Life Continues

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/33492889.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: 9-1-1 (TV)
Relationship: Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV)
Character: Evan "Buck" Buckley, Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV), Christopher Diaz (9-1-1
TV), Original Child Character(s), Isabel Diaz, Bobby Nash, Howie
"Chimney" Han, Henrietta "Hen" Wilson, Athena Grant, Maddie Buckley,
Judd Ryder (9-1-1 Lone Star), TK Strand, Owen Strand, Marjan
Marwani, Mateo Chavez (9-1-1 Lone Star), Paul Strickland (9-1-1 Lone
Star), Margaret Buckley, Phillip Buckley
Additional Tags: Post Mpreg, Established Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz, Christopher
Diaz is a National Treasure, Christopher Diaz Has Two Dads, Episode:
s04e03 Future Tense, Episode: s02e03 Hold The Line, Episode:
s04e04 9-1-1 What's Your Grievance?, Episode: s04e05 Buck Begins
Language: English
Series: Part 2 of Growing the Diaz Family
Collections: 9-1-1 ▶ Edmundo "Eddie" Diaz / Evan "Buck" Buckley
Stats: Published: 2021-08-27 Updated: 2022-08-31 Chapters: 20/? Words:
24912

Life Continues
by StarrySummers04

Summary

How are Buck and Eddie going to navigate life now that baby Matthew is with them and it's
time for Buck to return to work? It's certainly not going to be easy, life never is for the 118.
 Chapter 1

“How are you feeling?” Eddie asked Buck as they got dressed. It was Buck’s first day back at work
since having Matthew and Eddie knew his boyfriend was both excited and apprehensive. Buck
loved being a firefighter, loved it more than almost anything, but he’d spent the last six months at
home with Christopher and Matthew so the fact that they were taking Christopher and Matthew to
Abuela's for the next twenty four hours was difficult.

"I'm looking forward to going back to work but I don't want to leave Matthew. I know Christopher
is fine but I've never left Matthew before. I'm just worried." Buck sighed.

"Abuela is perfectly capable of looking after the boys whilst we're at work and I'm sure if you ask
she'll keep you updated. Don't you think it might be nice to spend some time out of the house and
with adults? Besides me, I don't think you've seen another adult for the last month." Eddie
remarked.

"Okay, that might be true but I enjoy taking care of our boys." Buck replied. Eddie pulled his
boyfriend into a hug and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips.

"You're bound to be nervous about returning to work, we can give it a try and if you'd rather be at
home then that's fine by me." Eddie offered.

"And how would we afford that? It's not cheap to feed four people and that's without the extra stuff
we need for Chris. Besides, we just moved to a bigger house and that's just more money." Buck
sighed.

“We would figure it out. I just want you to do what is best for you, but I’m sure that when you get
back to work, you’ll realise how much you’ve missed it - being out on the rigs, running headfirst
into danger. I know things are different now that you’re a dad but you can’t just put your life on
hold because of Matthew.” Eddie pointed out.

“I know, it’s just hard.” Buck frowned.

They sat down to breakfast, Buck with Matthew and his bottle and Eddie sorted Christopher out.
Matthew would go back to sleep again after his bottle and would probably wake up again when
they were at Abuela's. As Eddie was helping Christopher get the last of his things, Buck ate his
breakfast after putting Matthew into his car seat.

Abuela was waiting in front of her house when they pulled up. “It’s so good to see all my boys.”
She smiled, accepting a hug from Christopher and Eddie as Buck got Matthew out of the car.

“Thank you for having them both.” Eddie smiled.

“I’m really looking forward to spending time with them without you and Buck being here, to be
honest, Edmundo. I’m also happy to have Matthew sometimes so you can spend time with
Christopher or I’ll have them both when you’re not at work so the two of you can spend some time
together. It’s important for you to spend some time together without the kids.” Abuela rambled.

“Let’s see how I cope for my first twenty four hour shift away from our boys before we decide
about spending any more time away from them.” Buck laughed, pulling Chris in for a hug.
“I’m gonna miss you today.” Chris frowned.

“I’m gonna miss you, too, buddy but you’re going to have a great day with Abuela. We’ll be back
to pick you up as soon as we finish work.” Buck assured.

“And what about me?” Eddie asked him.

“I’ll miss you, too, Dad.” Christopher sighed. Buck had to hide a laugh as Eddie crouched down to
hug his son after handing Matthew’s car seat to Buck. Buck put it down and got Matthew out
snuggling him close and pressing a kiss to his head. After saying goodbye to Chris, Eddie also
pressed a kiss to Matthew’s head, not wanting to take their son from Buck.

“I hope you have a good first day back, Buck.” Abuela wished.

“Thank you. I’m sure everything will be absolutely fine, I’m just nervous because it’s been six
months.” Buck commented.

“It’s normal to be nervous, nervous about returning to work, nervous about leaving Matthew for
the first time.” Abuela assured him.

“It’s going to be fine. He’s with you, I have no doubt that he will be anything other than perfectly
fine. You have supplies, toys, food. Everything is going to be fine.” Buck smiled.

“Thank you, Buck. I will keep you updated on how he’s doing throughout the day.” Abuela
carefully took Matthew from Buck, who looked like he would rather do anything else than hand
his son over. Abuela smiled at them as she took the boys inside.

“It’s gonna be okay.” Eddie whispered, taking Buck’s hand and leading him back to the truck. He
was quiet all the way to the firehouse.

“I know it’s hard. It was hard for me my first day back, too. I missed all three of you like crazy. But
you’ve got this. Abuela will keep us updated and you’re going to be with me all day. And the rest
of the team are dying to have you back. They’ve been so excited all week.” Eddie told Buck.

Buck took a deep breath when they made it to the station, he had really missed everyone but he
missed Matthew even though it had been less than an hour. “I’m right here if you need me and you
can always message Abuela to ask what Matthew is doing if you need to.” Eddie assured him,
pulling Buck in for a chaste kiss before they got out of Eddie’s truck. They managed to get to the
locker room and into their uniforms before anyone realised they were there. It wasn’t until they
came out, ready for the day, that Hen noticed them from upstairs.

"Buck!" Hen exclaimed, running down the stairs and rushing over to pull him into a hug.

“Hey.” Buck smiled. It felt strange to put his uniform on again, but it also felt right, like coming
home.

“We’re so glad to have you back.” Bobby offered, pulling Buck into a hug. They'd all missed their
golden hearted and reckless friend but knew how important it was that he had the time off before
and after Matthew was born. They'd all met baby Matthew a couple of days after he'd been born
and had seen him a handful of times since then but with restrictions lifting in some places and them
all working together anyway, they were planning to get together so that everyone could see the
entire Diaz family more often.

"Good to have you back, Buck." Chim patted Buck on the shoulder.

"Thanks guys, I'm glad to be back." Buck laughed.

"You're not missing Matthew?" Hen asked.

"I'm missing him like crazy but I don't think how much I missed intellectual conversation." Buck
joked. Eddie shot him a look that screamed 'I told you so'.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve not forgotten how to do your job but since you’ve been out of the game for
the last six months and some new changes have come in, I want you to take it easy today. Don’t do
anything more than your limit. And you’ve got to remember that when you go home, you’ve still
got a four month old to look after so be overly cautious.” Bobby instructed.

“Yes, Cap.” Buck accepted.

 Chapter 2

Buck had been back at work for a few weeks now and he was slowly getting back into the swing of
things. It still bothered him dropping Matthew off at Abuela’s and Chris back at school but he was
getting used to it. After having Matthew, Buck had kept up with his fitness and he was nearly in
the same shape he was before he found out he was pregnant. Which was a good thing considering
what he did for a living.

The shift started out weird, with their first call being to a house where someone was injured in the
shower but the call came from someone who wasn’t in the house. They got out of the truck and
Eddie handed the crowbar to Buck, they shared a smile before continuing to the door. Bobby
pressed the buzzer and announced their arrival.

“Dispatch said the patient was unconscious.” Buck commented.

“They also said it was a smart home.” Bobby replied.

“Welcome, Los Angeles Fire Department.” Hildy stated, opening the door.

“Am I the only one really creeped out right now?” Hen asked.

“No.” Everyone else agreed as they put their masks on and entered the property and made their
way to the bathroom.

“Come on, let’s go.” Bobby instructed.

“On it, Cap.” Hen replied.

“Let’s see what we got here.” Chim added.

“What are his vitals?” Bobby checked.

“Pulse is steady. Scalp is lacerated, probably a concussion.” Hen replied. “Anthony, can you hear
us?” Anthony didn’t move or make a sound.

“Looks like first or maybe second degree burns from the water. His veins are collapsed. Probably
hypovolemia. We’ll need a line in his ankle.” Chim added.

“There’s still shampoo in his hair. He fell down with the water on.” Bobby noted. “So who turned
it off?”

Whilst Hen and Chim were still sorting the patient, Buck and Eddie headed to the ambulance to get
the gurney. “Now, who would wanna live like this?” Eddie asked his boyfriend. “Cameras and
microphones everywhere, not knowing who’s watching or listening.”

“I hate to break it to you, Eds but if you’ve got a computer or a smartphone, smart TV, smart
anything really, then anyone can spy on you.” Buck pointed out. Eddie did not look impressed.

“Now I’m thinking we shouldn’t buy that fancy smart coffee maker I keep seeing commercials
for.” Eddie remarked.
“Hello, Eddie. Here are some popular coffee makers, would you like to hear the reviews?” Hildy
piped up.

“Welcome to the future.” Buck whispered.

“Why does it sound terrifying to me?” Eddie stated.

“We are getting a new coffee maker, though.” Buck stated.

“No.” Eddie replied.

“Yes. After five months of no coffee, I deserve a decent cup in a morning before we come to
work.” Buck argued.

“We’ll talk about this later.” Eddie stated as they headed up the stairs. They helped Hen and Chim
put Anthony on the backboard and get him on the gurney. He started to regain consciousness as
they were heading out of the door.

“Anthony, Anthony. It’s okay. You fell in the shower. Lucky for you, we found you in time.”
Bobby tried to calm him.

“How?” Anthony sounded confused.

“Your girlfriend called 9-1-1.” Bobby answered.

“No. No, no, no, no! No, no, no!” Anthony shouted.

“Pulse is racing. Let’s sedate him.” Chim announced.

“Wonder what set that off.” Hen mused.

“Maybe something about his girlfriend.” Eddie offered.

“It’s my ex.” Anthony corrected.

“Anybody can spy on you.” Eddie added, referring to the smart home.

“So, how are things coming together for baby Han?” Hen asked Chim when they got back to the
station.

“Slowly.” Chim replied. “I’m trying to convince Maddie not to do too much but that means I have
to do everything when I get home.”

“Then why don’t you ask for help? We’d be more than happy to come over and help, Chim. It
wasn’t that long ago that we were doing all this for ourselves.” Eddie offered.

“Are you sure? That would be great.” Chim checked.

“Athena and I will watch the boys for you, so Chim’s apartment doesn’t get too crowded.” Bobby
volunteered.

“You just wanted an excuse to look after Matthew.” Hen laughed.

“And Christopher. Athena and I love those boys.” Bobby corrected.

“Thanks, Cap. That would be really helpful.” Buck added.

“Is Athena going to mind that you didn’t check with her before volunteering to have Christopher
and Matthew on your day off?” Chim asked Bobby.

“No. We’re always wishing we could spend more time with the boys so I doubt she’s going to have
an issue with it.” Bobby stated.

“Prove it.” Hen smirked. Buck and Eddie shared a look, they were both trying to hide their laughter
as Bobby pulled out his phone and began to call Athena. They both knew Athena wasn’t going to
have a problem with it because she always offered to have the boys instead of Abuela on days when
she wasn’t at work.

“Hello.” Athena greeted.

“Hi, I hope you’re having a good day.” Bobby began.

“I am thank you, are you?” Athena replied.

“Yes, thank you. I have some good news.” Bobby continued.

“Which is?” Athena pried.

“I volunteered us to have Chris and Matthew tomorrow so Buck and Eddie can help Chim and
Maddie with some baby stuff.” Bobby told her.

“Good. It’s been too long since we last saw those boys. I’d better get back to work but thank you. I
love you.” Athena smiled.

“Love you, too. Bye.” Bobby stated before hanging up and turning to Hen and Chim. “Told you.”

“Okay.” Chim frowned, he shook the crib and it rattled dangerously. “This thing looks like a death
trap.”

“Wait, I think you mixed up the spacers with the supports.” Eddie told him. Maddie just watched as
Chim and Eddie tackled the crib and Buck attempted to baby proof the rest of the place.

“Yeah, but they look the same.” Chim defended.

“Buck, did you steal the screwdriver again?” Eddie called across the room.

“Yeah. It is all yours. I am finally finished baby proofing this apartment.” Buck smiled. “Here.”
He threw the screwdriver to Eddie.

“Hey, I wonder if you should put some alarm sensors on these windows.” Buck moved over to one
of the windows.

“You know we live on the second floor, right?” Chim stated.

“And what if the baby tries to get out?” Buck replied.

“Just indulge him, please. We had this exact same conversation when I was baby proofing our new
place.” Eddie sighed as he carried on with the crib.

