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End of an era and the beginning of something new.
Heartbreak
Buck and the entire firehouse 118 was devastated. Bobby was dead and there’s nothing anyone could’ve done. After lots of tears, anger and the dread of an impossible loss.
They gather them selves to pay respect and to say goodbye to their leader, husband, father (in so many forms.) Letting their hearts break but maybe it would be less painful if their hearts broke together?
Buck had called Eddie as soon as it was clear that Bobby wouldn’t make it. After the announcement at the hospital. It was one of the worst calls he’d ever made.
It still played on repeat in his head, he wasn’t proud of how he’d begged almost demanded Eddie to get back to LA as soon as he could. But to his defense Buck and his entire world was crashing down at that moment.
“Eddie hi its me, i need to tell you something and its gonna be so hard so just let me tell you this now. I’m at the hospital we hade a bad call. Eddie sucked in a breath and asked
“Bad call how and who is injured obviously not you since you’re calling?” Buck sighed and pinched his nose. “Eddie im not in the right headspace for a full report. All i can say is that it’s Bobby and he didn’t not make it. He got Chimney the cure (It was a virus in a lab.) Then he says good bye to me and Athena. So Eddie I NEED YOU HERE!” Yelling the last sentence as he once again broke down in tears.
Eddie switched to FaceTime so he could see Buck and be as thorough as possible when he said. “I’m coming Buck ok? I’m gonna put everything on pause here and ill be there as soon as i can probably tomorrow afternoon ok?
Eddie had taken a big breath and went to the kitchen, pouring himself a shot of tequila and then make the arrangements to go back to LA for at least two weeks.
That afternoon when he picked up Christopher from school and told him the news about Bobbys passing. Emphasized that he sacrificed his own life to save the others, telling Chris that he died a hero.
When he told his parents that he needed to go back for the funeral they didn’t say anything other than they understood.
Chris decided on his own that he wanted to pay his own respects to Bobby so he came with. This time they flew and arrived late the next afternoon.
When Eddie had notified Buck that both him and Chris where coming to the funeral he was elated. He needed both of his Diaz boys to make it through this very hard day.
They arrived late the day before the funeral and spent the night in their old house with Buck.
In the morning they enjoyed themselves as in the old days taking it slow and playing video games, Buck was defeated as usual he didn’t stand a chance. Then came the afternoon and they got ready for the funeral with the procession and the service.
Buck hade asked Athena if he could say a few words to Bobbys memory, she’d agreed with the words “I wanted to ask you but it felt inappropriate.”
They where all dressed in their best attire, walking down towards the church with Bobby’s casket on the fire truck witch had been polished and cleaned to utter perfection.
When they arrived at the church the casket was carried inside by the 118 crew(Family) and all of the attendees sat.
The service went on and soon it was Bucks turn he couldn’t look at the casket or at Athena he’d loose it right there in the church. He took a deep breath put the iPad down on the podium and then started his eulogy.
“Bobby was a mentor, father, friend, boss and someone i aspire to emulate. He had a sense of duty and of sacrifice. On more then one occasion he corrected and guided me, not just as my boss, to become good firefighter but also as a human being.
As a friend and as father when my own couldn’t or wouldn’t be there.”
He took a breath and cleared his throat. “I loved Bobby deeply as many of you here today can attest to. Something we have in common, Robert (Bobby) Nash was one of the best people I’ve had the enormous privilege to meet.
He will always be in my heart and in my memory, i need to be honest with all of you. My heart is broken right now and i think that’s something we share. I think it would be easier i our hearts broke together and we could lean on each other.”
He looked out over the audience and and realized he was crying now. “I owe more to Bobby then i can say here today but ill tell you this. He was the best and he wasn’t afraid to be tough when needed to, either in a dangerous fire or when correcting me when i went off with a fire truck.”
He smiled through the pain as some of the people laughed a little. “Thank you for all the laughs, talks and memories Bobby, ill love and remember you till its my turn ill see you soon.” He dried his eyes then he turned to the casket picked a white rose from his inside uniform pocket and placed it on there.
He put his white glowed hand on the casket and whispered one last goodbye and then he resumed his place in the front row.
After the service they carried the casket outside and it was lowered into the ground. Athena took some dirt placed on the side of the grave and dropped it on the lowered casket. Then it was over, more tears and goodbyes.
