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“Buck! Buck help! Where are you?” Chris awoke screaming, tears streaming down his face and hands grasping for someone who wasn’t there.
The light flicks on, temporarily blinding him as he sobs, large, raw sounds ripping themselves from his chest.
“Chris honey, what’s wrong?” Came the sound of his grandmother’s voice, unfamiliar hands grasping at his arms.
“GET OFF!” Chris yelled, thrashing wildly, “I want my Bucky, I need my Bucky where is he!”
Low murmured voices broke through the haze as he hid his face in his hands, tears squeezing through his fingers.
“Who’s Buck, Chris?” His grandfather’s voice came next, the bed creaking as he sat down at the foot of his bed.
“My best friend. He saved me and I need him.” Chris replied, voice rising in pitch as he curled up away from his grandparents.
His tears slowly began to dry and he sniffled, uncurling and reaching for where his glasses rested on the side.
“Here you go honey,” His grandmother said softly, putting them onto his face for him.
Chris glared at her through the tears, resentful of how little his grandparents would let him do for himself.
“I’m fine you can go.” He hiccupped, looking between his grandparents.
They exchanged a worried look but his grandmother nodded, brushing a few strands of hair behind his ear and leaning in to kiss his forehead.
Chris pulled back abruptly, ignoring the hurt look on his grandmother’s face and turned away from them.
“Goodnight then honey, you know where to find us if you need us.” She said softly, flicking his lamp on before she turned his light off.
“Goodnight little man.” His grandad chimed in, before they left, door closing behind them.
Chris sniffed in the silence, wiping his tears away angrily and reaching for his phone. It was coming up to the anniversary of the tsunami, and this would be the first time he spent it without Buck by his side at a moment's notice.
The last few texts from Buck sat unanswered, abruptly reminding Chris why he left.
An article caught his eye before he shut the chat, ‘LA Zoo Welcomes Its Newest Cub’.
Before he could stop himself he was pressing on the article, information about a new baby lion filling the screen. He scrolled through, the last of the tears drying up as he looked at the photos.Even when he was ignoring Buck’s texts the man thought to send him this article, a reminder of happier times.
He fell asleep like that, glasses crooked on his face and phone clutched tightly to his chest, and that was how Helena found him in the morning.
-
Helena was worried about her grandson, the young boy had barely spoken to them the whole time he had been in El Paso.
They had hoped the swim club would draw him out of his shell, as it did Edmundo when he was that age, and really, as she had remarked to her husband, it was a damn shame the boy couldn’t swim.
The first few sessions had been awful, he had refused to go near the water, but the last one they had finally managed to coax him in, despite the obvious fear on his face.
She mused upon that as she extracted his glasses from his face, tucking the duvet closer round him and picking up his phone from where he had dropped it onto the bed.
The screen glared up at her brightly, her son and grandson’s grinning faces looking up at her. Smiling she clicked it back on to have another look, this time noticing the other man in the photo. This was the other firefighter who had been round Eddie’s house when they went to pick up Chris, the one who looked like their grandson had broken his heart when they left.
She didn’t really care for Edmundo’s work friends, found them too loud and a bit rude for her taste, but Chris clearly liked the man.
She swiped up on the lock screen, eyebrows raising as the phone unlocked, revealing Chris’ chat thread with Buck. The profile photo at the top revealed it to be the same man who was in the lockscreen photo.
Helena frowned, the firefighter’s reaction to Chris leaving made sense now, however she wasn’t sure she entirely approved of how close he was with the adult, after all, her grandson was only young, he should have more friends his own age.
Referring to Buck as his best friend was somewhat concerning, Helena thought as she scrolled up in the chain, and besides, what grown man refers to himself by Buck instead of his name?
She was broken out of her thoughts by Chris stirring in the bed, and she startled, quickly putting the phone down beside him and walking out quietly.
She paused in the doorway for a moment, the light across her grandson’s face making him look younger. She couldn’t help but hope this was the end of the nightmares.
-
The nightmares did not stop.
Helena had lost count of the number of nights she was woken up by her grandson’s screams, and they were at their wits end.
Nothing she or her husband did helped, and Chris was slowly withdrawing into himself, quieter than ever before.
Late one evening, long after Chris had gone to bed, Helena and Ramon were sitting in the living room talking quietly, an open bottle of wine between them.
“I don’t know what to do about Chris, he’s barely sleeping and he walks around like a zombie.” She said,
“Maybe it’s time to call Edmundo, I know Chris is refusing to speak to him but he will know what to do.” Ramon replied with a sigh.
