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Buck looked at the charred and smokey remains of what was rice on the stove. He had only looked away for a few minutes but obviously that was more than enough. He sighed and dumped and scraped the rice into the trash. At least he could still sip on the broth, maybe dump some croutons in there. It had been a while since he had bread soup.
The next time he tried it he was watching Christoper. He didn’t blame the kid. They both got to discussing a documentary and he was not paying attention and he got too heavy handed with the broth and the whole thing turned out gummy.
Chris still ate it. It was still better than his dads cooking.
(They didn’t tell him that)
Bobby often said that food was its own love language. Buck had to agree, really there was nothing better than getting food that was made just for you in mind.
It got pretty close with Tommy, but a few glasses of wine and some wandering hands got the best of them. He was just glad they didn’t have to call the fire department because with how gossipy the LAFD was, they would have never lived it down.
“Not just romantic love, Buck. But the way you love your family and your friends too.” Bobby said as they were making lunch one slow (not quiet) shift. Buck nodded as he watched Bobby ladle more liquid into the slowly bubbling rice, the broth almost drowning it before it began to absorb.
“Take this, Pretty easy but you gotta pay attention.” He instructed stepping back to let Buck take control for the next few minutes. “Careful, it's one of Athena’s favorites and she will not hold back judgement.” He laughed at the slightly panicked widening of Bucks eyes as he walked away to see how long it would be until she stopped by.
”Bobby! Bobby!”
Buck stood nervously in front of the door. The new house was perfect. It was also quiet and dark inside. He hoped that it would be easy for some reason. To just come here and check in on Athena, and May and Harry. The kids staying back home until a time undetermined. He clutched the still warm Tupperware in his hands as he knocked on the door.
Athena looked at Buck and walked back inside the invitation to come inside silent. Buck followed as she went back to clutching a coffee mug at the table.
“Not too good company to be around buckaroo.”
“I just thought I could bring you this.” Buck set the container on the table and looked around the kitchen for bowls before giving up and just grabbing some spoons. “Bobby..uh Bobby mentioned once it was one of your favorites.”
“It’s perfect Buckaroo.”