“Buck, we said that you could help baby proof the apartment, not turn it into an inescapable
fortress.” Maddie offered.
“I just don’t wanna underestimate the curious interiority of my niece or nephew.” Buck stated.

“Do you still not know if it’s a boy or girl?” Eddie piped up.

“The last ultrasound, the baby was in the wrong position to tell the sex. Maddie said it looked like
the baby was mooning them.” Chim replied.

“It would be nice to have a little girl around, it seems like everyone else has boys.” Maddie
commented.

“I don’t think I’d know what to do with a girl. I was kinda relieved to find out we were having a
boy.” Eddie laughed.

“What if you guys have a girl next?” Chim asked.

“Matthew is only four months old, Chim. We’re not even thinking about another baby yet.” Buck
stated.

“Could happen by accident again.” Maddie pointed out.

“We’re actually being careful this time, thank you.” Eddie stated, ending the discussion.

“Seriously, Buck? It’s an upper cabinet!” Maddie exclaimed as she tried to get into one of the
cabinets. “How’s the baby gonna reach that?”

“He was worse than this at ours. I got away with it by telling him to go and rest.” Eddie stated.

“I’m getting better ever since-” Buck cut himself off. Eddie reached out to take Buck’s hand in his
and kissed the back of his hand.

“Since what?” Chim asked.

“Um, I started seeing a therapist.” Buck admitted.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Maddie sounded disappointed.

“Come on, we’ve all had our turn in the hot seat. It’s the cost of doing our jobs. It’s not a big deal.”
Chim offered.

“She’s not a department shrink. And, uh, it’s not just about the job. It's, it’s about me. How I feel
about having a baby, returning to work, stuff about our parents. I mean, everyone has issues,
right?” Buck tried to shrug it off.

“It’s okay if you’re not ready to talk to us about it, you know that, right? We won’t pressure you.”
Chim stated as Maddie pulled her brother into a hug.

“Thanks, Maddie.” Buck sighed, sinking into the hug.

 Chapter 3

Buck had been home about half an hour when there was a knock on the door. Matthew was asleep
in his room and Eddie had taken Chris out for the rest of the afternoon. “Hey, didn’t I just leave
your place?” Buck checked when Maddie entered the house.

“Yeah, I just, you know, wanted to come and talk about the therapy thing.” Maddie explained.

“Okay but I was just at your apartment.” Buck repeated.

“Yes, I know, and I thought maybe you didn’t feel comfortable talking to me about it in front of
Chimney so here I am. We’re alone now, so, you know, you can tell me the truth.”

“I was telling you the truth. Ever since having Matthew, I’ve struggled with how I felt growing up.
I never felt like our parents wanted me and I hate the thought of Matthew or Christopher ever
feeling like that. I know Christopher isn’t mine but I love him just as much as I love Matthew. And
even after I finally got to say my piece to Abby, I didn’t have the closure I needed.”

“So you needed someone unbiased to talk to.” Maddie guessed.

“Yeah, because Eddie is completely on my side and obviously, they’re your parents, too but
they’ve always treated us so differently so yeah, I wanted to talk things through with someone who
could help me. Look, I know I got a great life, a job I love, people I love. Eddie is the best, I don’t
know what I did to deserve him. Christopher and Matthew are such a blessing and I’m so glad that
you got away from Doug and you’re back in my life.” Buck explained.

“Have you talked to our parents about this? Have you spoken to them at all since you told them
Matthew had been born?” Maddie checked.

“I haven’t spoken to them since the day I told them I was pregnant. Besides, this isn’t a big deal.”
Buck admitted.

“You know that I’m here for you, right? Whatever you need.” Maddie assured him.

“Yeah. I just don’t think this is something you know how to fix.” Buck replied.

“Why not?” Maddie asked as Matthew began to cry.

“Because I always felt like you were sad, too.” Buck stated. “I need to go and get my son.” Buck
left the room to go and get Matthew as Maddie let herself out, tears in her eyes.

It wasn’t long before Eddie and Christopher got back and Buck handed Matthew to his boyfriend
before going to start on dinner. After dinner, Eddie went upstairs to bathe Matthew and put him
down for the night so Buck could spend some one on one time with Christopher, too. “Come on,
Buck. I’m beating you.” Christopher laughed as his character was beating Buck’s at the game.

“You’re cheating.” Buck accused.

“Come on, Buck.” Chris laughed as Eddie came into the room and took the remote.

“Hey, Eds, you need to talk to this kid about playing… fair.” Buck trailed off as Eddie unplugged
the game. “Or you could just do that.”
“Dad, I was beating him.” Chris pouted.

“Well, we’re taking a little break from the Internet right now.” Eddie replied, standing in front of
the TV with his hands on his hips.

“But how am I supposed to talk to my friends?” Chris asked.

“You’re talking to people on this thing?” Eddie checked, incredulously.

“Okay, hey, um, you know I was kidding the other day, right? About the spying.” Buck queried,
looking at his boyfriend.

“Were you? Because ever since that call, every time I go online, there’s an ad for coffee makers.
Read the news, coffee makers. Check the weather, coffee maker.” Eddie replied.

“Yeah, it’s, uh, it’s called targeted advertising.” Buck explained.

“We don’t even need a new coffee maker! The one we have is fine!” Eddie exclaimed. “I only
mentioned it in front of you… and Hildy.”

“Hildy? Are we getting a Hildy?” Chris asked, excitedly.

“No, we are definitely not!” Eddie practically shouted.

“Buck, can we play video games when dad isn’t home?” Chris checked. Eddie folded his arms and
glared at his boyfriend when Buck looked to him.

“Uh, sorry, buddy. I think we’re gonna be playing it old school for a while.” Buck replied as Eddie
took all electronic devices that weren’t his phone or Buck’s phone and went to hide them,
presumably in their room.

“What’s old school?” Chris asked.

“Board games. Have you ever heard of Scrabble?” Buck replied. When Chris shook his head, Buck
went and got out Scrabble. Buck had just finished teaching Chris how to play Scrabble when Eddie
returned and stated it was time for Chris to have a bath and go to bed. After Chris finished in the
bath, they both tucked him into bed and read him a story before each pressing a kiss to his forehead
and leaving the room.

“So, are we going to talk about the no internet thing?” Buck asked as they got ready for bed.

“What’s to talk about?”

“I understand that it’s making you a little stressed but I really want a new coffee maker. And it’s
not really fair to take everything away from Chris.” Buck stated.

“You’re always the good cop with him.” Eddie frowned.

“Well someone has to be, considering you’re always bad cop.” Buck laughed. Eddie’s frown
stayed in place. Buck moved over to where his boyfriend was sitting on the edge of the bed and
straddled his lap. “Hey, you know I’ll always follow your lead, that's why I never say anything that
you don’t approve first.” Eddie pulled Buck into a kiss.

“It shouldn’t be like that, though, Evan. Besides, like you said, I’m just paranoid about Hildy.”
Eddie sighed.

“I know you are. An internet ban isn’t the end of the world.” Buck smiled, leaning back in for
another kiss.

“You sure you’re going to cope?” Eddie smirked.

“Oh, I’m sure I can find other ways to keep myself entertained.” Buck bit his bottom lip as Eddie
lay back on the bed so Buck could position himself better for them to grind against each other.
 Chapter 4

“These wildfires could not have come at a worse time for firefighters in Texas. You may recall that
just a week ago, the Pilot Knob volcano erupted.” The news anchor was saying

“Oh, whoa. Volcano? That’s crazy.” Buck remarked, running into the room.

“So crazy. Still can't believe it didn’t happen here.” Chim agreed.

“All surrounding counties and even surrounding states are being contacted to come help.” The
news continued as Chim turned it off.

“Hey, I wanted to ask you about something.” Chim began.

“Okay.”

“This might be a little too personal and none of my business so you can totally tell me to go to
hell-”

“Chimney, spit it out.” Buck forced.

“What’s the deal with your parents?”

“Uh, what do you mean?”

“Well, you almost never talk about them, the only time you’ve ever mentioned them was when you
told Maddie that they didn’t react well to the news that you were pregnant. I feel like I know way
more about your sex life than I do about your parents.” Chim joked.

“Well, my sex life is more interesting. Or it was until we had Matthew.” Buck laughed.

“But, seriously, uh, Maddie barely talks about them either. Or to them, for that matter. Other than
telling me they were glad when she told them she was pregnant. And the other night I found her all
freaked out, like something was wrong. She said she was scared of screwing up with our kid the
way your parents screwed up with the two of you guys.” Chimney explained.

“She said that?” Buck checked.

“Kinda. I mean, she wasn’t specific but she never is. She said that they’re not bad people, so I’m
guessing that they weren’t abusive.” Chim continued.

“No, no, they weren’t.” Buck cut in. “Um, they were just… Absent, mostly, you know? I mean,
they were in the house, they were cooking meals, washing clothes, usual stuff, just... It always felt
like they were a million miles away. Maddie and I have very different relationships with them. I
don’t know why they sort of rejected the fact that I’m pregnant but they were happy for Maddie.
Maybe one day I’ll find out but I’ve got all the family I need right here. If they do, one day, decide
that they want to be part of my life then they’ll have to work hard for it and if not then what
difference does it make?” Buck explained.

“Ah, I just figured they liked each other more than they liked us. Well, they- they weren’t great
with kids.” Buck added.

“Okay, so I shouldn’t be worried that you guys are hiding some deep, dark, Buckley family secret
from me?” Chim checked.
“Nah. Just your average, run of the mill, dysfunctional. Welcome to the family.” Buck laughed.
Chim turned the news back on to see what was happening in Texas when Hen and Eddie joined
them again.

“Buckley, Diaz, can I have a word?” Bobby asked, summoning the pair to his office almost as soon
as Eddie had sat down.

“Ooh, what have you done this time?” Chim asked, jokingly.

“Nothing.” They chorused, defensively.

“I don’t believe you.” Hen laughed as they continued to watch the news. Just last week they’d been
talking about an extinct volcano that had woken up, just outside of Austin. Now, there was a
wildfire raging near San Angelo. Buck and Eddie got up and headed to Cap’s office.

“Have a seat, boys.” Bobby gestured to the chairs opposite his desk.

“Have we done something wrong, Cap?” Eddie checked.

“Not that I’m aware of. Why? Is there something I need to know about?” Bobby asked, cautiously.
They both shook their heads. “Good. Now, there’s something I need to check. I’ve had a call from
Chief Alonzo, the Texas Fire Department has declared an emergency. They don’t have enough
firefighters to man the fire houses and be on the front lines battling the wildfire. Lots of states are
sending reinforcements. When you joined the LAFD, you both agreed to emergency deployment.
Are you both happy to go to Texas? I know a lot has changed for both of you since you joined the
department.”

“Can we have some time to talk about it, Cap? We’ll get back to you by the end of shift.” Eddie
requested after looking at his boyfriend, Buck looked really unsure.

“Thanks, boys.” Bobby smiled before shooing them from his office. He had too much to do. They
left Bobby’s office and Buck headed to the bunk room, Eddie following closely behind.

“What are you thinking?” Eddie asked as Buck sat down on the edge of one of the beds.

“I don’t know. I’ll feel bad if one or both of us turn down going to help in Texas. It’s not the
Chief’s fault that neither of us remembered we’d signed up for this.” Buck started.

“But?”

“But surely we can’t both go? What if something goes wrong and we don’t make it back? What
would happen to Matthew and Christopher? But how can we both go? Who will look after the boys
whilst we’re away?”

“Evan, you need to calm down, carino. How about we both agree to go this time, because we don’t
really have a choice, and as soon as we get back, we can contact Chief Alonzo and say that in
future it will be one or the other and not both of us because we have children at home?” Eddie
suggested.

“And who will look after Matthew and Christopher whilst we are gone?” Buck continued.

“We can ask Abuela and Aunt Pepa, failing that, I’m sure we could drop them off at my parents in
El Paso on the way to San Angelo.” Eddie reasoned.

“Matthew is only five months old. I’ve never been away from him for longer than a twenty four
hour shift. Buck whispered. Eddie sat down on the bed next to Buck and wrapped an arm around
his boyfriend’s shoulder. Buck sank into Eddie’s side and accepted the chaste kiss his boyfriend
pressed to his lips.

“If you’re not comfortable with the idea of going, then I’m fine with you staying here, Evan. I will
be going to San Angelo.” Eddie replied.

“Call Abuela, see if she or Aunt Pepa can have the boys. If they can, then we’ll both go. If not, I’ll
stay and you go.” Buck negotiated.

“Okay.” Eddie smiled, pressing another chaste kiss to Buck’s lips. Eddie was about to lie down,
just enjoying the feeling of having Buck in his arms, when the alarm went off. Looks like they’d
have to wait a bit longer to give Bobby their answer.
 Chapter 5

“Los Angeles Fire Department. We got a call from this address.” Bobby called, knocking on the
door.

“I’m coming! I’m coming! Ouch!” Becky exclaimed. They heard her bump into something.

“Uh, hold on.” Bobby shouted.

“Cap, battering ram.” Eddie suggested, handing it to Bobby.

“Ma’am, step away from the door. We’re coming in.” Bobby announced.