“God knows that boy has been through enough. I’ll call him tomorrow, hopefully we can get Chris to at least speak to this Buck and settle down.”
Conversation quickly moved on to other topics as Helena satisfied herself with calling their son in the morning, and they got through the night without an issue for the first time in weeks.
The following morning Helena glanced in on Chris, thankful to see him sleeping peacefully tucked up in bed, a far cry from the unsettled nature of the last few weeks. She hoped Edmundo would be able to help, at least in settling their grandson, so they could all get some sleep.
The phone rang a few times, enough for Helena to consider hanging up and trying again later when the phone was finally picked up.
“Go for Buck! Who is this?” Came an unfamiliar voice down the line, Helena fighting the urge to roll her eyes at the name.
“This is Edmundo’s mother, why are you picking up my son’s phone?”
“Oh he’s downstairs cleaning the truck, is everything ok with Chris?” Buck asked quickly, the concern evident in his voice.
“He’s fine.” Helena replied stiltedly, “Can I speak to my son now.”
A quick muffled conversation occurred at the other end, and finally, Edmundo’s voice filtered down the line.
“Is everything ok?”
Helena sighed, her son was always straight to the point, and she couldn’t help but feel he didn’t think they were capable of looking after their own grandson.
“Christopher is absolutely fine…”
“Oh thank dios,” Edmundo interrupted her before she could continue, a habit of his she absolutely despised, “Chris always gets nightmares at this time of year, it's almost the anniversary of the tsunami.”
“Well, he is getting the nightmares, I wanted to ask how you stop them.” Helena said with a sigh, it was just like her son to not warn them.
“Buck sleeps over for the weeks around the tsunami, it calms both their nightmares and is the only thing that works.” Edmundo said, the call muffling slightly as quiet conversation happened on the other end of the line.
“Why is Buck the only thing that helps?” Helena replied, unable to help her slightly snappy tone.
The pause was obvious, conversation at the other end breaking off before Edmundo’s voice came back clearer.
“He was with Christopher on the pier when the tsunami hit. He spent all day fighting to find him, there’s no one I would trust with him more.”
Helena gasped lowly, hand to her heart.
“He lost him? How careless!”
There was a small sound on the other end of the phone, a cross between a gasp and a sob, and then a sudden commotion.
“We’ll talk about this later.” Edmundo said coldly, hanging up on his mother abruptly.
Helena frowned at her phone, her son had never hung up on her before.
“So?” Ramon asked, looking up at her from his armchair in front of the TV.
“That Buck lost our grandson during the tsunami. They were on the pier when it struck.” Helena said angrily, pacing back and forth.
“He what? And Edmundo still lets them spend time together!?” Ramon replied, incensed.
“One thing is for certain, Christopher is never seeing that man again.”
—
“Buck where are you?!” Chris screamed, sobs wracking his form whilst he looked blindly around for him.
Helena burst into his room and crossed to sit on the bed, running a soothing hand up and down his arm.
“It’s ok honey, you don’t need Buck I am right here.”
“I want BUCK.” Chris all but yelled, flinching away from his grandma.
Helena attempted to soothe him for a few more moments, getting crosser and crosser at Buck for traumatising their grandson.
“Get out!” Chris insisted, turning his back towards Helena.
“I’m not going to leave you like this sweetheart.”
“I don’t want to talk to you.” Chris insisted, tears still rolling down his cheeks.
“Ok, I’m sorry honey. I’ll make you pancakes when you wake up, ok?” Helena said gently, ruffling her grandson's hair before getting up.
She waited a few moments but Chris didn’t respond, and she gave up, turning to leave.
“Sleep well.” She said, before letting herself out quietly.
As soon as she was gone Chris turned, grabbing his glasses from the side and turning his lamp on.
He sniffled, pushing his glasses on and unlocking his phone to Buck’s contact.
Bucky:
If you need me, don’t hesitate to call.
He stared at the text for a few moments, his grandma’s words ringing in his head.
He hit call.
The phone rang for a few seconds before Buck’s voice filtered down the line.
“Chris?”
“Buck!” Indescribable relief filled Chris at the sound of Buck’s voice. “I miss you.”
Buck immediately sat up at the sound of sniffles from the other end of the phone, an aching sadness filling his words.
“I miss you too buddy.” Buck said softly, the tsunami left unsaid, “How are you sleeping?”
“Badly.” Chris said sadly, “I want you.”
“I know you do buddy, your dad told me.”
“Dad knows I’m having nightmares?” Chris asked, voice wobbling slightly.
“Of course he does buddy, we both miss you so much.”
“Can you come here?”
“You want me to come to Texas?”
“Please.” Chris’ voice broke, the sobs starting up again.
