downstairs and joins Buck on the way out to his Jeep.
Athena sighs as she washes the mugs.
Not long after, the trucks pull back into the bay. Eddie and Bobby make their way upstairs looking for Buck. Instead, they find Athena at the counter with her own mug of tea.
“Steve and Buck still in my office?” Bobby asks.
“No, dear, I sent him home. He was quite distraught,” Athena answers she hugs Bobby.
Eddie pulls out his phone, presumably to text Buck.
“Who was he though?” Athena asks, looking Eddie’s way.
Surprisingly, it’s Bobby who answers, “His old SEAL Commander, I’d assume.”
Athena looks to Bobby, in shock and awe.
Hen and Chimney pull back into the bay with the ambulance. The duo joins everyone in the loft, hopeful to finish the conversation with Steve and Buck.
“What did Buck run away to avoid our questions?” Chimney snorts.
Eddie rolls his eyes at Chimney, “Look, I’ve heard stories about Steve McGarrett. Not from Buck to be clear. I also served and I would run into SEALs from time to time. Give Buck time to open up. Whatever Steve came by to tell him couldn’t be good. He was in his dress uniform.”
Chimney goes to say something again, but Hen puts her hand on his arm, shaking her head no.
The subject is dropped for the time being. Buck calls out of work for the next week about an hour later. Everyone in the loft is concerned. Eddie tries calling Buck, but is sent to voicemail. Everyone sends texts to him as well to be left unanswered and on read.
Chimney calls Maddie to see if she has heard from her brother, but she admits she hasn’t spoken to him in a few days. With Jee, the new pregnancy, and work, she’s been a little overwhelmed and exhausted. She says she’ll try, but when she goes unanswered as well, she starts to panic.
Chimney puts Maddie on speaker, “My brother would never leave all of us in the dark. What did this man want? Who was he to Buck? I don’t understand.”
Maddie starts to cry.
Eddie sighs, “Buck just texted me back. He said he needs some space to process the death of an old friend and mentor. He says when he gets back next week, he’ll explain. He loves us all.”
The 118 nods their understanding and gets ready to leave as their shift is about to end.
Eddie gets a ride from Bobby since he rode to work with Buck.
“How’d you know he served?” Eddie asks after a few moments of silence in the car.
Bobby laughs softly, “I read his file. About 95% is redacted, but I got the gist. He stated early on that he failed out of BUD/S training, but I knew that was a lie. I didn’t want to push if he didn’t want to talk about it. I just went along with it.”
Eddie hums in understanding.
“Plus, when I found out about your stellar academy performance and your service, I figured you and Buck would be good for each other. On and off the field. I didn’t need him to open up to me, but I was hoping he would open up to you. Similar experience and all. At least I was half right.”
Eddie sighs, “I had a feeling he wasn’t entirely truthful about his lack of service. He’s just too calculated, which most tend to see as reckless and impulsive. I knew there was more behind it, behind him. Like you, I didn’t want to push, but tried to assure in any way possible I’d be there when he was ready to open up.”
Bobby nods, “When did you figure it out?”
Eddie laughs, “The ambulance blew up and he flinched after he remembered civilians normally react to the things like that.”
Bobby laughs alongside Eddie. The rest of the ride is sat in relative silence as both men get lost in their own thoughts.
Bobby pulls up in front of Eddie’s house. Eddie grabs his bag and goes towards his home, looking back to Bobby to wave. Bobby drives off as Eddie goes inside.
Carla walks towards Eddie, wrapping him in a hug, “Buck called and told me I wouldn’t be seeing him for a few days. I didn’t tell Chris.”
Eddie nods as he pulls away from Carla. Eddie gives her a kiss on the cheek as she grabs her purse and calls out to Chris, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Chris!”
Chris calls back, “Bye Carla!”
Carla is out the door as Eddie walks to the living room.
Crutches can be heard coming down the hall. Christopher reaches the living room as Eddie puts down his bag.
“Where’s Buck?” Chris asks.
Eddie sighs.
“Is he hurt?” Chris asks in a panic.
Eddie quickly responds, “No, Chris, thankfully he’s alright physically.”