“Okay.” She whimpered.

“Let’s get her up off the floor. Come on, help her up.” Bobby instructed. Eddie rushed over to help.

“Let’s get you to a chair, okay?” Eddie comforted her as Hen came over to check her out.

“I’m right here.” Hen said, reaching out a hand to help Eddie and Becky.

“Right over here.” Eddie added.

“Can you tell us about your symptoms?” Hen asked once she was sitting down.

“Well, it’s really just the one symptom. I can’t see anything.” She replied.

“Have you been having trouble with your vision before today?” Eddie asked.

“No, always been 20/20.” Becky replied.

“And this morning, just completely gone?” Hen continued.

“I woke to greet the world and it wasn’t there.” She responded.

“Ma’am, have you been using any new skin care or make-up products, anything that might cause
an allergic reaction?” Bobby checked.

“No, nothing like that.”

“What about household cleaners? Anything with fumes or a strong scent?” Bobby continued as
Hen and Eddie got closer to inspect her eyes.

“Just some essential oils.”

“Yeah, that wouldn’t do this.” Hen remarked.

“Blood pressure is normal so it’s probably not a circulation problem.” Eddie added.

“You’ve got some swelling and minor irritation on the eyelid. Ma’am, I’m gonna open up your
eyelid and I’m gonna shine this light up there, okay? Just relax.” Hen assured her. “Diminished
pupillary response. Minor clouding on the lenses. Almost like they’re covered in a film.” Hen
observed.

“Cataracts don’t just appear overnight.” Eddie added, shining a light in her other eye. He then saw
something move. “What was that?”

“What?” Hen replied.

“Thought I saw something move.” Eddie explained.

“In my eyes?” Becky exclaimed.

“Something like a- a worm?” Hen checked.

“Oh, God. Oh, God, I’m gonna throw up. I’m gonna throw up.” The lady frowned.

“Just try and stay calm for us, okay?” Eddie soothed.

“Let me grab a forceps and a sample jar.” Hen said.

“How did a worm get in my eye?”

“Maybe it could be some kind of bug.” Hen suggested.

“Face flies. It’s a type of parasite that infects livestock. They feed off the tears, lay eggs in the
eyes. You don’t normally see it in people, though. Mostly cattle.” Bobby explained.

“I haven’t been around cattle. I don’t think I’ve even been in the same room with a burger since
2004.” Becky claimed.

“You probably haven’t taken a trip.” Hen commented.

“Everything’s closed.” Becky agreed.

“Maybe something in your workspace. What do you do for a living?” Eddie asked.

“I teach yoga.”

“What kind of yoga?” Eddie continued.

“Goat yoga.” Becky replied as Hen pulled something out of her eye.

“And people pay to do that?” Bobby asked, doubtful.

“Well, people say that baby goats offer the perfect weight and resistance to hold a plank position.”
Eddie explained. Everyone looked at him confused.

“I can know weird stuff, too. It’s not just my boyfriend.” He stated, Bobby and Hen both laughed at
that.

“No, it's not weird.” Becky defended. “Okay, it’s a little weird, but people really like the class and-
and goat yoga’s the only thing that’s keeping me afloat while the studio’s closed.” Becky
explained.

“Hey, no offense, but if you’re gonna stick with goats, you might wanna consider wearing
goggles.” Eddie suggested.

“Maybe it’s a sign. My sister keeps telling me to grow up already and get a real job. She might be
right.” Becky frowned.

“Or she might be wrong.” Hen corrected. “Who cares what other people think? Okay, if goat yoga
is your jam, your dream, then own goat yoga. Never apologise to anyone for that, okay?”

“Aw. Thank you.” Becky smiled, reaching a hand out to Hen’s face.

“Oh, easy, easy now. I still have a tool that can make this whole blindness thing permanent.” Hen
laughed. “Stay still. It’s only gonna take a second.” Hen got the rest of the worms out of Becky’s
eyes and put them in the sample jar before putting the lid on.

“Oh, I can see again. Oh, thank you.” Becky giggled. She then looked at the sample jar and
retched. “Oh- do rabbits have worms? Maybe bunny yoga is the future?” Becky suggested.

“Do rabbits have worms? Would you like to hear what I found on the internet?” Hildy piped up.

“No!” Eddie exclaimed, jumping up and laying Hildy down on the unit. Everyone looked at him
like he was weird. Maybe he was acting a little crazy.

As soon as they got back to the firehouse, Eddie went to the bunk room to call his Abuela, Hen and
Bobby went up to the main area to tell Chim about the call he’d missed. Buck was still asleep so
Eddie sat on one of the other beds so he wouldn’t wake his boyfriend. “Is something wrong,
Edmundo?” She asked in greeting.

“No, everything is fine.” Eddie responded.

“Oh, good. Hello.”

“Hi, Abuela.” Eddie smiled.

“You had me worried, Edmundo. You never call me in the middle of a shift unless there’s a
problem. I thought you were about to tell me that my favourite person had been hurt.” Isabel
replied.

“Evan’s just asleep, he’s fine, I promise. And there’s not a problem, per say. But I do have a favour
to ask.” Eddie grimaced even though Abuela couldn’t see him. Out of the corner of his eye, Eddie
was aware of his boyfriend waking up and rolling over to look at him.

“Is that Abuela?” Buck whispered. Eddie nodded, taking the phone away from his ear and putting
it on speaker as he moved to sit on the bed where Buck was laying.

“What is it? What’s the favour?” She asked.

“It’s my fault, Abuela.” Buck commented.

“Nonsense, Evan. I very much doubt it could be your fault.” Isabel replied. Eddie wanted to laugh,
he’d always known that his boyfriend was Abuela’s favourite, she wasn’t very subtle about it.

“When I joined the LAFD, I agreed to be sent on emergency deployment out of state if the need
arose. Because I’ve never had to leave LA, I completely forgot about it.”

“As anyone would.” Isabel assured.

“Well, I never changed it after having Matthew.” Buck continued.

“I also agreed to go when I joined the department. At the time, I was a single dad and thought the
extra money could be useful.” Eddie added.
“So you need me to look after Christopher and Matthew whilst you’re both out of state for a few
days.” Isabel guessed.

“Yes please.” Buck requested.

“Of course I can do that. I’ve told you both before, the difficult bit is when you come home and I
have to give you your children back.” Isabel assured.

“Thank you, Abuela, I don’t know what we would do without you.” Buck commented.

“I’m sure you’d figure something out. I’m just glad I can make things easier for you. When would
you need to leave?” She asked.

“Probably tomorrow, the day after at the latest.” Eddie reasoned.

“I imagine we’ll come home after our shifts, pick the boys up from Aunt Pepa’s, go home and
pack before bringing them to you and coming back to the firehouse.” Buck explained.

“I’d better go shopping soon, then. Christopher and Matthew are both growing boys.” Isabel smiled
before saying goodbye and hanging up.

“I’ll go and tell Bobby we’re okay to go to Texas. You, on the other hand, had better hit the
showers.” Buck laughed.
 Chapter 6

When their shift was over, Buck and Eddie headed straight to Abuela’s to pick up the boys and
thank her for agreeing to watch them whilst they were away. They grabbed take out on the way
home and after eating, they left Christopher to do his homework and they began to pack what they
would need to take to Texas. “You do realise that we’ll have to stop off at my parents on the way
back, right? They won’t be happy if we’re near El Paso and don’t stop to say hi.” Eddie pointed
out.

“Well, I’ve not actually seen them in person since we told them we were together and that I was
pregnant, which was like, nine months ago. So, it’s kind of long overdue. I know they’ll be sad that
we don’t have the boys with us, though.” Buck replied.

“Could you imagine us making the trip with us and both the boys? It would be a nightmare! Until
Matthew is old enough to fly, if they want to see us, they’ll have to come to LA.” Eddie responded.

“That’s a little harsh, don’t you think?” Buck pointed out.

“I made the trip from El Paso to LA with Chris when he was seven and that was a nightmare. How
do you think it would go with a nine year old and a five month old?” Eddie replied.

“Badly, by the sound of it.” Buck laughed. There was a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it, you carry on packing Matthew’s stuff.” Eddie replied, pressing a quick kiss to Buck’s
lips before going downstairs. When he opened the door, there was a box on the doorstep but he
couldn’t remember ordering anything. Buck had come downstairs with Matthew to see what was
going on and even Chris looked up from his homework.

“What is it?” Buck asked.

“It’s a coffee maker. From Hildy.” Eddie frowned. Buck and Chris looked at each other and burst
out laughing.

“We got him!” Chris exclaimed.

“Real funny.” Eddie stated.

“You should see the look on your face, Eds.” Buck smiled.

“I’ll get you back for this.” Eddie smirked, wrapping an arm around Buck where he wasn’t holding
Matthew. Buck pressed a chaste kiss to his lips.

“Sure you will.” Buck laughed.

When Chris had finished his homework, Buck and Eddie had finished packing and Matthew was in
bed. The three of them went through to the living room to watch something. “Chris, we have
something to talk to you about first.” Eddie began.

“It’s not another baby brother or sister, is it?” He asked. “Because the last time you wanted to tell
me something it was that I was going to have a baby brother.”

“No, Chris, it’s not another baby. Not yet, anyway.” Buck denied.
“We’re getting very off topic.” Eddie stated.

“Yes, Chris, we need to go away with work for a few days so you’ll be staying with Abuela.” Buck
explained.

“But you’re gonna come back?” Chris checked.

“Of course we will.” Eddie assured him.

“We’ll always come back to you and Matthew.” Buck added.

“Okay. Can we watch Cars now?”

“The raging fires have progressed in San Angelo. Response teams are exhausted. Further counties,
including the Los Angeles Fire Department have been summoned to help contain the epic disaster.”

Dropping Christopher and Matthew off at Abuela’s that morning was a little more difficult than
either of them had anticipated, they’d both promised Christopher that they were going to come
home again but with a wildfire like this, there were no guarantees that either of them would
definitely make it home but they would do everything in their power to ensure that would happen.

“Come on, let’s go!” Buck called to Eddie as he handed his boyfriend more stuff to put on the
truck. “I can’t believe I’ve been on the list for special deployment ever since I’ve joined the
department and have never got the call before this week.” Eddie smiled at his boyfriend as he
packed the stuff Buck handed him.

“Okay, we are ready to roll.” Eddie announced.

“Oh, no. I know how you guys are. Everybody, make sure you use the bathroom before we go. I
don’t care if you think you need to or not. We have a twenty hour drive and we’re gonna make
good time.” Hen announced.

“I didn’t know you were coming with us.” Eddie remarked.

“I got two kids and med school bills to pay. I’ll take all the emergency overtime I can get.” Hen
explained. “Besides, it’ll be fun. I’ve never been to Texas.”

“Me either. It’s long overdue since that’s where most of Eddie’s family lives.

After everyone had been to the bathroom, they set off with Buck driving for the first leg. “So, how
was leaving Matthew for a few days? I didn’t think both of you would actually come.” Hen
commented.

“I hated it. I don’t like leaving him when we’re only on twenty four hour shifts but I didn’t really
feel like we had a choice.” Buck stated.

“We did have a discussion about it before agreeing.” Eddie said.

“Would you really have wanted one of you to go and not the other? You prefer to have each other’s
backs in uncertain situations.” Hen pointed out.

“She has a point.” Eddie agreed.

“I always have a point.” Hen laughed. “How did Chris take it? There’s been a lot of changes for
that boy in just a few short months.”

“He was good about it. Wanted to make sure that we’d both be coming home again.” Eddie smiled.
Both he and Buck knew how lucky they were to have a kid as calm and understanding as
Christopher.

“When we said we wanted to talk about something, he immediately asked if it was another baby.”
Buck laughed.

“I can’t imagine having kids that close together.” Hen joined in.

“Me either. We’re still adjusting to having Chris and Matthew. No more kids until Matthew is at
least two.” Buck stated.

“That was what we agreed, anyway.” Eddie added.

“You’ve actually talked about this? Already?”

“Yeah.” Buck replied.

“I come from a big family. My mama has a brother and a sister, I have two sisters, my papa has two
sisters and a brother so I’ve always wanted at least three kids.” Eddie explained.

“I’ve always wanted kids, never really cared how many, but I want them to be closer in age than
me and Maddie. She was more like a parent than a sister growing up.” Buck added.

Buck drove for the first few hours, then Hen took over and Buck curled up in the back with Eddie,
falling asleep against his boyfriend’s shoulder. Eddie pressed a kiss to Buck’s hair as he pulled out
his phone to update Abuela, Bobby and Athena on how their journey was going. “He sleeps a lot at
the moment, doesn’t he?” Hen offered.

“Yeah, it’s been a difficult adjustment for him, going from no kids to two kids in the space of a few
months.” Eddie smiled, gently.

“Yeah, it’s not as difficult going from one to two, but to go from none to one is such a big change.”
Hen agreed.

“He just takes everything in his stride. I’m still trying to get him to ask for help when he needs it,
he does about seventy percent of the time now, but he’s so used to feeling like he’s alone.” Eddie
frowned.

“All we can do is be there for him when he needs us.” Hen remarked.