The closer family and friends gathered at Athenas house and shared memories laughs, tears and food. No one had the energy too cook so May and Karen ordered uber eats and Athena served good wine and of course non alcoholic beverages for everyone.
Buck was sitting with Hen and Eddie talking through memories and the future. The leadership of the 118 would be decide soon, Hen had been made interim captain. She had both the support of the team as well as the qualification to be made a permanent captain. She was willing to step into the role, Buck however needed to move on, not from his friends and family but he wanted to carve a new path.
Tommy went over to talk to him and he honestly was glad he was there. Not that they would resume their relationship but as ex boyfriends they didn’t need to hate each other.
“Hi how are you holding up? Your speech was really good. “
He smiled a genuine smile as he took a seat beside Buck across from Chim. Buck dried his eyes once again. “Thank you Tommy I'm glad you’re here its a tough day to say the least.”
They continued to talk about Bobby and their memories of him until Buck said what he had wanted to say ever since the announcement of Bobbys death at the hospital.
“I’m sorry Tommy for interrupting you but i need to say this. I need to move on Hen will probably become Captain here of the 118 and I’ve heard that the Captain of the 276 is retiring.So I’ve applied for that position. I haven’t told anyone its not official yet. But with Bobbys death and the changes that comes with it. This felt like the right time you know?”
Tommy looked a bit surprised but he smiled again and took Bucks hand in his own as he said. “I think that’s a good idea Buck and no one can fool you, i mean you know every trick in the book. You’ll make a great fire captain im sure of that.
Buck smiled and nodded in thanks.
“Another thing, even though we didn’t work out as boyfriends i hope we can remain friends and you should really let Eddie know how you feel. If this is the time for change you need to be honest with him. Honestly none of us can stand it if the two of you are going to be slow burning for another 6 years just be honest with him.”
Buck looked at Tommy with wide eyes and a chocked expression. After a few seconds he thought about it and was so obvious it was embarrassing. Not today but he needed to get his act together and just talk to Eddie before he went back to Texas. The day came to an end and everyone went back home, promising Athena and her children that they all was just a text or call away and to meet the next day.
New and old.
It had been one month after the funeral and everything was slowly going into a new sense of normal. The 118 family created new routines and kept some old ones. Athena had decided to do three things. One she was keeping the house for the time being, two she (with permission) changed her will to include Hen,Buck and Eddie who all would be legal guardians of her kids if anything happened to her.
Three she was now working towards a less dangerous position on the police force. Still solving cases but with a less hands on approach.
Hen had taken over the mantle and leadership as the new captain of 118. Everyone was so happy about that and as the first order of business, she put up a portrait photograph of Bobby in now her new office. For inspiration and to never forget from where she came.
Buck had been staying on at the 118 for the time being but one week into Hens tenure as captain he made the announcement public. They where having breakfast when he called for the groups attention. “As we all know Bobbys death has created changes around here and with all of us.
New leadership has been introduced (Gesture at Hen with a big smile.) Now its my turn, when it was clear that Bobby wouldn’t make it i made my decision.
I don’t know if you know? But the Captain of the 276 is going to retire and last Friday i got the official announcement from the fire chief that i had been selected as the new captain of the 276 i start down there in three weeks time. I know we all are a family and i want us to continue like that but its time for me to pay it forward all that Bobby thought me.”
The surprised voices and audible gasps from the members of the 118 was no surprise to him. After a few moments all of them smiled big smiles and congratulated him on the position and wished him well knowing that he would be a great captain.
“You are leaving the 118?!” The voice belonged to Eddie and Buck looked at him with a small smile “Yes im going to be the new captain of the 276 so my place of work might change but no my family. All of you will always be my family.”
Eddie looked at him and said “After shift today we need to talk Buck. Since im not working here now ill be at the house.“
Buck knew this couldn’t wait but he had been dragging his feet about the situation.
Buck was cleaning out his locker and returned his uniform. As he was checking to not leave anything behind Hen appeared in the doorway. “So this is the end of an era huh? You me Bobby, we all are moving up or forward, towards something different. I think you know this Buck but i never dreamed of, or having the ambition to become captain when I arrived here. Look at me now!” She said with a tear eyed smile.