Eddie sits down on the couch and pats the seat next to him for Chris to join.
“Today, Buck found out he lost someone he was close to. He’s processing it so we won’t see him for the next week.”
“We could help him get through it. Did you tell him that?”
“I told him we’d be here when he was ready. We have to respect that he wants time to himself for now,” Eddie says as Chris sniffles.
“He’s not leaving us, is he?” Chris whispers.
Eddie scoops Christopher into a hug, something Chris doesn’t let anyone do as frequently anymore since he’s a preteen.
“No, mijo, he’s not leaving. He would never leave you. He’s just upset,” Eddie explains as he kisses Chris on the forehead.
Chris sniffles and nods his head, “He’d never leave you either, dad.”
One week goes by pretty slowly. Everything at the station is thrown off kilter without Buck as Bobby had to call in a floater to cover his shifts. The floater doesn’t have the same level of experience or qualifications that Buck has, leading calls to take twice the amount of time they normally would. By the time the week is over, the team is both physically and mentally exhausted. Athena, knowing the trying week their family had, invited everyone over for a Grant-Nash barbecue.
The barbecue is in full swing when Jee shouts, “Uncle Buck!”
“Jee!” Buck says as he picks up a squealing Jee and twirls her around.
Steve and Catherine stand behind Buck as Jee asks, “Who are they?”
Buck settles Jee on his hip.
“Jee! I’m so sorry,” Maddie says, looking to the pair.
“Not a problem, Maddie,” Steve says, “We didn’t get a chance to meet the other day. I’m Steve McGarrett. This is my partner, Catherine Rollins.”
“Hi everybody,” Catherine says as she waves.
The rest of the 118 kids come out of the house to see what the commotion was all about.
“Buck!” Chris exclaims as he, Denny, and Harry give Buck a hug.
“I missed you all! Kids, I’d like you to meet Steve and Catherine. Before your parents had my back, they had mine overseas.”
Harry pipes up, “So you were in the army too?”
“Oh no,” Buck answers, effectively stopping Steve and Catherine from adding anything snarky about the army.
“But then why were you overseas?” Denny asks.
“We’re Navy SEALs, kids,” Steve answers.
“Naval Intelligence too!” Catherine pipes up.
“Woah, Buck. Why didn’t you ever say anything?” May wonders.
“He did,” Hen adds, “He just claimed he failed training.”
“But why lie about it?” Maddie asks, seemingly hurt.
“I didn’t want to talk about it. Steve and I are the only survivors from our original team. I served for six years before getting honorably discharged and I was having a hard time coping before the academy. When my past came up in conversation, I just wasn’t ready. So I lied. I’m sorry,” Buck says, worry etching his features.
Buck looks around as everyone thinks of how to respond.
Of course, Chimney is the one to break the silence, “Bobby, Buck, I’d normally say not being upfront about your past runs in your blood, but since there’s no blood relation. I don’t know does the expression like father, like son fit?”
That does it as everyone takes a turn giving Buck a hug and greeting Steve and Catherine properly. Food is served as the 118 shares stories about Buck and in turn Steve and Catherine share a few of their own. The ones that aren’t classified, of course. The kids and adults listen in awe, but their opinion of Buck never wavers. He’s still the same Buck they know and love.
All three recount stories of Joe, honoring their beloved mentor. By the time the SEALs have gone through some *kid friendly* stories of Joe, everyone around the table raises their glass toasting the great fallen hero.
Gradually, people begin to leave. Steve and Catherine are the first to go, stating their early flight back to Oahu the next morning. Invitations to visit the island are extended and ultimately accepted. With tentative plans in place, the couple waves goodbye to the firefam.
Chimney, Maddie, and Jee-Yun are next as the toddler needs to adhere to a normal bedtime routine. If Maddie and Buck hug for longer than normal as each have tears in their eyes, well no one comments.
Hen, Karen, and Denny are right behind them. Each woman hugs Buck extra tight and makes a double date with Buck and Eddie for the following week. Bobby and Athena offering to take Denny and Chris so all three boys can have a sleepover.