“Yeah, and just hope that he lets us be there.” Eddie sighed.

 Chapter 7
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

“Buck, wake up. Wake up. We’re here.” Hen gently shook him on the shoulder. Buck grunted and
wiped the drool from his chin.

“Oh, we are?”

“I’m just glad that you’ve gotten some sleep on the way here.” Eddie smiled, kissing Buck’s cheek.
Buck opened the door so the three of them could get out.

“Ooh! What’s up with the air?” Buck asked, it was like walking into a sauna.

“The wildfire, remember? That’s why we’re here.” Hen replied.

“I mean the way it feels. Like getting slapped with a wet towel.” Buck continued.

“It’s called humidity. Welcome to Texas, Buck.” Eddie tried not to laugh at his boyfriend.

“I’m Deputy Chief De Leon of the San Angelo Fire Department, acting incident commander. For
those of you just joining the party, welcome.” De Leon was saying. Buck was only half listening,
he was looking at this girl who was standing a little way away from them. She looked so familiar
but he just couldn’t place her. Hen glanced over at him.

“Buck, stop staring.” She told him.

“I’m not staring.” Buck denied.

“You’re staring.” Eddie comments without even looking at his boyfriend.

“I want to introduce my Operations Section Chief, Captain Owen Strand, out of Austin.” De Leon
passed over.

“The thing we were praying wouldn’t happen has happened. The wind has shifted. The fire’s now
on a collision course with the city of San Angelo. There’s a possibility of weather coming in, but
we can’t rely on it and we won’t. We have one last shot to turn the tide. Here.” Owen pointed to a
map. “On Copper Ridge. We cut a containment line here, and we can stop this beast in its tracks. I
know you’re exhausted. A lot of you haven’t had more than a couple hours of sleep in days. But on
behalf of the city of San Angelo and their one hundred and twenty thousand souls, we’re gonna get
you up on that fire line and you are gonna cut like hell. Good luck. Stay safe.”

“Buck. Seriously? Please don’t make me report you to HR.” Hen continued when Buck didn’t stop
staring.

“No, no, I swear I know her from somewhere. It’s killing me.” Buck defended as everyone began
to disband. He headed back to their truck to get changed into their yellow shirts whilst Eddie went
to get some coffee and Hen disappeared without saying anything.

Eddie was just on his way back to Hen and Buck when he heard Captain Strand say “Take a medic.
You don’t know what you’re gonna find up there.”

“I’m a medic. Eddie Diaz with the 118, Los Angeles.” He introduced himself.

“You a paramedic?” The girl Buck had been staring at asked.

“Firefighter. But I was a medic in the army and on more than a few missions that looked a lot like
this.” Eddie explained.

“What you waiting for, Hollywood? Get your bag. Meet us down by the motor pool. We’ll roll
out.” Strike Team leader told him.

“Copy that.” Eddie smirked, heading back to their truck to get his stuff. He knew Buck wouldn’t
be impressed with him for leaving him to his own devices but going up to rescue some kids in
AV’s was going to be way more fun than digging a fire line.

Hen had disappeared, just like Eddie and Buck was feeling a little lost being left on his own
without his team in such an unfamiliar and stressful place. He just wished he was at home with
Matthew in his arms and Christopher by his side. “Uh, where have you been?” Buck asked when
Hen finally reappeared.

“Took a tour of the medical unit. Where’s Eddie?” Hen replied.

“I don’t know. I think he said something about getting some coffee. You guys abandoned me.
Also, why did we drive the trucks all the way here from LA just to park ‘em?”

“Only way up to that fire line is by foot. Trucks go into the motor pool. Commander De Leon will
use them as he sees fit. That’s how it works, Buck.” Hen explained, exasperatedly. It had been a
long drive and she wasn’t in the mood to answer a million questions.

“Still, not sure I like the idea of strangers on our rigs.” Buck commented.

“No strangers here, Buck. Just grunts with shovels.” Hen threw a shovel at him.

“Uh, okay. And where’s yours?” Buck asked as he caught it.

“Me? I volunteered for base camp medical unit. But have a good hike.” Hen smiled as Eddie
brushed past Buck.

“Eddie, can you believe this? Hen is not going up to the fire line with us. Just gonna be you and
me.” Buck asked when the girl he’d been staring at pulled up next to them in an AV.

“You ready, soldier?” She asked.

“Be right there.” Eddie nodded.

“Well, hop to it. Those at risk kids aren’t getting any less at risk.” She pointed out. Eddie laughed
as she drove off.

“Uh, her? You’re going with her?” Buck sounded dejected.

“Yeah. I’ll see you later though.” Eddie offered, starting to walk off. “Evan, is there something
wrong with that?” He turned around to look back at his boyfriend.

“It’s fine. I’d just thought we were going to stay together.” Buck sighed.
“I should have checked, I know this is the first time we’ve left the boys for such a long time since
Matthew was born. You’re bound to be a little nervous.” Eddie pulled Buck into his arms and Buck
rested his head against his boyfriend’s neck.

“I really gotta go but I’ll see you soon. Be safe.” Eddie pressed a chaste kiss to Buck’s lips before
going to walk away again.

“Wait, guys, guys, guys. I know who that is! She’s Firefox.” Buck exclaimed. Hen and Eddie
looked at him blankly. “Firefox? You guys seriously don’t know who Firefox is? She’s gone viral
like, five times. Total bad ass. I, uh… I follow her on Instagram. Some reason, she didn’t follow
me back.” Eddie smiled at Buck before turning to leave again.

“Don’t forget your shovel.” Hen joked as she went in the other direction.

“Abandoners.” Buck whispered.

Buck headed up to dig the fire line after Eddie and Hen had gone their ways to do their own thing.
Buck ended up next to the guys who had been standing with Firefox at the briefing.

“You okay, TK?” Mateo checked when the other guy paused for a drink.

“I’m literally just getting a drink. I’m fine, I’ve told you that many times already.” TK insisted.

“... we put this fire on the ropes.” The commander of the grunts shouted as she passed them by.

“But if you need a break-”

“If I need a break I’ll take a break.” TK cut him off. Mateo looked dejected.

“Is everything okay?” Buck asked, curiously.

“Yeah, I had a baby four months ago so I’m still getting back into the swing of things.” TK
explained

“Oh, no way! I had a baby five months ago.” Buck replied.

“I’m Mateo and this is TK, we’re from Austin.” Mateo said.

“I’m Buck, from LA.” Buck replied.

“How weird is that? You guys had babies within a month of each other.” Mateo commented.

“Probably more likely than you think.” Buck laughed.

“So, is your other half at home with your baby like mine is, then?” TK asked.

“No, actually, he’s here with me. We both work for the 118. His Abuela is looking after our boys.”
Buck replied.

“You have two sons? How old is the other one if you don’t mind me asking?” TK continued.

“Christopher is nine, he’s actually Eddie’s son with his ex-wife but I love him like he’s my own.
The five month is called Matthew.” Buck replied.

“So you guys are together but you also work together? How does that work? I didn’t think that
would be allowed.” Mateo commented.

“It is allowed but we have to be professional when we’re out in the field. There’s protocols in place
and we had to fill out a bunch of paperwork for HR. What about your other half and kid?” Buck
explained before turning to TK.

“My boyfriend Carlos is a cop. We have a daughter, Ayla. When we break for the day, we’ll have
to grab some food or something and I can show you a photo.” TK smiled.

“Likewise.” Buck smiled back.

“So, LA, huh?” Mateo checked.

“Yeah.” He replied.

“That’s cool. I got a cousin in LA. Marvin. People say we look alike. Maybe you know him.”
Mateo continued.

“It’s kinda a big place.”

“No. I know. His last name’s Chavez.” Mateo added.

“Yeah, I don’t think so.” Buck smiled politely.

“He’s in jail anyway.” Mateo offered. TK gave him a look. “I bet you get some pretty crazy calls
out there.”

“You have no idea.”

“We get our fair share in Texas.” TK contributed.

“You ever get a call at Disneyland?” Mateo continued.

“That’s Orange County.”

“But LA, right?” TK wanted to laugh at Mateo, the guy just loved to make friends.

“You know, we did get a call to an amusement park once. I had to scale the loop of a roller coaster.
Guy was hanging on by his bare hands.”

“You saved a guy hanging from a roller coaster?” Mateo asked in amazement.

“Uh, he let go.” Buck frowned.

“Man. That’s rough. I had a woman almost drown on me last year in less than a foot of water. She
was trapped in a bus upside down in the middle of the street. It was wild, man.” TK competed.

“We had a bus rescue, it wasn’t upside down though. But it was sticking out of the fifth floor of an
office building.” Buck responded.

“No way! That’s insane.” Mateo exclaimed.

“We just had an active volcano last week.” TK retaliated.

“Yeah, I think I saw something about that on my Twitter feed.” Next thing the three of them knew,
something on fire came hurtling down the hill towards them. TK quickly tackled Buck to the
 ground so neither of them got hit. They scrambled to their feet as the car stopped beside them.
“Looks like it’s just the driver.” Buck could see something moving in the driver's seat.

“Hey, we’re gonna get you out of there!” TK exclaimed, banging on the driver's window. Mateo
grabbed a fire extinguisher and started to use it on the fire as TK threw an ax to Buck so he could
smash the window to get to the driver. They were all quite surprised when a dog jumped out.

“Clyde! Oh, damn it! Clyde!” A guy shouted, running down the hill. “Oh, thank God. Oh, bad
boy. Bad boy, Clyde. I am so sorry. I left him alone for like ten seconds. He must’ve unlocked the
parking brake.”

“Your dog has a lead foot.” Mateo replied.

“So that was weird.” Buck said to TK.

“Right?” TK was still confused.

“Nice move, by the way. Good reflexes.” Buck smiled.

“Yeah, you too.”

Chapter End Notes

I've been wondering if the next Buddie baby should be planned or a surprise like
Matthew was. What are your guys thoughts on it and how soon should it happen? ❤
 Chapter 8

Eddie got on the ATV with Firefox and she took him over to where the rest of the group was. “I’m
Judd, you’re gonna be riding with me.” The leader introduced himself before they headed up to
find the camp. “Got you some of them critters, Hollywood? Bet they don’t get that big in LA.”
Judd commented as Eddie was swatting bugs away.

“Oh, well, we got plenty in El Paso.” Eddie replied.

“Oh, no way. You’re from El Paso? Where’d you go to high school?”

“La Salle.” Eddie answered.

“La Salle. Whoa, we used to whoop your ass every year at State. I was Austin Heights.” Judd
explained.

“You’re a Bulldog?” Eddie laughed.

“Roger.”

“And I thought we were gonna be friends.” Eddie joked.

“Whoo!” Firefox cheered as she sped past them.

“She always like that?” Eddie checked, smiling.

“Always.” Judd confirmed as she laughed.

When they arrived, all the kids got up to greet them. “I only count seven kids.” Eddie called out.

“IC said there was supposed to be eight. Yep, and a counsellor.” Judd responded.

“They’re missing!” One of the campers shouted.

“Hey! Back up. We’re here now. We’re gonna get you all down the mountain, okay. Marjan and
Eddie’s gonna check everybody out, make sure they’re all okay. So- hey, hey, hey, who’s
missing?” Judd explained.

“Mr Gomez. He left last night looking for JJ and he never came back.” The camper replied.

“JJ run away?” Judd checked.

“No, man. He was out doing his solo.”

“Solo?” Marjan asked.

“Yeah, it’s two nights mandatory alone in the woods. It builds character and self-respect but it’s
usually pretty well monitored.” Judd explained.

“You know that how?” Paul asked.

“Mr Gomez have a cell phone?” Judd checked.

“He’s the only one that does. We’re not allowed.”

“No call in eight hours, it could just be bad reception.” Marjan offered.

“Or something else.” Eddie added, having spotted Mr Gomez approaching the group, coughing and
wheezing. Marjan and Eddie rushed over to help him before he collapsed to the ground.

“Please help.” Mr Gomez wheezed.

“Hey, where’s JJ?” Paul asked him.

“Couldn’t find him.” Mr Gomez replied before passing out.

“He’s not breathing.” Eddie stated after checking. Everyone helped Eddie lift Mr Gomez onto the
picnic table. “There we go. Marjan grab the IV bag from the kit. I’m gonna run a line. Can you
hold this?” Eddie asked, handing his stuff to whoever was behind him.

“Hey, man. Let’s back up. Let’s let them work. Back up. Right back here. Keep going, keep
going.” Judd led all of the campers away from the picnic table, they didn’t need to see what was
going on. Marjan was doing rescue breaths as Eddie ran a line.

“I’m not hearing any air escaping. Lungs are intact” Eddie commented.

“Then why isn’t his chest rising?” Paul asked. It was a bit of a shock when Eddie took off the
blanket covering Mr Gomez and his chest was all burnt.

“Ah, damn. We need to do an escharotomy.” Eddie stated.

“What the hell’s that?” Marjan asked.

“That burnt tissue, that’s called eschar. It’s constricting his chest like a rope. It’s preventing his
lungs from expanding. He can’t draw a breath, we need to cut it.” Eddie explained.

“Now?” Marjan sounded nervous.