“Of course I can, I will fly out as soon as I can.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise.”
Chris sniffed, wiping the tears off his face.
“Will you take me to see the baby lion?” He asked.
A small laugh crept through from Buck’s side of the call.
“Of course I will buddy, we can go as soon as you’re back.”
“Thank you Buck.”
“Anytime. Now you get some sleep and I will get there as soon as I can.”
“See you soon Buck.” Chris said with a sniff.
“See you soon.”
He hung up, wiping the last of his tears away and glancing down at the new notification that popped up.
Bucky:
I will be there before you know.
-
As soon as Chris hung up the phone Buck called Eddie immediately.
He had already been awake, pacing the loft restlessly as sleep evaded him. It often did around the anniversary of the tsunami, especially this year with Chris so far away in Texas.
“Buck? Are you ok, do you need to come over?” Eddie answered.
Buck smiled, his best friend never stopped worrying and he knew how rough Buck was feeling.
“I’m fine, Chris called me.”
“Chris called you?” Eddie sounded more awake this time.
Buck laughed, “He did! He wants me to come to Texas.”
“He asked you to come to Texas?” Eddie repeated, sounding dumbfounded.
“Begged really, he made me promise.”
“I’m coming over.” Eddie said breathlessly, tell-tale rustling on the other end of the phone signifying his best friend had gotten out of bed.
“See you soon Eds.” Buck said with a chuckle. He always slept better when Eddie was round anyway.
-
He had just finished making two hot chocolates when his door opened.
“Hey Eds.” Buck said without turning around, his best friend was the only other person with a key to his apartment. Tommy was weird about it when he had asked and Buck had told him the other spare key was with Eddie, but he had a spare key to Eddie’s house so it just made sense.
“Is that hot chocolate I smell?”
God his best friend was predictable.
“I made us both a mug, I promised Chris I would fly out as soon as possible.”
Eddie picked up a mug, the one he always says is his favourite and looked slightly sheepish.
“I took an uber over so I could look at flight times for you.”
“Eddie…” Buck started, a wave of fondness washing over him.
“Come on! Get your laptop, we'll book it now.” Eddie interrupted, heading towards the loft stairs.
Buck chuckled, and picked the other mug up, following Eddie up the stairs towards his bed. He loved that Eddie was comfortable enough to just plop himself down on the bed, after all, it was nearly 2am and they both needed to sleep.
He zoned back into Eddie’s rambling as his best friend grabbed his laptop, logging in with no problems.
“... flights are every 5 hours so you could go at 2pm, I’ve already messaged the 118 chat and everyone who’s awake has agreed to cover your shifts, I messaged Bobby separately about your time off.”
Another wave of fondness hit Buck, he didn’t deserve his best friend.
“..Buck?” Eddie broke off, turning to look at him.
“I’m listening! Sounds good to me. I’ll book the tickets then we should try and get some sleep.” He said with a chuckle, watching as Eddie immediately pulled up the ticket booking page.
“I’m guessing you haven’t slept yet today.” Eddie paused in what he was doing, turning to look at Buck accusingly.
Buck paused for a moment, considering lying.“Don’t lie to me, Chris isn’t the only one with nightmares and I know what my mother said the other day bothered you.” Eddie said, taking a sip from his hot chocolate.
Buck glanced across at him, suddenly really thankful his best friend was here. Whatever he was going to say died in his chest as he caught a look at the cream smeared across the side of Eddie’s mouth,
He burst into laughter, much to Eddie’s confusion.
“What?” Eddie asked, frowning across at Buck.
“You have cream on…” Buck said between giggles, gesturing at his mouth.
Eddie rolled his eyes gamely and tried to wipe it off, missing a little bit.
“Have I got it all?”
Buck rolled his eyes and put his mug down, leaning across to wipe it off himself.
He grabbed Eddie’s chin and swiped his thumb across his cheek, eyes lingering on Eddie’s lips for a moment.
Eddie cleared his throat and Buck looked up, thumb still across Eddie’s mouth.
Time slowed around them as their eyes met, something in Buck’s chest twisting as Eddie’s gaze softened almost imperceptibly.
Oh.
He was in love with his best friend. Buck was in love with Eddie. It hit him all in a rush, years of feelings pouring out in one go.
People say it’s like an explosion, a firework going off, but for Buck it was steady and grounding, the realisation he had been in love with Eddie for years nothing more than a confirmation of why he adored his best friend so much.
As suddenly as the moment had begun it was over, Buck’s laptop dinging with payment confirmation somewhere behind them snapping them out of it.