Buck returned her smile with one just as bright. “Yeah its strange how things have turned out. When Bobby fired me (the first time) i thought id never see the inside of a fire truck again. Now im on my last day here and on my way to become captain of my own fire house.”
Hen nodded as she said “You are going to be great at this, maybe one advice from on captain to another? Never forget where you came from and those who made you who you are.”
Buck gave her a long hug, put the backpack on his shoulder and walk out to his jeep and drove home to his Diaz boys.
Eddie and Chris had just gotten home, Eddie where reading a book and taking it slow and Chris was in his room doing homework. He sighed and put the book down. His mind have been dreading this moment for a while but he needed to confront the reality.
He was in love with his best friend, who has been his best friend for over five years. How would their dynamic change? Would it change? It was all a bit much to be honest but he needed to go back and finish everything in Texas soon so this needed to happen now before he went or he would go insane.
Just as his mind began spiraling even more he saw the headlights of Bucks jeep as he pulled up behind Eddies truck. It’s now or never he thought as he put the book on the table and went over to open the door.
Buck was just putting his hand on the handle to open the door when it swung open reveling Eddie right there. “Hi how was your last day at the 118?” He asked as Buck entered the house. He smiled a sad smile as he replied. “It was ok sad but ok, im doing what I’ve wanted for a long time so it feels right. With Hen taking over and you guys coming back from Texas. Something old and a few things that are knew. Where is Chris i saw his backpack in the hallway but not a trace of him?”
Eddie smiled “He is in his room doing homework Probably with his noise canceling headphones on. So he wouldn’t even have heard the car when you parked on the driveway. “ As he spoke he walked into the kitchen sitting down at the table gesturing to a chair beside his. “Can we talk, there’s a few things we need to clear out or at least that i have to say?”
Buck looked a bit puzzled but sat down as offered beside Eddie “Yeah I’ve noticed you’ve been tense since the funeral so i thought it had to do with Bobby passing or something? But it’s something else?”
Eddie looked at him with a look that was so pure and so scared like Buck had never seen before. “What ever it is Eddie im here you know that.”
“I know but his could have life altering consequences for us as friends and as people. Because im in love with you Buck and to be honest I probably have been for a while. I never wanted to risk our friendship or future but if Bobbys death have taught me anything its that life can end very quickly especially in our line of work.”
Buck took a deep breath and said what he had wanted to say for longer then he could remember. “I love you to, i just never thought you would feel the same so I buried those feelings and focused on being the best friend i could.”
Eddie smiled, put his hand on Bucks cheek and kissed him right on the mouth. It might not have been fireworks going off but damn it felt good so so good.
They continued to the bed but it didn’t go further then hot make outs and trembling touches outside of the boxers, this time.
The morning after things weren’t as embarrassing one might think. Eddie thought as he woke up in the arms of his best friend or was it boyfriend now? They had to sort out their relationship as time went by. (This happened so fast and a little unexpected I’m wondering what Buck is thinking about it all?) Before Eddie thoughts rally got the chance to spiral Buck had woken up and turned to face him.
“Good morning you, how did you sleep?” He asked as he yawned. Eddie looked at him “after the treatment last night?” He smiled as he kissed Buck “I slept like a baby.” They kissed again, and again. As things got heavier Buck put his hand on Eddies firm chest to stop him. “Eddie look maybe we need to talk about this?”
Eddie looked at Buck with a small confused smile as he moved himself to Bucks side. “You regret this or us? I’m fine i can just sleep at abuelas until i get a new place and…” Buck interrupted his rambling partner before he continued his spiral. Eddie! I’m not regretting anything! Are you insane?? First of all I’ve been attracted to you since the first time we met. Two we have a kid that we’ve been co-parenting for the last five years. Three you are it for me I don’t want anyone else so do yourself and me a favor and take a breath.”
Eddie did as Buck said and looked at him with a smile. “I’m sorry for going in to my own head like that. I’m just nervous about everyone else’s reaction i guess.”
Buck kissed him gently on the lips and said ”That’s their issues and insecurity’s, not ours the only thing you need to know is that i love you and that will never change.” Eddie had a big goofy smile as he pushed Buck down into the be and kissed him all over, going from playful to hot and heavy…
The days and weeks went by and the couple became more (how that was even possible) in sync with each other. Their friends and family was beginning to think they had a telepathic connection. No one had gotten special abilities they where just in love.