“Now.” Eddie told her. He took the lid off the saline and poured it on Mr Gomez’s chest and the
scalpel. “Hope you’re not squeamish.” Eddie cut a Y shape before telling Marjan to resume rescue
breaths. After two, Mr Gomez gasped and tried to sit up.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy, buddy.” Marjan commented, pushing on his shoulders to keep
him lying down.

“JJ.” He said.

“Sir, we’re aware of the missing kid, all right. I need you to take nice and steady breaths.” Eddie
told him, putting an oxygen mask over his face.

“Nicely done, Diaz.” Marjan commented.

“You too, Firefox.”

They radioed the medical unit to tell them they were sending Mr Gomez down with seven of the
campers.
“Hey, Eddie. It’s Hen. You’re sending out seven minors? I thought you went up there for eight?”
Hen checked.

“One kid’s still missing. Couple of the guys from the Austin 126 are searching out for him now.”
Eddie replied.

“All right, you got about two hours of daylight left and the wind reports are not good.” Hen
warned.

“Yeah, it’s getting a little toasty out here.”

“All right, Eddie, you need to put a clock on this. Buck’s not going to be happy when he finds out.”

“I don’t think any of these folks are leaving without this boy, clock or no clock. Remind me a little
of some other people I know.” Eddie smirked.

“Maybe we should go out and help them search.” Marjan suggested after they had been silent for a
little while.

“Judd told us to stay here. That’s what we should do.” Eddie replied.

“How can you be so calm under literal fire?” Marjan asked, pacing.

“Well, at least no one’s shooting at us.” Eddie remarked. After he’d finished putting the medical
supplies away, he got his phone out, there was a message from his Abuela, assuring him that both
of the boys were okay. After replying to her and letting her know both he and Buck were fine, he
went onto Instagram to see what all the fuss Buck had kicked up about Firefox was about.
Marjan’s phone dinged and she got it out of her pocket.

“Seriously? You wanna follow me on Insta?”

“Heard you put a lot of effort into it. Was curious.” Eddie smirked.

“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” Marjan replied, coming over to where Eddie was
sitting.

“I haven’t been on social media in a while. The last post is like, five months old. Super boring.”
Eddie replied.

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

“Fine. Deal.” Eddie shrugged. His last post wasn’t boring to him, it was a photo of Christopher
holding Matthew for the first time after they got home from the hospital. “Is that a Prius in the
air?” Eddie checked.

“Tornado dropped it between two buildings.”

“Are these your kids?” Marjan asked, bringing up the photo of Christopher and Matthew.

“Yeah, Christopher and Matthew. They’re my world. I did the whole, you know, single dad thing
for a while with Christopher and then I met someone. Matthew is five months old now.” Eddie
explained.

“You did not build Christopher a skateboard.”

“Yeah, well, Buck helped.” Eddie smiled.

“Wait, is that that creepy guy who was staring at me before?” Marjan asked, bringing up a photo of
him, Buck and Christopher.

“He’s my boyfriend and he’s basically harmless. He recognised you and couldn’t figure out where
from.” Eddie explained.

“Wait, so you guys are dating and you have a kid but you also work together?”

“Yeah, it took us a while to get our shit together but I can’t imagine my life without him. Buck and
the kids are all I need.” Eddie smiled, fondly.

“You really love him, huh.”

“I really do.”

“Great Oaks search team, give us your current location. We’re sending air support.” Dispatch
requested.

“Air support?” Eddie questioned. “Who’s crazy enough to go up in something like this?”

“Judd, we got something under a grove of trees. South by southeast of your position. I’m gonna try
to get over on top of it.” Owen’s voice came over the radio.

“Okay, Cap. We’re coming at you.” Judd replied.

“Of course.” Marjan sighed.

“I’m relieved that for once, it’s not my boyfriend.” Eddie commented. They listened to the rest of
the conversation, Eddie’s heart sank when he heard Hen’s voice over the radio, although he was
still relieved that Buck was safely on the ground. Eddie and Marjan shared a smile when they
heard it had worked and JJ was stable. But they soon stopped.

“Mayday. Mayday. We are going down.” The pilot radioed.

“Oh, God.” Marjan breathed as they watched the helicopter crash beyond the fire line. They were
all silent as they headed back to base camp. No one knew what to say.
 Chapter 9

“So, did you and your boyfriend plan to have a baby then?” Mateo asked.

“Mateo, that’s a little invasive.” TK corrected.

“He’s fine, honestly. Um, no, we really didn’t. We’ve only been together a little over a year so we
definitely weren’t at the having kids place yet but I don’t regret any of it.” Buck smiled.

“Same. Me and Carlos weren’t even dating when I got pregnant.” TK laughed.

“I’m not even gonna touch that.” Buck joined in laughing.

“So, tell us some more about crazy days in LA.” Mateo changed the subject.

“On Eddie’s second day there was a 7.1 earthquake and he had to catch this girl who nearly fell out
of the eleventh floor of a hotel that was only being propped up by the building next to it.” Buck
explained.

“Oh, come on. It’s California. Of course you’re gonna have earthquakes. But you can’t tell me that
that’s cooler than the 126 going up against a solar storm.” TK continued.

“What even is that? You can’t see it.” Buck said.

“Guys. Don’t you see what you’re doing? You’re falling into the classic Iron Man versus Captain
America trap. Is Captain America better because he’s a super soldier with an indestructible shield,
or is Tony Stark better because he’s a tech genius with a sick weaponized suit?” Mateo offered.

“So, who’s better?” TK asked.

“Neither is better, bro. That’s the point. It’s a speeches argument. They’re both badass. And when
they team up, nobody could beat them. Except maybe Thanos.” Mateo concluded.

“Oh, glad to see the strike team’s already got their feet up.” TK commented when they saw the
other half of their group. Eddie rushed over to Buck and pulled him into a hug.

“Oh, you guys must be exhausted. All that go-karting up and down the hill.” Buck added.

“You didn’t hear, did you?” Marjan asked.

“Hear what?” TK replied. Eddie sat back down and brought Buck to perch on his lap.

“Your dad and Hen from the 118 went up in a helicopter to help us find the missing kid, but they
issued a mayday and we haven’t heard from them since.” Judd explained.

“They went down beyond the fire line.” Eddie added.

TK stormed off to find the incident commander. “This is a joke! We know exactly where the
chopper went down. So why haven’t you sent out a rescue team?” TK demanded.

“As I said, the beacon is coming from two miles inside an active burn zone. It is not safe to send
anyone up in the dark.” The IC replied.

“Commander, with all due respect, we accept the risk and we ain’t asking anybody else to go.”
Judd pointed out.

“You know I can’t authorise that.”

“You know, those are our people up there.” Buck tried.

“They could be bleeding out, right now. Dying.” TK continued.

“Son, we haven’t had any cell or radio contact at all since the mayday. Nobody else is risking their
lives tonight. And your father would be the first one to agree with me.” De Leon instructed. TK
stormed out.

“I’m gonna go and check on him, you guys keep arguing with the IC.” Buck told his boyfriend
before heading out. He swung by the food tent on his way past as he’d noticed all the boxes of
pizza and he really wanted some. He got some for both himself and TK before going to find the
guy. He hung back a bit as TK was on the phone.

“I love you, too.” TK replied before hanging up. “What’s up?” He asked, turning to Buck.

“Well, they just delivered twenty kinds of pizza if you’re hungry.” Buck offered, bringing a box
over.

“I’m good, thanks.”

“Was that your boyfriend?” Buck asked.

“Yeah, I just wanted to see how he and Ayla are and to let him know about my dad. I think he’s
mostly relieved that I’m not the one in danger but he worries about my dad, too. I know he does. I
can’t bring myself to call my mom yet, she’ll just freak out.” TK explained.

“Understandable. I’d be the same if it was something with me or Eddie. His Abuela would lose her
mind if something happened to either of us.” Buck nodded, sitting down with TK. “They survived
the crash.” He added. “Believe it. And, your dad is with Hen, so, uh… so he’s in really good
hands.”

“So is she.” TK replied.

“No doubt. Look, my Captain is not my dad, but he might as well be. He’s always been there for
me, no matter what is going on. He’s the boy's grandpa and his wife is their Gigi. You know, he
could have given up on me so many times, and he never did. Even when I used to steal the fire
truck.” Buck smiled, trying to make TK laugh.

“You used to steal the fire truck?” TK double checked.

“Oh, yeah. All the time.”

“Yeah, my dad, he’s never given up on me either. And I’ve done a lot worse than steal a fire
truck.” TK laughed. “It just sucks, you know? Just sitting here and doing nothing.”

“You could always show me those photos of your boyfriend and daughter that you said you were
going to. Or, well… what if we didn’t have to?” Buck asked, holding up some keys.

“Is that-”
“A key to a fire truck? Yes, it is.” Buck smirked.

“Then what are we waiting for?”

“I was just waiting for you to say that you wanted to do this. Let’s go.” Buck smiled, jumping up.
TK following closely behind.

“You sure it’s still here? Maybe they deployed it.” TK checked as they snuck through the rows of
trucks that were parked in the motor pool.

“Not according to the board.” Buck whispered back. They checked that no one was around the next
corner before continuing. “All right, go, go, go.”

“Hey!” TK whispered. “You know you don’t have to do this. There’s no reason that both of us get
fired.”

“Hey, my friend’s up there, too. She would do the same thing for me. I think.” Buck began to
doubt himself. “She would.” He decided.

“Okay. But if you ever meet my boyfriend, you cannot tell him that we stole a fire truck.” TK
stated.

“Because he’s a cop?” Buck guessed.

“Because he’s a cop.” TK confirmed. “Oh, hey, here it is. Let’s go.” TK stopped.

“Uh, no. That’s not it.” Buck responded.

“What do you mean? 118, Los Angeles. Let’s go.” TK pointed out.

“Yeah, no, we’re not taking that. Bobby would kill me if I bought it back all scratched up. No, this
is the key to your truck.” Buck laughed.

“Hey, dumbass. Dumbasser. Did you stop and consider the consequences of what you’re about to
do at all?” Judd asked.

“You’ve clearly never met my boyfriend.” Eddie frowned, glaring at Buck.

“You two didn’t seriously think that you could sneak off and drive into wildfires, did you?” Marjan
checked.

“Yes?” TK replied.

“Well, that ain’t gonna happen.” Paul added.

“You think you’re gonna stop us?” Buck responded.

“Stop you? We’re coming with you.” Mateo answered.

“Come on, let’s go.” Eddie encouraged, grabbing his boyfriend’s hand and squeezing it. “And after
this we’re going to have a discussion about the fact that we have two boys back home in LA and
what the consequences of those actions could be.” Eddie told him. Everyone else started laughing.

“I don’t know why you’re laughing, TK. What do you think would happen if I let this slip to your
boyfriend. Who’s a cop?” Judd pointed out. TK stopped laughing.
“Please, no one mention this to Carlos.” TK begged.

“Because you’re going to tell him yourself?” Mateo asked.

“Do I look like I have a death wish?” TK replied as they set off.

“Consider what we’re about to do and ask yourself that question.” Paul replied.

“Abuela texted to say the boys are fine, by the way. And to make sure that I’m taking care of you.”
Eddie said quietly to his boyfriend.

“I take it your Abuela adopted your boyfriend and now he’s the favourite.” Judd butted in.

“Of course.” Eddie laughed.

“Wanna show me those photos while we have some time?” Buck asked his new friend. TK smiled
and pulled his phone out.

“Have you seriously found someone else to annoy with photos of your daughter?” Judd smirked.

“It’s an agreement. TK gets to show me photos of his daughter and boyfriend and I get to show
him photos of mine and Eddie’s boys.” Buck corrected, taking TK’s phone for a better look.
“Okay, they’re adorable.”

“Your boys are pretty adorable, too.” Marjan added.

“Oh, you guys have kids together? I didn’t realise that firefighters from the same house could
date.” Judd commented.

“There was a ton of paperwork that we had to go through but I don’t think, legally, they could stop
us from dating.” Eddie explained.

“How old are your sons?” Paul asked.

“Chris is nine and Matthew is five months.” Eddie replied as Buck and TK continued to show each
other photos.

“That’s a big age gap.” Judd remarked.

“Chris isn’t biologically mine.” Buck pointed out. “If he was then I’d have been, like, nineteen
when he was born.”

“I was only twenty four.” Eddie replied. “Neither of them were planned but I can’t imagine my life
without them.”

“I know that feeling. Looking at how different my life was just a year ago, compared to now, I
can’t imagine my life being any other way.” TK smiled.
 Chapter 10

When they got the truck as close as they possibly could, to where the helicopter was, the calm
mood that had been established when talking about the children was now gone, replaced with the
panic they’d felt when finding out about the helicopter crash. “Dad!” TK shouted, getting out of
the truck.

“Hen!” Buck joined in. “Hen!”

“Dad!” TK continued.

“Cap!” Paul and Marjan shouted.

“They’re not in here! Buck, they’re not in here.” TK shouted from inside the helicopter.

“Hey, they made it out!” Buck alerted everyone else.

“Get clear!” Judd added.

“They made it out!” Buck repeated.

“Hey, let’s fan out and let’s search this area here, yeah?” Judd instructed.