Eddie moved backwards first, looking off somewhere to the side as Buck hurriedly removed his hand, stammering out an apology and trying to keep his face from going bright red.
Eddie brushed it off, shoving Buck’s shoulder gently and taking another sip of his hot chocolate, making sure to wipe all the cream off this time.
Buck laughed, closing his laptop and picking his hot chocolate back up. He almost couldn’t believe he was in love with his straight best friend, but, really, he couldn’t believe he only just worked it out.
“Sleep over?” Buck said, wincing at how plaintive he sounded.
“Always.” Eddie replied with a laugh, draining his hot chocolate and climbing under the cover.
Buck chuckled, finishing his own and getting under the cover. He had been plagued by nightmares whenever he had slept at the loft the last few weeks. He knew Eddie had been concerned about him, caught the lingering side glances his best friend threw at him when he thought Buck wasn’t looking.
“Stop thinking.” Eddie said blearily, reaching across to smack Buck’s chest.
“I’m not!” Buck protested in surprise.
“I know you are. Just go to sleep, Buck, we can worry in the morning.”
Buck chuckled, rolling closer to Eddie to flick him. Eddie caught his hand with an eye-roll, dragging Buck towards him and slinging his arm across the other man.
“Sleep.”
This time Buck did not manage to quash the blush that rose up on his cheeks, suddenly very glad Eddie had flicked the light off just moments before.
—
They were awoken the following morning by a loud banging on the front door.
Buck groaned, peeling his eyes open and glancing across to look at the time. It was just gone 8am, and the banging on the door was only increasing.
Beside him Eddie frowned, rolling across and kicking Buck in the knee.
“Go answer the door.” he said blearily, eyes still closed.
“I’m going, get your ass up.” Buck retorted, taking advantage of Eddie’s closed eyes to flick him and escape before Eddie could get revenge.
“Buck!” Came the complaint as Buck laughed, heading for the stairs down to the door.
He yawned as he undid the lock, swinging the door open to reveal Tommy.
“Buck what the hell man, I told you I was coming over half an hour ago.” Tommy said in annoyance.
Buck sighed heavily, good mood evaporating as he moved aside to let his boyfriend in. In light of his realisation last night he figured he should find a way to break up with the man before he flew to Texas.
“Buck who is it?” Eddie called from upstairs, the muffled opening and closing of draws signifying he was finding something of Buck’s to wear.
Before Buck could reply Tommy turned around on Buck with an angry look on his face.
“What the fuck is Eddie doing here?” He hissed, eyebrows drawn together crossly.
“I couldn’t sleep so he came over last night.” Buck replied shortly, turning to busy himself with making two cups of coffee.
“You called him instead of me?”
Buck was saved from answering by Eddie descending the stairs, hands tucked up in the sleeves of one of Buck’s academy LAFD hoodies.
Seeing Eddie wearing his clothes did something to Buck’s heart, something in his chest twisting as Eddie turned to survey Tommy and revealed the BUCKLEY branded across his back.
“Why are you here so early?”
Buck tried to hold back his chuckle, Eddie in the morning before his coffee was always catty.
“What are you doing in my boyfriend’s flat in his clothes?” Tommy shot back, frown looking permanently etched into his face.
“Being rudely awoken by you.” Eddie retorted, before wandering over to Buck.
“Coffee, Eds.” Buck said fondly, handing a steaming mug over.
“Oh brilliant, I could kiss you.” Eddie said, pressing his face briefly into Buck’s neck before walking back up the stairs with his mug of coffee.
Buck willed the blush on his face down as he turned back to Tommy, holding his own cup of coffee.
“Care to explain yourself?” Tommy looked thunderous.
“Chris called me and asked me to fly to El Paso. I called Eddie and he came over to help me pack.”
“Chris called you? And you’re going?” Tommy asked incredulously, “Eddie’s his father, why can’t he go.”
“Chris wants me.” Buck replied with a shrug, taking a sip of his drink.
“Buck is just as much of a parent to Chris as I am!” Eddie’s voice floated from upstairs, drawing a smile out of Buck.
Tommy looked at Buck disbelievingly and Buck shrugged.
“It’s the anniversary of the tsunami today, it’s not a good time for either of us.”
“Was your shift a bit hard?” Tommy asked mockingly.
“I’ve told you about this!” Buck shot back, “It was right after the ladder truck crushed my leg and I had taken Chris to the pier for the day. We got caught in it, and around the anniversary we both get nightmares.”
“You’re a bit too old for nightmares don’t you think?” Tommy said.
“It doesn’t matter what you think about it, I’m flying to Texas today.”
“Well, don’t expect me to be here when you get back then.”
