Work Text:
The old man stared at the dull ceiling, taking a deep but shaky breath as the monitor on the other side of the room let off a never ending beep. A single tear escaped and ran down into his grey, thinning hair.
He was grateful for all the years he had gotten to spend with the love of his life. All the years that shouldn't have been possible due to multiple life threatening accidents but were. They had both lived to finally put a ring on each others finger. They had both lived to see their son get his dream job as an architect for one of the best companies in the world. They had both lived to watch him meet the love of his life, marry her and have three beautiful children. They had lived to see retirement at the age of 60, deciding to spend the rest of their time travelling the world and spending as much time with their family as they could. Making the most of life and never taking it for granted.
The sad part about living as long as they had was all the heartbreak they'd had to endure. One funeral after the other until they were almost the last remaining members of their family. Now, at the ripe age of 92, the man was ready to let go and be with his loved ones again. He knew his son, daughter in law, grandkids and his neice would be okay. They all had each other.
He jumped a little as a hand slipped into his own and another hand stroked the side of his head comfortingly. He turned to his right to see Jee-Yun staring down at him with tear filled eyes. He gave her a weak smile, trying to reassure her everything would okay and in return she gave him her best smile, nodding her head to let him know she understood.
A familiar warm hand enveloped his free one and he knew it was time. Buck had responded to so many calls over the years during his time at the 118 but there was one that had always stuck with him. At the time he could have only imagined the kind of love the couple they'd encountered would have felt for each other. Now he didn't have to imagine. He realised he knew exactly what it was like to be loved like that. He knew it had been a glimpse into his future.
"Papa, it's okay. Dad is waiting for you now." Christopher spoke softly, a quiet sob following. Buck closed his eyes, a sense of calmness washing over him as his son leant down to kiss him on the forehead. He gave Chris' hand one final squeeze before he gave in to the darkness and his heart beat for the last time.
____ ♡ ____
Evan Buckley-Diaz had always wondered what the afterlife would be like. He had pictured it so many times but nothing his mind created even came close to what was infront of him. A scenic view of a lake with the sun setting over it couldn't even beat this.
He ran his hand over the familiar wooden wall that he had walked by so many times in the past, relief washing over him.
"Mi amor!"
Buck couldn't stop himself from grinning as he turned around to see his husband running towards him. He quickly held his arms out just in time to catch Eddie, immediately pulling him close and burying his face in the mans neck. "Hey there, sweetheart."
"I was beginning to think you'd keep me waiting." Eddie joked as they pulled away, stepping back just enough so he could cup Bucks face in his hand.
"It was only 3 minutes and 17 seconds! I'm never letting you out of my sight again, Diaz. Not for a second." Buck replied fondly, taking in the sight before him. The same gorgeous brown eyes gazed back at him but gone were the wrinkles and stray white eyebrow hairs. Eddie had always been beautiful at every age but this was the Eddie he had fallen in love with all those years ago.
Eddie chuckled, stroking his cheek lovingly with his thumb. "Well, you'll have to let me out of your sight for a moment. I'm not the only one who has been waiting for you, mi sol."
Buck perked up as his husband stepped further back, grabbing his hand and leading him down the very short staircase-presumably towards the backyard. As he let himself be guided through the living room he looked up and locked eyes with the one person he had been waiting years to see again.
He pulled out of Eddies grasped and quickened his pace, flying through the doorway and into waiting arms.
"It's so good to see you, kid." Bobby whispered happily as they embraced, Buck clinging to him for dear life.
Finally, after all these years, Buck didn't even hesitate to say the words he had always longed to. "I love you too, Dad."