“Dad!” TK shouted again, heading in one direction.

“Hen!” Buck called, heading in a different direction to TK. Eddie was following closely behind his
boyfriend. “You don’t have to keep such a close eye on me, Eds.”

“Are you sure about that, cariño? The last time I left you alone, you thought it was a good idea to
steal a fire truck and drive into a wildfire. And that was only thirty minutes ago.” Eddie
deadpanned.

Everyone else stuck in pairs and a three and kept spreading out, trying to cover as much ground as
possible. “Guys! Guys! Over here!” Marjan screamed, everyone else came running. Marjan had
found some sticks with the yellow over shirts tied to them. One stated Austin 126, the other LA
118.

“Cap! Cap!” Paul and Marjan shouted.

“Clear!” Mateo shouted, running in with an axe. They all joined in trying to clear the collapsed
wood away from the mine entrance. In very little time that felt like an eternity, they finally made it
through and were able to get into the mine shaft.

“Hey! I see them!” TK shouted. Owen and Hen were laying there, too still for everyone’s liking.
Each team ran over to their guy and pulled them out of the mine shaft after checking their vitals.
They both had a pulse.

“Pulse is slipping, come on, we gotta move.” Eddie instructed, after checking both of them over.
He was the only one who was officially a medic - Marjan was certified but in such a high pressure
situation, it was difficult to keep a level head.

“We’re here, dad.” TK told Owen.

“You’ll be alright.” Judd assured them both, even though neither Owen or Hen were conscious.
Hen was more alert than Owen and they were both carried out of the mine - Hen between Buck and
Eddie, Owen between TK and Judd, with Paul, Marjan and Mateo escorting the pilot.

It felt like a long drive back down the hill but they finally made it back to base camp medical
where Owen and Hen were taken away from their teams in order to get checked out.

“I’m so glad they’re both okay.” Buck sighed, collapsing into the embrace Eddie pulled him into.

“Me, too. That would have put a real damper on this trip if something happened to anyone.” Eddie
laughed.

“Eddie…” Buck sighed.

“There are some things you just have to laugh about, otherwise you’ll cry. This is one of those
times. The tsunami was also one of those times.” Eddie replied. They were both exhausted, so they
headed to medical to check on Hen, who wasn’t there because she’d been dismissed. They’d
checked her over and observed her for an hour but because she’s a paramedic and knows what
signs to look out for, they let her go and get some food and sleep. Which was a good idea, for all of
them.

The next morning, the 126 and the 118 all sat together for breakfast. “I can’t believe we’ve been
here for just over twenty four hours and they’re already dismissing us.” Buck sighed.

“Be grateful that you’ve not been here as long as we have. I’m climbing the walls missing my
family.” TK laughed.

“Very true. We’ve been gone two days already and I can’t wait to get back to Denny and Nia.” Hen
smiled.

“We’re gonna miss you guys, though. It’s been fun having you around. I thought no other house
could possibly be as crazy as us but looks like we’ve met our match.” Paul joked.

“That’s not necessarily a good thing, it’s like having two TK’s and nobody is ready for that!”
Marjan added.

“Hey!” Buck and TK exclaimed.

“I guess we’d better go and say our goodbyes.” Hen suggested. “I’m gonna go and check on
Captain Strand and will meet the rest of you at our rig to say goodbye?”

“Of course, see you soon, Hen.” Judd offered as she got up and headed over to the medical tent.
Buck and Mateo went to sort out what equipment needed to go back with the 118 and Eddie went
with Judd.

“Been nice to have you around, Diaz. If you’re ever in town, you’ll have to come and say hello.”
Judd told him.

“Maybe if we come to see my parents soon, we’ll take extra time to come down to Austin and
likewise, if you ever find yourself in LA, I’d love to meet your wife. Although it totally sounds like
you’re punching above your weight.” Eddie laughed.
“Don’t I know it!” Judd agreed. “Oh, if y’all get hungry on the drive back, there’s a great barbecue
place in Fort Stockton called Rudy’s Ribs. You just tell ‘em that Judd sent you.”

“Thanks, but I think we’re gonna go to my parent’s place in El Paso to eat. We haven’t actually
seen them since well before Matthew was born since it was during the pandemic. They haven’t
seen Buck since we told them we were dating and that he was pregnant. I think I’ll be in trouble if
we don’t call in on the way back up to LA.” Eddie explained.

“I think you really will.” Judd looked astounded. “And you’ve got my number so you can use that
at any time. We really are going to miss you guys even though it’s only been a day.”

“Judd, you’re alright, even if you were a bulldog.” Eddie smiled, offering a hand for his fellow
Texan to shake.

“Well, it makes sense that a California firefighter as good as you had to have been raised in Texas,
so…” Judd smiled.

“All right, brother.” Eddie smiled back as Judd turned around and headed off. Eddie turned his
attention to the ATV that had just pulled up. “Hey, Marwani!” He called. “Was hoping I could get
a pic for Insta.”

“I thought you were off social media.” She replied.

“Yeah, well, it’s not every day you get to take a selfie with #FireFox.” Eddie joked. She couldn’t
disagree with that. Eddie held up his phone and took the picture, him smiling and Marjan just
looking good.

“Oh, now that is just way too much pretty.” Paul commented.

“Shut up, Strickland.” Marjan replied. Paul just laughed at her. Eddie got out of the ATV to accept
Paul’s one armed hug.

“Brother.” Eddie acknowledged.

“Great work up there.” Paul offered.

“Hey, great working with you guys.” Eddie told them all before looking back at Marjan. “And for
the love of God, please follow Buck back on Insta.” Marjan shrugged as Judd laughed and they
drove off.
 Chapter 11

“Marvin Chavez. C-H-A-V-E-Z. He gets out in about three months.” Mateo was telling Buck
about his cousin again.

“I will keep my eyes open.” Buck laughed.

“Cool, cool. Drive safe.” Mateo wished.

“Hey, Buck!” TK called, catching up with the blonde. “You really put yourself out there. Can’t
thank you enough.”

“It’s what we do, right? How is your dad?” Buck checked.

“He’s good. Got a concussion but nothing worse. Hen was saying goodbye to my dad and our
paramedic captain has actually come up to see him so I’ve left them to it. They think we might get
to go home ourselves in a couple of days. I can’t wait to tell Carlos. I’ve missed being in his arms,
and holding Ayla in mine.” TK explained.

“Yeah, I’ve only been away for three days and I miss Matthew like crazy. Don’t know how much
worse that would have been if Eddie wasn’t here with me. It doesn’t bear thinking about.” Buck
acknowledged. “Ooh, hey, if you ever find yourself in LA, don’t be a stranger, I’d love to meet
Carlos and Ayla. You’ve got one cute kid and your boyfriend sounds pretty amazing.”

“He is. And I’m sure we will. And if you’re ever in Austin, you gotta come and see us. Anyway, I
sent you my number, didn't I? So, we can keep in touch. It would be a shame if we never spoke to
each other again after everything we went through in the last day.” TK checked.

“Yeah, you did. Take care, TK.” Buck wished.

“You, too.” TK smiled, heading back to his own truck and bumping into Eddie in the process.
“Great working with you, man.”

“Great working with you, too.” Eddie replied. “Where’s Hen?”

“Still saying goodbye to Captain Strand. I’m sure she’ll be here in a minute. She had some other
stuff to do first, before going to see him.” Buck explained.

“Okay. Are you ready?” Eddie checked as Hen came rushing around the corner.

“Sorry, I’m ready to go now.” She offered.

“Hen, it’s fine. I’m totally ready to go home but at the same time, I’m kind of gonna miss being
here.” Buck smiled as they got in the truck.

“Well, we better head home then.” Hen smiled.

“Is it okay with you if we stop off at my parent’s place in El Paso to grab something to eat? I’ll be
in trouble if I’m in the state and don’t at least stop by to say hello.” Eddie checked.

“And I’ve not seen them in person since before we told them we were dating and that I was
pregnant.” Buck added.

“It’s long overdue then.” Hen laughed.

“It really is.” Buck joined in.

It was a six hour drive out of the way to El Paso but it was the perfect opportunity for Eddie to
officially introduce Buck to his parents without the boys being there. "I'll go in first and tell them
that you guys are here and then we can go in for something to eat." Eddie stated when they arrived.

"Did you not tell them we were coming?" Hen checked.

"I didn't know if we were going to have time to come so I didn't want to get their hopes up in case
we couldn't make it." Eddie replied.

"Makes sense." Buck shrugged as Eddie gave him a chaste kiss before jumping out of the truck and
going to knock on the door.

"Edmundo!" Helena exclaimed, opening the door and pulling her son into a tight hug.

"It's been too long." Ramon added, having heard his wife's shouting.

"We were in San Angelo for work and I thought we'd come up and say hello. And ask if we could
stay for something to eat." Eddie explained.

"Who's we?" Ramon checked.

"Me, Hen and Buck."

"Buck's here? You've got to go and get him! We need to give him a hug." Helena commented.
Eddie looked back to the truck and gave them a thumbs up. Both Hen and Buck quickly got out and
came to the door. Helena practically shoved her son out of the way and pulled Buck into a hug.

"It's good to see you, Buck. We've been dying to meet you officially." Ramon offered, clapping a
hand on Buck's shoulder as his wife still hadn't let the poor boy go.

"I'm sure Buck would like to breathe." Eddie commented, looking at his mother.

"You can't blame her, Eddie. If she's not seen Buck since before you told her you guys were
together and that Buck was pregnant and now Matthew is five months old so your mom owes him
a lot of hugs." Hen reasoned.

"Thank you. Someone who understands." Helena smiled.

"Please can I have my boyfriend back, Mama?" Eddie asked again.

"Sorry, Buck." Helena apologised, finally letting him go.

"It's okay. I'm just sorry that you've not been able to meet Matthew yet." Buck commented.

"We were planning to come and see you soon anyway now that some of the restrictions are being
lifted. We were planning to come up for Spring Break if that's okay? We'd probably stay with
Isabel so we weren't under your feet all the time." Helena explained.

"I'm sure Christopher would love that and we can't wait for you to meet Matthew." Buck smiled.

"Where are our manners? Please, come in and sit down. Can we get you all a drink?" Ramon
offered, leading them through to the living room. Buck and Eddie took a seat together with Hen
sinking into one of the armchairs. Eddie linked his and Buck's hands.

"Are you okay?" Eddie checked when his parents had left the room to fetch them all some coffee to
keep them awake on the drive home.

"Yeah, just a little overwhelmed at how lovely they're being." Buck sighed.

"I told you that they loved you. You've given them another grandchild and they know how much
you love me and Christopher and how much we love you. I know it's tough, with your parents nor
reacting the same way but no matter what happens, you will always have us. I love you." Eddie
assured him, wrapping an arm around Buck. Buck just curled into Eddie, resting his head on his
boyfriend's shoulder.

"I love you, too." Buck smiled, pressing a kiss to Eddie's cheek. Helena and Ramon slowly crept
back into the room.

"We didn't mean to eavesdrop but I'm really sorry if we've made you uncomfortable, Buck. But
Eddie was right, we are just so happy that Eddie has found someone that loves him and Christopher
so much.” Helena apologised.

“It’s okay. I guess I’m just a little bitter that my parents didn’t react like you did. They weren’t
happy for us. They didn’t care at all. I haven’t even told them that Matthew was born in September.
They haven’t even called to see how I am. Whereas you guys get in touch with Eddie all the time to
ask how all four of us are.” Buck explained.

“I’m sorry to hear that the news wasn’t as well received by your parents but you’re part of the Diaz
family now. If you want to give us your number, we’re more than happy to check up on you
directly.” Ramon offered.

“Thank you, I’d really like that.” Buck smiled.

 Chapter 12

“I’m so glad to be back home again.” Buck told Eddie as they got back into the house. Aunt Pepa
would be dropping Christopher and Matthew back home after they’d been to the park, giving Buck
and Eddie some time to rest for a little bit after getting back.

“Me, too. Sleeping in our own bed sounds like heaven.” Eddie agreed.

“I’m just gonna let TK know we made it back to LA okay.” Buck told his boyfriend.

TK: It was great to meet you, glad to hear you made it back safely. We’ve just been told we get to
go home tonight.

Buck: That’s the most amazing news! I bet you’re more than ready to see your boyfriend again.

TK: Definitely, a week apart is far too long!

Buck: I’d have to agree with you on that one.

TK: Right, I’d better get back to work, the rest of the 126 are giving me dirty looks.

Buck: Stay safe.

TK: You, too.

“I’m thinking the two of you being friends is a bad idea. You’re too similar.” Eddie laughed.

“Yeah, you totally shouldn’t have left me unsupervised just because you wanted to ride around
burning woods on an ATV.” Buck smirked, allowing Eddie to pull him into a kiss.

“We have some time before the boys get home, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Eddie asked.

“Definitely.” Buck smiled, beginning to get undressed.

“Dad! Buck!” Chris exclaimed as Aunt Pepa let them in, carrying Matthew in his car seat.

“Chris!” Eddie smiled, pulling his son into his arms.

“How was Texas?” Pepa asked.