“Did you just… break up with me?”
Tommy gave him a long assessing look and spun on his heel.
“I guess I did. You’re already in love with Eddie, and now I find out you have a kid together? Give me a fucking break, I’m out.” Tommy snapped, walking out and slamming the front door.
Buck stared after him wordlessly, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. He didn’t even like Tommy, not really, but he hated breakups, they were just a reminder that no one ever stuck around.
“Buck?” Eddie’s voice came, breaking Buck out of his train of thought. Buck panicked, remembering what Tommy had said just as he left, suddenly realising his best friend knew he was in love with him.
“Eddie!” Buck said, putting his drink down and running up the stairs two at a time. “I’m sorry, don’t listen to him, he was just being cruel…”
He broke off on seeing that Eddie was packing his bag for him, something achingly domestic about the way he was looking at Buck quizzically with his favourite tshirt in his hand.
“I guess I can’t hope you didn’t hear that.” Buck said, going for joking and failing tragically.
“I heard it.” Eddie replied, voice little more than a whisper.
“I’m sorry.” Buck said, words failing him.
“Why are you sorry?”
“Because I’ve been taking advantage of your friendship and I’ve never told you, hell, I only just figured it out last night.”“Buck, stop rambling.” Eddie said softly, dropping the shirt onto the bed.
Buck shut his mouth obediently, eyes tracking Eddie moving around the bed.
“I’ve been taking advantage of you too, in fact I’ve definitely been worse, I’ve known for months and I've just been keeping you as close to me as possible even though you have a boyfriend…”
“Had.” Buck interrupted, “I had a boyfriend.”
Eddie’s eyes snapped towards Buck, faltering over his words.
“Yeah, had.”
He moved closer, reaching out and grasping Buck’s arm.
“Buck I’m in love with you, and I have been for years. There’s no one in this life I trust more with Chris than you, and I thought I had no chance. Tommy was so bad for you, he clearly didn’t listen to anything you said, or respect you as a person, let alone as his boyfriend. I would treat you so well if you would give me the chance. I’ve already given you my son, and now I’m trusting you to bring him home.”
Buck was frozen in place, mouth hanging slightly open as he stared at his best friend. Eddie who everyone claimed was bad with his feelings and unable to share his emotions had just bared his very soul to Buck, had been the brave one who made the first plunge. Suddenly Tommy didn’t matter anymore, the events of the morning already a distant memory as he took in his best friend.
Eddie was still in his boxers, and Buck couldn’t help the rush of colour to his cheeks as he remembered Eddie still had his name emblazoned across his back. His best friend was watching him carefully, fear and hope written equally into the lines marring his face.
“Buck?” Eddie said quietly, the name dropping into the air like a stone disrupting the surface of a still lake.
Buck blinked, once, twice, before he was moving, drawn to Eddie, as a flower is drawn to the sun.
Eddie responded in kind, already bracing for impact. Buck wasn’t sure which kind he was expecting, wasn’t sure himself what he was going to do when he reached Eddie, he just knew he couldn’t bear to spend another second apart from him.
Eddie let out a wheeze as Buck’s arms wrapped around him, stumbling in place as his best friend buried his face into his neck, a dampness soaking deep into his skin.
“Buck, carino, why are you crying?” Eddie asked, worry leaking into his voice.
“I don’t know.” Buck wailed, grip tightening around Eddie as he pushed his face even closer, as if he was trying to burrow into Eddie’s very skin.
Eddie chuckled lightly as his fear dissipated and he pushed Buck back slightly, brushing away his tears as he cupped his face gently.
“Buck-” He started before he was cut off abruptly, caught in a desperate and bruising kiss.
Buck was breathing heavily, hands fluttering against Eddie’s sides desperately as he pushed up against him, taking and taking everything Eddie was willing to offer him.
Eddie kissed him back, their mouths moving together unevenly as Buck clutched at him, as if he was afraid Eddie was going to turn and leave as soon as he let go.
Eddie pushed him back lightly, holding Buck in place as his head lolled, chasing Eddie’s mouth briefly before his eyes opened, brows furrowed with hurt and confusion.
“Eddie? I thought you wanted this?” He asked in broken confusion, voice quiet and disappointed.
“Slow down a little, Buckley.” Eddie said with a small laugh, sweeping his thumb up and down Buck’s cheek fondly, “I’m not going anywhere.”
Buck nodded frantically, a low whine escaping his mouth as his hands settled on Eddie’s hips, dragging the man against him.
Eddie smiled, going willingly as he pulled Buck down into another kiss, his mouth all-consuming as he took everything Buck was willing to give.