May gives Buck, Eddie, and Chris hugs goodbye as she retreats to her room. Chris sits on the couch with Harry as they play on their phones as Eddie asks to give them a few minutes with Bobby and Athena before heading out.
Buck, Eddie, and Bobby take a seat at the kitchen table as Athena places some mugs of hot chocolate in front of the boys and then places some in front of the adults as well. She joins the table.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t more honest about my past. After I realized you didn’t really go through my file and resume-“
“I read your file,” Bobby says, sipping on his hot chocolate.
“You never mentioned it though. My service, I mean,” Buck says, shocked.
Bobby shrugs, “When you mentioned failing out of training, I got the hint it wasn’t a topic you wanted being common knowledge. I was respecting that decision.”
“You mentioned Eddie’s to us though,” Buck says, gesturing towards Eddie.
“Eddie was more open about it. I was hoping you’d feel comfortable enough to open up to Eddie, even if you weren’t ready to open up to us about it. Someone who understood what we never would be able to,” Bobby answers calmly, “Although, I realize now I might have been remiss to mention your service to the team, Eddie. I’m sorry if it was something you would’ve preferred not to discuss or for us not to know about. I gave Buck that decision, but not you.”
Eddie laughs, “No worries, Cap. While I may not want to discuss my time overseas in detail, I didn’t have a problem with all of you knowing. Buck and I clearly had two different experiences.”
“It seems you got pretty lucky being put on the same team as Steve. I can tell you two have a special bond, even years after your service ended. We are sorry about Joe baby,” Athena says as she rubs Buck’s arm.
Eddie grabs Buck’s hand and gives it a squeeze.
“Other than Maddie, I’d say I’ve had a lot more luck in found families than biological ones. Steve and Joe are the reasons I’m alive and the man I am today. Some of that credit goes to Maddie and you two as well. This being said, if I wasn’t put under Steve’s command or trained under Joe, my experience as a SEAL could’ve gone very differently. I’m grateful to have gotten this far,” Buck takes a sip of his hot chocolate as Athena abandons hers and hugs him.
Bobby gets up and walks towards his bedroom.
“What’s he grabbing, Athena?” Eddie questions as Athena kisses Buck on the cheek before sitting back down.
Athena shrugs and picks up her mug, smirking.
Bobby exits his bedroom with an envelope and calls out, “May! Can you come out again for a moment please? Boys.”
Chris and Harry look up at Bobby as May joins everyone in the living room, smirking just as her mother did when she sees the envelope in Bobby’s hands.
Athena joins Bobby as they look towards Buck, still confused as an understanding seems to come to Eddie.
“Buck, how would you feel about officially becoming a Nash?” Bobby asks.
Athena smacks Bobby playfully, “I believe you mean, Grant-Nash.”
Buck stares at Athena and Bobby, stunned.
“For the first time ever folks, Evan Buckley is speechless,” Eddie announces.
“First and last time,” May adds as everyone stares at her, “Because it won’t be his name anymore. Come on guys, keep up.”
“Don’t leave us hanging Buck!” Harry says excited.
“I would love nothing more than to be a Grant-Nash!” Buck exclaims, getting up and hugging Bobby and Athena as everyone else cheers.
“What about being a Grant-Nash-Diaz?” Chris perks up.
“That’ll be next, mijo,” Eddie says winking to Buck, “Don’t you worry.”
“YAY!”
“Jeez Eds. Not in front of my parents,” Buck says as everyone laughs around him.
Everyone surrounds Buck as he signs the Adult Adoption papers officially becoming a Grant-Nash.
Hugs are exchanged once again as Eddie takes a picture of the new Grant-Nash clan. May then sets up a timer so the whole group can get a picture together.
If Bobby and Athena get the pictures printed the next day, that’s nobody’s business, but their own.
The photos hang proudly on the wall as Buck runs in a month later, engagement ring on his hand.
Steve receives the news later that evening, Buck captioning the photo of him, Eddie, and Chris: Meet the soon to be Grant-Nash-Diazes!
Well, Steve thinks smiling, that’s going to be a mouthful.