“It was good but we’re glad to be home. Thank you for helping Abuela with the boys.” Buck
greeted, allowing Pepa to pull him into a one armed hug.

“They’re both such a delight, it’s really no problem.” Pepa smiled. Buck took Matthew’s car seat
from Aunt Pepa and got him out.

“Hi, baby. We missed you and your brother so much.” Buck announced, holding Matthew close.
Buck used his free arm to pull Christopher into the hug.

“I’ll let you guys have your time together.” Aunt Pepa stated.
“You don’t have to. We’d be happy to get you something to drink.” Eddie offered.

“No, no, enjoy your time as a family before you go back to work in a couple of days.” She smiled.

“Thank you.” Buck and Eddie smiled as she left.

“Did you have a good time with Abuela?” Eddie asked their eldest.

“Yeah, I’ve been helping her look after Matthew. We spent a lot of time sitting together. I sit on the
floor and he will sit leaning against me. We also play peek-a-boo like you taught me. But he still
sleeps a lot, still.” Chris explained.

“He’s very lucky to have you as a big brother.” Buck smiled. He was so glad to be home.

“So, how was Texas?” Bobby asked as they all got ready for their shift a couple of days later.

“It was good, actually. I miss the 126.” Buck told his Captain.

“Only because they had a guy that was just like you and you got on really well.” Eddie laughed.

“Another station has a Buck?” Chimney checked.

“Yeah and Hen and Eddie both left me alone with him.” Buck smirked.

“You left him unsupervised with someone like him? That sounds like a terrible idea.” Bobby
gasped.

“It was. But we reigned them in eventually.” Eddie smiled.

“Yeah, when we had to go save Hen and Captain Strand.” Buck continued.

“You stole a fire truck and drove it past the fire line despite being explicitly told not to.” Hen
offered.

“You stole a fire truck? I thought you’d grown out of that. You’re a father now.” Bobby frowned.

“It was to save Hen and Captain Strand and it’s not as if Eddie and the rest of the 126 stopped us!
They joined us!” Buck defended.

“If you can’t beat them, join them.” Eddie shrugged.

They would have continued talking but the alarm went off and they were soon on their way to a
call. And by what dispatch had to say, it was a strange one.

When they arrived at the scene, they were shown into a backyard where a woman was floating in
her pool, but there was blood everywhere. Dispatch had said there was a gunshot on the call and
the sound of the woman falling into a pool and then no answer but you never know what has
happened until you get onto the scene. “Gunshot wound to the chest. She was already dead when
we got here.” Athena explained.

“Don’t think we’ll be needing those med kits.” Bobby told Buck and Eddie.

“Yeah, Crime Scene unit’s on the way. We just need to get a medical confirmation that she’s
dead.” Athena continued.

“On it. Excuse me.” Chim said, moving past Buck.

“Uh, did you just say ‘excuse me’?” Buck checked, he then turned to his boyfriend. “Chimney’s
being weird.”

“How can you tell?” Eddie responded. Buck looked around.

“Ooh, ooh,” he pointed to the gate. “Whoever killed her kicked that gate in good. Saw a clean
footprint on it.”

“Well, that foot would be mine. The gate was latched shut from the inside. Front door was locked,
too.” Athena corrected.

“If everything was locked when you got here, how’d the murderer get in or out?” Eddie asked.

“It’s a locked room mystery.” Buck mused.

“A locked yard mystery, what do you think? Home invasion gone bad? Murder for hire?” Eddie
asked, turning to Buck.

“Was she married? ‘Cause… you know. The husband is usually the culprit.” Buck turned to
Athena.

“Are we making a true crime podcast?” She replied.

“Calling it - definitely some signs of struggle. Looks like a fresh manicure, too.” Hen stated.

“Guessing the broken nail would have bugged her less than the bullet hole.” Chim commented.

“You got an ID for the paperwork?” Hen asked.

“Yeah, the victim’s name is Delia Narwood.” Detective Marks replied as he entered the yard.
“She’s the owner and sole occupant of the property.” Marks tripped over a garden gnome and
Buck steadied him before he fell into the pool. “And… apparent fan of tiny garden statuary.” He
laughed.

“How you doin’, Rick?” Bobby laughed.

“Nice to see ya, Bobby.” Rick smiled.

“Hey, you know none of this mail’s addressed to Delia Narwood - it’s not even the right house
number.” Eddie commented, looking at the pile of mail.

“So she was stealing people’s mail. Maybe she saw something she wasn’t supposed to… and it got
her killed.” Buck theorised.

“Okay, Cagney and Lacey, I think your work here is done.” Athena stated as Bobby and Rick
laughed.

“All right. Let’s saddle up.” Bobby smiled.

 Chapter 13

Eddie had gone out with Chris for the afternoon as Matthew was having a nap and Buck had stayed
at home to catch up on some cleaning and the laundry when there was a knock on the door. “Hey,
Maddie.” He greeted, opening the door to find his older sister. He then had to go and get Matthew
as the knock had woken him up and he was now crying.

“Hi, can I come in?” She asked.

“Of course, come and sit down. Can I get you a drink?”

“Water would be great, please.” Maddie requested.

“So, what made you come and see me?” Buck asked, returning with some water for them both.

“Can’t I just come and visit my brother because I want to see him?” Maddie asked.

“You can, but I get the feeling there’s an ulterior motive to your visit because you’ve come when
Eddie and Christopher aren’t home.” Buck explained, Matthew having quickly fallen back to sleep
now he was in his Papa's arms.

“You’re right. There’s something I need to talk to you about.” Maddie caved.

“Which is?”

“I was talking to Mom and Dad, while you were in Texas and I suggested that now the restrictions
are lifted, it might be nice to see them.” Maddie told him.

“You invited Mom and Dad to visit?” Buck asked.

“Yes.” Maddie confirmed, slowly.

“And you’re just telling me now.” Buck continued.

“Well, you know, you were in Texas, and… I wasn’t completely sure they were coming.” Maddie
defended.

“You’re just telling me now that they have crossed the California state line, and it’s too late for me
to talk you out of it. Though… I’m still not sure who talked you into it.” Buck clarified.

“No one.” Maddie sighed. “I guess I just… want my little girl to have a normal family. You know,
uncles and grandparents that she might actually know.”

“Well then maybe you should've gotten knocked up by a guy who has one of those.” Buck snarked.

“Well, that is not funny.” Maddie frowned. “Maybe… maybe this’ll be a good thing, you know?
You could talk to Mom and Dad., tell them how you’ve been feeling. Could be good for your
therapy, right?”

“Or cause me to need more of it.” Buck exclaimed, startling Matthew who was fast asleep in his
arms.

“I think I’m willing to try. And… maybe Mom and Dad are too.” Maddie noted.
“Fine.” Buck sighed. “But I’m bringing Eddie. I’ll ask Bobby and Athena if they’ll have the boys
for the night. And we’re a team, okay? A-a united front. You are not allowed to leave me alone
with them. We also can’t leave Eddie alone with them or he will say something.”

“I won’t. I promise. And don’t worry, Chimney’s gonna be there, too. Although he will probably
be glad that Eddie will be there, too. And Albert’s coming.” Maddie assured him.

“Albert’s coming?” Buck checked.

“Yeah.” Maddie repeated.

“This is gonna be a train wreck, I hope you realise that.” Buck stated.

“Please, Evan. I need you to try, for me.” Maddie requested.

“You know Eddie basically hates our parents. And I don’t exactly like them myself. But, I will
come because you have asked me to, okay? But if they start being rude, Eddie and I are gonna
leave.” Buck told her.

“Okay. But I don’t think it’s gonna be as bad as you’re imagining.” Maddie replied.

“No, it’s probably going to be worse.”

“Hey, we’re back!” Eddie called, pushing the stroller into the house.

“Did you have a good time at the park?” Buck asked, pulling Chris into a hug.

“Yeah, Matthew and I got to go on the swings!” Chris exclaimed.

“And I’m tired from pushing them both.” Eddie laughed.

“I see you tired Matthew out.” Buck smiled, he was fast asleep in the stroller.

“Are you okay? You seem a little tense.” Eddie observed.

“We’ll talk later, when the boys are both in bed.” Buck deflected.

“Can we go and play a game?” Chris asked, looking at Buck.

“Of course we can.” Buck accepted.

“And then you’re going to do your homework.” Eddie told Chris.

“Do I have to?” Chris whined.

“I can help you, if you want?” Buck offered.

“And leave me to burn down the house, attempting to make dinner?” Eddie joked.

“We could always order in tonight?” Buck suggested.

“Sounds good to me.” Eddie pressed a kiss to Buck’s cheek before Buck went to play video games
with Chris and Eddie took Matthew up to bed.
“So, the boys are both in bed. What’s going on?” Eddie asked that night as they were doing the
dishes together.

“Uh, Maddie invited my parents to LA.” Buck began.

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“She wants me to go to dinner with them. I said that I’ll go, but only if you come with me.” Buck
admitted.

“If you’re sure that’s what you want to do then, of course I’ll be there with you. There’s no way
I’d let you go by yourself.” Eddie accepted.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Where’s Buck? Is he joining us?” Bobby checked as he got their dinner out.

“He’s on the phone with Doctor Copeland. Emergency therapy session.” Eddie replied.

“Again?” Bobby was concerned.

“Yeah, he had to ask her for advice on some, uh, de-escalation techniques.” Eddie explained.

“What? Is he afraid his parent’s visit is gonna turn into a hostage situation?” Bobby joked.
Chimney then dropped all of the cutlery.

“What?” He asked when everyone turned to look at him.

“What do you think they’re like?” Hen mused. “The parents, I mean. I mean, I look at Maddie…
and then I look at Buck, and I’m like… ‘there’s a story there’.”

“You have no idea.” Chimney muttered. Everyone turned to look at him again. “None of us has
any idea. Just too bad, ‘cause you know… If we all knew, we could talk about what we know and
then we’d all know it. No one would be stuck keeping anything to themselves, alone, with no one
to talk to about some potentially explosive information they really wish they didn’t know.” Chim
rambled. Everyone kept looking at him. “I gotta go.” Chimney then ran away and slid down the
fireman’s pole.

“Do we even wanna know what that was about?” Eddie asked.

“No.” Bobby stated.

“Definitely not.” Hen agreed.

“Kay.” Eddie shrugged. “Oh, Cap, are you sure you and Athena don’t mind watching the boys for
us? It’s your day off, too.”

“From the fact he keeps scheduling emergency therapy sessions, Buck needs you to be there with
him. Of course we’re still okay to watch the boys. Besides, you said Matthew will probably be
asleep most of the time.” Bobby reasoned.

“We really appreciate it. Buck had to convince me for us both to go and I still think it’s a bad idea.”
Eddie sighed. “Maddie really wants Buck to try and repair things with their parents. I don’t think
they deserve Buck to waste his time on them but if he wants to try then I’m gonna be there to
support him.”

“He’s lucky to have you.” Bobby smiled.

“No, I’m lucky to have him.”

 Chapter 14

“We’ve brought wine - red, white, sparkling, in case you wanna do any celebratory toasts. And
tequila. Not sure why we needed two bottles.” Buck explained as he got them out for Chimney to
sort.

“One of them is for you.” Maddie commented. “I thought you might need it.”

“The other one is for me.” Chimney piped up.

“You’re wearing jeans.” Albert commented, looking at his brother. “I was told I was not allowed to
wear jeans.” Albert clarified at the confused looks on both Buck and Eddie’s faces as they were
both wearing jeans. Eddie had dressed up significantly more than his boyfriend.

“You stop whining. Preheat the oven. 350.” Buck instructed.

“Whoa, we’re baking stuff?” Maddie asked.

“Baked brie. Fig jam.” Buck explained.

“When did you start liking fig?” Eddie asked, looking at his boyfriend. Buck tensed up where there
was a knock on the door as everyone else turned to look. Buck threw the brie to Albert who put it
in the oven. Eddie squeezed Buck’s hand.

“And, I think we’re ready.” Chimney announced. Buck and Maddie both took a deep breath as
Maddie went to open the door.

“Dad!” Maddie exclaimed.

“Maddie.” Phillip smiled.

“Mom! You guys did not have to bring presents.” Maddie continued when looking at the masses of
stuff they’d brought.

“We’re grandparents now. Spoiling comes with the job.” Phillip corrected. Buck was silently
fuming, Maddie’s baby got spoiled and his baby got ignored? Eddie placed a calming hand on his
boyfriend’s shoulder, even though he was angry too.

“Mr and Mrs Buckley, hi, I’m Howard Han. It’s nice to finally meet you both.” Chimney
introduced.

“Hi, Howard.” Margaret smiled.

“Here, let me get these for you.” Chimney offered, taking the basket of presents from Buck and
Maddie’s mom.

“Thank you.” Margaret smiled.

“Thanks.” Phillip shut the door behind him.

“Hey.” Buck greeted.

“Evan.” Margaret acknowledged.

“You look good.” Phillip added.

“Ah, so do you.” Buck offered.

“Evan, you didn’t really tell us much past the fact you were pregnant but there’s some toys for you
in our car.” Margaret added, looking at her son.

“Matthew was born five months ago, Mom. You’re a little late on that one.” Buck deadpanned.