Buck moaned, pressing into the kiss delightedly, his tongue darting out to swipe across the seam of Eddie’s lips.
Eddie sighed, all thoughts of taking this slow escaping his head as he opened his mouth, Buck’s tongue pouring in like a red-hot tidal wave, obliterating every thought standing in its path.
Eddie stumbled back slightly, hands still gripping Buck’s face as they kissed, hot and messy, fractured but sure in the way their relationship had always been.
All too soon the spell was broken, this time Buck was the one to pull away, pushing their foreheads together rather abruptly.
"I love you, Eds, in case that wasn’t clear.” He said quietly, pressing a kiss to the side of Eddie’s head.
“I love you too, Evan.”
Buck’s shoulders hitched, a small sob escaping him once again.
“Carino?” Eddie said gently.
“You’ve only ever called me that once before.” Buck said quietly.
Eddie hummed quietly, “When I told you about the will.”
“The day I found out you believed I meant as much to Chris as he does to me.” Buck said.
“You’ve always meant the world to our son.” Eddie replied.
“I’d better get ready to go and get him.” Buck replied with a small laugh, prompting a chuckle out of Eddie as he released him.
“We don’t want you missing your flight, Christopher is counting on you.”
Buck pinched Eddie’s side playfully and darted away before the other man could retaliate.
Eddie tutted at him through his laughter, walking back round the bed to his bag.
“I’ve packed enough clothes for a few days, and I’ve found a hotel for you to stay in, I’ll book it and send you the details whilst you’re on the flight later. I don’t know how long Chris will want you to stay but I very much doubt my parents will let you stay in the house given… well, everything.”
“Eddie!” Buck exclaimed delightedly, darting round the bed after him to grasp at Eddie once again.
“Buckley.” Eddie scolded, batting the other man’s hands away, “I’m not letting my boyfriend suffer a single minute longer than he has to under my parent’s roof.”
“Your boyfriend?” Buck asked shyly, cheeks flaming red.
“Only if you want to.” Eddie replied with a shrug, turning away from Buck in embarrassment.
Buck rolled his eyes and grasped Eddie by the wrist, pulling him bodily back into him.
“I want nothing more.” Buck replied, leaning down to press a sweet kiss to Eddie’s lips, a far cry from their intense, bruising first kiss.
Eddie smiled against Buck’s mouth before the incoming chime of a text message broke them apart.
Bobby:
Take all the time out you need, kid, and bring Christopher back to us.
“Bobby sends his blessing.” Buck said with a small smile.
“I knew he would.” Eddie replied, before wriggling out of Buck’s hold once again, “Right, get a move on now Buckley, you have a flight to catch and our son to see to.”
“Alright, alright, bossy boots.”
-
“Text me when you land Buck, I’ll have started my shift but I’ll try to keep an eye on my phone. And I’ll give my parents a ring before you get there so they shouldn’t be too much of a problem.” Eddie fussed, pulling at Buck’s bag strap distractedly.
“Eddie.” Buck said with a chuckle, “It’ll all be ok, you don’t need to worry.”
Eddie hummed, unconvinced.
“I was thinking, you should move in with me when you get back.” Eddie said quietly, “The house is so quiet without Christopher, and you are barely sleeping outside of work.”
“When I come back with Chris we’ll both move back in.” Buck promised, kissing Eddie briefly.
“Promise?” Eddie asked quietly.
“Promise.” Buck confirmed, catching Eddie’s hand with his own and pressing a small kiss to his palm.
“Call me after you’ve seen him.” Eddie asked, tone closer to pleading.
“Always, Eddie.” Buck reassured him, barely stumbling as Eddie threw his arms around him.
“I love you.” Eddie gasped out, the words tumbling together into one.
“I love you too, baby.” Buck said softly, leaving Eddie with one last kiss before he pulled away, turning towards the bustling airport.
“Go on, don’t miss your flight. “Eddie said, voice watery as he tried for a teasing tone.
“And whose fault would that have been.” Buck responded automatically, years of teasing his best friend had the words falling out of his mouth without even thinking.
“Bye Buck.” Eddie said finally, just as Buck was turning to see if he was still there. He was so used to being on the other side of this, to being the one saying the tearful goodbye, the one waiting and waiting for someone who was never truly coming back to him that he was almost unsure of what to do next. But as always, his feet had the answer for him carrying him away from Eddie and one step closer to reuniting their family as he raised a silent hand in goodbye, resisting the urge to turn back to see if Eddie was still there until he was almost through the doors. In that last moment he turned, catching Eddie’s eye even through the bustling airport. He knew then, if he hadn't known before, that Eddie would wait for him in every lifetime.
He was worried about what lay ahead of him, of the state Christopher would be in when he arrived in El Paso, but he knew without a doubt that no matter what happened he finally had a family to call his own.
-
Today, 14:35pm
I’ve booked the hotel, your room has two beds
in case Chris wants to stop with you.
[Booking Information Link Attached]
Have a safe flight carino.
Today, 16:55pm
Other Half <3
your a lifesaver eds
just landed & headed to the car rental place
have you spoken to your parents
Eddie sighed loudly as Buck’s messages pinged through. He was glad his boyfriend had landed safely in El Paso but he had been putting off ringing his parents the whole time Buck had been in the air.
“What was that sigh for?” Hen asked, raising an eyebrow as she leant over to peer over Eddie’s shoulder.
“Hey.” Eddie tried to defend his phone from her prying eyes, shifting about on the sofa as she followed.
“Has Buckaroo said something scandalous?” She teased, waggling her eyebrows at him.
“No! I just have to finally call my parents and tell them he’s on route.” Eddie said, pulling a face.
“Good luck with that.” Hen said with a laugh, giving up on her mission to see Eddie’s phone screen and flopping back down onto the other end of the sofa, “Rather you than me.”
“Rather anyone than me.” Eddie muttered, already texting Buck back as he walked away for a little privacy.
Today, 17:05pm
I’m calling them now.
You’re best to go and check into your hotel,
I’ll ring you once I’m off with them
Other Half <3
thanks eds
good luck <3<3<3
Eddie sighed again, pushing open the door to the bunkroom in search of some peace and quiet.
“Out, probie.” He muttered, gesturing to the door with his head upon seeing Ravi lounging in one of the bunk beds.
“I was here first.” Ravi muttered but he got up quickly enough, levelling Eddie with an unimpressed stare as he walked past him, “And I’m not a probie anymore.”
Eddie didn’t reply, too busy gnawing at his lip worriedly as he swiped into his mother’s contact, dialling her number just as the door swung shut behind the other firefighter.
“Edmundo?”
“Hi Mother. How is Chris doing?” Eddie felt the need to approach the topic of Buck gently, well aware his parents weren’t going to take kindly to the news.
“He’s fine.” His mother replied snappily, “It’s like you don’t think we are capable of taking care of him.”
“Honestly, Mother, you don’t seem like you care too much about his nightmares.” Eddie snapped, “Look, Buck is on his way to get Chris, it’s time for him to come home.”
“He is home!” Helena replied coldly, “Edmundo this is just like you, trying to push us out because you think you know what is best for Christopher.”
“I do know what’s best!” Eddie exploded, “He’s my son and I am making the decision that he has spent long enough living under your roof. Buck is coming to get him today.”
“Chris has swimming today, and Buck will do no such thing. We have rights to our grandson Edmundo.”
Eddie stared at his phone in disbelief as the disconnection note sounded, horrified his mother thought she had the right to deny him access to his own child. It as why he had moved to LA in the first place, his worst fears were unfolding right in front of his eyes. Before he could even think to do it he was already dialling Buck’s number, praying desperately his boyfriend would pick up.
“Eds?” Buck’s worried voice filtered through the phone speaker, “Is everything okay?”
“Buck I need you to go and pick up Chris right now.” Eddie blurted out.
“I was almost at the hotel but I’m only ten minutes out from your parents house, I assume you’ve spoken to them, then?” Buck said hurriedly.
“They’re trying to take him swimming today, it’s the anniversary and you can’t let that happen.”
“Absolutely not.” Buck said angrily, swearing under his breath.
“Thank you.” Eddie breathed out, grateful he had someone in his corner even when he couldn't get to his son himself.
-
“Christopher, it's time to get ready for your swimming class!” Helena called up the stairs, “I’ve got your bag ready, and we need to be in the car in ten minutes.”
“I’m not going! Her grandson’s petulant voice came back, only serving to increase her anger.
"You don’t get to decide that, you’d better be downstairs in the next five minutes.” She yelled back, turning and striding into the kitchen were her husband was sitting.
“That child has far too much of Edmundo’s stubborn streak.” She said crossly, folding her arms across her chest.
“There is still time to teach him better manners.” Ramon replied, “I’ll go and get him if he’s not downstairs before we need to leave.”
The clatter of Chris’ crutches on the hallway floor signified he had come downstairs despite his initial refusal.
“See, he knows better than Edmundo did at that age.” Ramon said as they both turned to look at their grandson.
“Let’s go get in the car sweetheart.” Helena said, anger softening as she smiled at their grandson.
“I’m not going and I want my dad!” Chris yelled from the doorway, face screwed up angrily as tears ran down his cheeks.
“Well your dad isn’t here, is he. You have us, and we’re taking you swimming. I’ve had enough of these silly games Christopher, we’re your grandparents and you will listen to us. Now go out to the car!”
“No!” Christopher yelled back, sobbing as he wavered on his crutches.
“Now, Christopher!” Helena demanded.
“Listen to your grandmother, Christopher.” Ramon threatened quietly.
Chris wiped his tears with his hand angrily, sniffing loudly.
“Fine!” He yelled, turning and storming away to the front door, his crutches clattering along the floor noisily.
“It’s going to take both of us today.” Helena said darkly, her husband nodding in agreement as they walked out to the open car.
“I’m not getting in.” Chris said loudly from the doorway, staring at them defiantly.
“Get in the car, Chris.” Helena replied, voice rising to match her grandson’s.
“I don’t want to!” Chris yelled back, “I hate swimming, and I hate you!”
“What did you just say to your grandmother?” Ramon said angrily, slamming the door and striding towards his grandson.
Chris froze before his eyes lit up as a car rolled to a halt at the end of their driveway, a familiar figure getting out.
“Dad!” He yelled, fresh tears welling up in his eyes as he made a break past his grandparents and flung himself into Buck’s arms.
Buck caught him easily, uncaring how the crutches smacked hard against his back as his own eyes welled up with tears and he buried his face into Chris’ hair.
“Superman.” He said softly, “It’s so good to see you honey.”
Chris sobbed loudly at the nickname, the sound a raw, bitten off cry as he clung as tightly as he could manage.
“It’s ok, Chris, I won’t let you go.”
“I want to come home.” Chris sobbed loudly into Buck’s neck, ignoring the pointed sighs from his grandparents.
“We can go home, buddy.” Buck promised him, only then turning to set an angry glare on Eddie’s parents.
“What on Earth were you thinking, forcing him to go swimming on the anniversary of the tsunami?” He asked angrily, “We both nearly drowned that day.”
“The day you lost him?” Helena spat back, “Nobody as dangerous as you should ever have been allowed around my grandson, I don’t know what Edmundo was thinking.”
“All Eddie and I ever think about is Chris and his safety!” Buck argued, “I don’t know, or care, what you think happened that day, all you need to know right now is that Chris is coming home with me.”
“You have no right to take our grandson anywhere.” Ramon said, voice low and angry.
“I do, actually. His father has informed you I was coming to get him.” Buck replied calmly, before looking down at Chris, who had finally stopped crying, "Why don’t you go and pack whilst I talk to your grandparents and then we are out of here.”
“Okay. Thank you Bucky.” Chris said with a sniff, wiggling down to the floor and passing his grandparents slowly, mood subdued.
Once he was in the house, Buck turned back to the two older Diaz's.
“Eddie has granted me both the permission and the authority to make parental decisions on his behalf when he is indisposed, and I am acting on those wishes. You may take this up with your son, but I am taking Chris with me.” He said coldly, levelling the couple with a calm look.
“Of course we will take these up with our son! Who do you think you are, coming onto our property and telling us what to do like this?” Helena argued, already dialling her son’s number.
“Mum?” Eddie’s voice came as he picked up on the second ring, “What do you want.”
“I want you to tell this horrible man to go away and leave us with our grandson!” Helena demanded loudly.
“Hi Eds.” Buck called, only serving to rile the older woman up more.
“Buck has every right to take my son away from you. You are choosing to both endanger and further traumatise him. Did you think I was going to just stand by and allow that? Buck is listed as Chris’ guardian in my will, and whilst I am alive I am going to do everything in my power to allow him as much access and responsibility for my son as is humanely possible.” Eddie said.
“He’s what?” Helena sputtered, seemingly lost for words at the very thought.
“He’s Chris’ dad in all but name.” Eddie replied drily, “Now let my boyfriend take my son, or risk me never allowing you within state lines of him ever again.”
“He’s what?” Helena repeated as Buck struggled to keep the smile off of his face.
“I’m ready.” Chris said from the doorway, glancing at his spluttering grandmother with some amusement.
“Good.” Buck said, striding across the driveway to take Chris’ heavy bag from his arms. “Bye Eds, we will see you in two days.”
“Dad is on the phone?” Chris asked with some confusion, “Dad?”
“Hi Chris.” Eddie’s voice drifted out of Helena’s phone, his mother too confused to cut the call short, “I’ll see you real soon, yeah?”
“Okay dad.” Chris said, with the first real smile he’d had since getting to Texas, “See you soon.”