“Why didn’t you tell us, Evan? We could have come down to see you sooner.” Phillip frowned.

“Because you never asked me, you never seemed interested in my pregnancy. You never called to
see how I was doing. I figured you didn’t care about your grandson.” Buck explained.

“I’m Eddie, by the way, Eddie Diaz. Matthew’s other father and Buck’s boyfriend.” Eddie added.

“Uh, this is my brother, Albert.” Chimney introduced, trying to cut through the tension.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” Phillip said, politely.

“Buck. You’re still letting people call you that.” Margaret said.

“It’s just a nickname, Mom.” Buck huffed.

“Ugh.” Margaret sighed.

“Oh, you guys don’t like nicknames? But Maddie-” Chimney asked.

“Is the name on my birth certificate.” Maddie laughed.

“Would anyone like a drink? We have many options.” Albert offered.

“I believe I’ll start with tequila.” Buck whispered.

“I’ll join you.” Albert commented.

“So, Howard, do… people call you Howard?” Phillip asked.

“Yes. Yes they do.” Chim smiled.

“And is Eddie short for anything?” Phillip asked, paying attention to Eddie for the first time.

“Edmundo, but only my parents get to call me that. Or Buck.” Eddie stated. Buck really wanted to
kiss his boyfriend.

“Please, this way.” Chimney interrupted, leading them through to the living room.

“We got this.” Maddie told Buck.

“United front.” Buck added, linking his pinky finger with Maddie’s. Maddie went through to the
room and Buck went into the kitchen to help Albert and Eddie with drinks. He allowed his
boyfriend to pull him into a hug. Buck wrapped his arms around Eddie’s neck and joined their lips,
quickly.

“Thank you.” Buck whispered against Eddie’s lips, allowing Eddie to give him another chaste kiss
before they separated and took everyone’s drinks through.
“I’m glad you guys had a nice drive.” Maddie was saying as Buck sat down beside her and
Chimney, Albert and Eddie went back to the kitchen to sort the food. Eddie couldn’t trust himself
not to lose his mind with the Buckley parents so he was just trying to be where they weren’t, whilst
also keeping an ear out in case Buck needed him.

“We saw a lot of the country.” Phillip smiled.

“The first few days there was nothing but rain, then we got here, blue skies and sunshine.”
Margaret smiled. Chimney came over and sat on the arm of Maddie’s chair, offering her some
comfort.

“Yeah, we had a lotta rain earlier in the year, but, uh, lately it’s been dry.” Buck conversed.

“Hmm.” Margaret hummed.

“I-I can’t believe you drove all the way across the country in an RV - that sounds exciting.” Albert
chatted.

“Statistically speaking, it seemed the safest way to travel right now.” Phillip said.

“Yeah. We didn’t want to take any chances, given Maddie’s condition and it being a high risk
pregnancy.” Margaret continued.

“Well, no, it’s not really high risk -” Chimney defended.

“Oh, she’s over thirty five. That puts her at a higher risk so we all need to be extra careful.”
Margaret corrected.

“The baby’s fine, Mom.” Maddie huffed.

“But you don’t want to take any chances. Not when you’ve waited this long.” Margaret added.

“Wow.” Albert mouthed to Eddie who was still lingering in the kitchen but came to place a hand
on Buck’s shoulder as he tensed up.

“Uh, she was just waiting for the right time. The right guy.” Buck defended, turning to Maddie and
Chim to smile at them.

“God knows it wasn’t Doug.” Phillip said.

“Okay. Let’s not talk about him.” Maddie requested.

“Of course, I’m sorry.” Phillip chuckled. “I’m just… I’m so happy to see you happy. Now, Evan,
Maddie tells us that you’ve been seeing a therapist?”

“She did? Mentioned the therapist but not the fact Matthew had been born?” Buck frowned.

“I’m gonna get some water.” Chim whispered, making himself scarce.

“Anything we should be worried about there?” Phillip asked.

“It's none of your business.” Eddie stated, Buck took Eddie’s hand in his and intertwined their
fingers.

“No. Of course not. It’s- that’s the job, you know? It can be stressful. It’s good to try and get ahead
of it.” Buck lied.
“You know, your father and I went to see a therapist.” Margaret conversed.

“Uh, really? When?” Buck asked in disbelief.

“Well, after all this business with Maddie and the husband who shall not be named, we felt like
there were some things we needed to work through.” Margaret explained.

“So you… you went and talked to a therapist about my problems?” Maddie checked, beginning to
feel angry.

“It wasn’t as if you wanted to talk to us about them. Buck had to call to tell us that Doug was
dead.” Phillip deflected.

“Well, I didn’t want you to find out on Dateline.” Buck snarked.

“You know what, I’m gonna start bringing this stuff into the kitchen. Would anybody like a refill
while I’m in there?” Chimney asked.

“I’ll help.” Albert jumped at the chance to escape.

“Yeah, uh, me- me too.” Buck smiled wryly before allowing Eddie to pull him into the kitchen and
into his arms.

“Are you okay?” He whispered.

“I just want to go home and curl up with the boys. Instead, we’re here.” Buck sighed.

“Then let’s go home.” Eddie suggested.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Evan seems good. After you called, I though… I don’t know what. But he seems fine.” Buck
heard his Mom say to Maddie faintly.

“Yeah, well, he’s good at pretending to be fine. I’m just glad he has Eddie. And their boys. I dread
to think how he would be without them.” Maddie shrugged.

“Boys? Plural?” Phillip checked.

“I had a son with my late ex-wife. His name is Christopher and he’s nine.” Eddie explained,
coming back into the room with Buck in tow.

“Oh.” Margaret acknowledged.

“I’m sorry to cut this short but Eddie and I need to get back to the boys. I’m sure Maddie will
arrange for us all to spend some more time together soon.” Buck reckoned.

“Okay, well, it was good to see you, Evan and it was nice to meet you, Eddie.” Phillip offered.

“I’m just gonna go and say goodbye.” Maddie smiled, heading into the kitchen with her brother.
“What the hell, you’re ditching me? What about a united front?” She exclaimed.

“I just need to get out of here. I’m glad they’re excited about your daughter but I’m feeling very
excluded.” Buck frowned.
“I’m sorry you feel that way-”

“Please just let me go home.” Buck begged.

“Okay, I’m sorry.” Maddie sighed, pulling Buck into a hug. “Give the boys a hug for me.”
 Chapter 15

“So, how did last night go?” Hen asked Chimney, Buck and Eddie as they joined her and Bobby
for breakfast.

“I really, really don’t want to talk about it.” Buck stated.

“Let’s just go with bad and move on.” Eddie added. Hen and Bobby raised their eyebrows and
looked at Chimney.

“I’ll tell you later.” He offered.

"Did they say bomb threat?" Buck checked as they got on the truck.

"Yeah, apparently this guy worked there for years and they just got rid of him after he had an
accident." Bobby explained.

"So understandably, he's furious but is not going about things the right way." Buck commented. It
reminded him of a time he’d rather forget but at least he didn’t overreact as much as this guy did.

"Basically." Hen agreed.

“We're clearing the building now but we need to shut off gas and power as a precaution.” Officer
Williams explained when they arrived on scene.

“Eddie, you’re on electrical. Buck, I want you to go up the street, shut the gas off at the main.”
Bobby instructed.

“Copy that.” They said in unison before running off. When they made it back, they were sent into
the building to find a guy who had collapsed having an asthma attack, at least that was the message
they’d got from dispatch.

Eddie caught up with Chimney in the stairwell but neither of them had found the guy yet. “Hey,
you find asthma guy yet?” Chim checked.

“Nah, I checked the main stairwell. No signs of anyone.”

“All right, maybe the garage underneath. I’ll check it out, you clear the rest of the lobby, make
sure nobody’s in the elevators.” Chim suggested.

“All right, copy.” Eddie agreed, heading up.

“All right.” Chim repeated before running off.

Eddie went through the lobby again, double checked the elevators when Bobby’s voice came over
the radio. “All right, Chimney, Eddie, Bomb Squad is ready to go in. You guys clear? Chimney,
you copy? Chimney, come in. Chimney, come in!” Eddie headed down to the garage as that was
Chim’s last known location. “Chimney, you copy?” Bobby tried again.
“Hey, Chim!” Eddie shouted, running into the garage. “Chim, hey. You didn’t hear? Squad’s
moving in.”

“We’ll be out in a minute.” Chim replied.

“Come on, we can carry him-” Eddie suggested.

“No, don’t, it’s okay. Just… It’s all right.” Chim interrupted. Eddie looked to the guy Chim was
with and saw a dead man’s switch in his hand. “Just make sure everybody else clears out.”

“Got it. I’ll let the Cap know.” Eddie accepted, rushing out to go and tell Bobby and the bomb
squad. “Wait, wait, wait!”

“Where’s your other guy?” Bomb Squad asked.

“He’s in there with the bomber.” Eddie exclaimed.

“I need to get my men in there and get a bead on this guy.” Bomb Squad announced.

“Not until we find out what’s happened with my guy.” Bobby argued. “Did you see anything?”

“The guy was breathing hard. I don’t think he was faking that. Yeah, he definitely had something
in his hand, probably a bomb, or at least a detonator on him.” Eddie explained.

“Why wouldn’t Han just run?” Bomb Squad asked.

“I don’t know.” Buck commented.

“What was I supposed to say, huh? Hey, is that a dead man’s trigger or-? I just figured he wanted
me out of there.” Eddie reasoned.

“A plunger means he controls it. A dead man’s trigger is designed so that-” Buck rambled.

“I’m familiar, Buck.” Bobby stopped him.

“Okay. My guys got a partial visual with infrared. He said they’re just… sitting there. Might be
talking.” Bomb Squad explained.

“Talking him down.” Eddie suggested.

“Could be just buying us some time.” Bobby added.

“What do you think they’re talking about?” Buck wondered. The Bomb Squad guy got a call.

“Very explosive. Yes, very. Copy that.” He hung up and turned back to the 118. “Company
searched their job site. Discovered six pounds of C four missing.”

“Well, he knew exactly where to find it.” Bobby remarked.

“Maybe Chimney needs to stop talking to him. Could set him off. Sorry, bad choice of words.”
Buck grimaced.

“All clear, all clear. We’re coming out.” Chim’s voice came over the radio. Everyone breathed a
sigh of relief. Hen took a gurney to Chim and Bomb Squad went in to get the explosives. As Stan
was being put in the ambulance and everyone else was getting ready to get back in the truck when
Stan called to Buck.
“Is that- Hey, are you Buck?” Stan called.

“Please, sit back. That’s it.” Chim pushed the oxygen mask back over his face.

“Uh, yeah, that’s me.” Buck replied, coming over.

“Ha ha, so it’s true.” Sta laughed.

“What’s true?” Hen asked.

“Okay, that O2 must really be kickin’ in. In ya go, Stanley.” Chim forced.

“You’re not lyin’.” Stan continued.

“Not lying about what?” Buck asked as Chim shut the door to the ambulance and they drove off.
Buck just felt so confused.

"Hey, Maddie." Buck sighed, accepting that call from his sister.

"Look, I know this is probably the last thing you want to do with your day off but Mom and Dad
are coming over for dinner again tomorrow and I want you to be there." Maddie stated, not beating
around the Bush this time.

"Why would I want to do that? Eddie and I didn't even make it to dinner yesterday. We left while
everyone was still having drinks.” Buck asked.

“Because they’re your parents and you need to make up with them!” Maddie exclaimed.

“I don’t need to do anything! I don’t see why I should give up another day off to spend time with
two people I don’t want to spend time with when I could be at home with my boyfriend and our
kids.” Buck replied.

“Please, Evan, please. United front, remember? You already ditched me early last night. You owe
me.” Maddie tried to manipulate him.

“I’ll talk to Eddie and see what he thinks. I’ll get back to you. I’m sorry I ditched you last night but
I did what I had to for the sake of my own sanity. I would have just exploded on them and made
everything worse than it already was.” Buck explained. He was getting annoyed that Maddie kept
thinking he needed to spend time with their parents and attempt to repair his broken relationship.
He didn’t need them growing up and he certainly didn’t need them now.

“Are you okay?” Eddie asked, coming into the bunk room as Buck ended the call.

“Maddie wants us to go to dinner with my parents again tomorrow. I said I’d talk to you before
deciding.” Buck replied.

“Do you want to go to dinner with them again? It’s completely your choice.” Eddie smiled.

“I don’t know. Maddie made me feel bad that we left early last night. She’s making me feel as
though I owe her this.”

“You don’t owe her anything, carino. I’m fine with us going but only if that’s what you want to
do.” Eddie insisted.

“We can go, but I’m done holding my tongue. If they say anything then I’ll say something back.”
Buck reasoned.

“I’m glad to hear it. And whatever happens, I’ve got your back.” Eddie assured, pulling Buck into
a kiss.
 Chapter 16
Chapter Notes

I'm not currently working on this fic but I thought you'd like to have these chapters that
are already completed, up to chapter 18. I am planning on returning to work on this fic
but can't say when that will be :) Thanks for all the love and support.

Dinner was eaten mostly in silence, Buck didn’t know how Maddie had convinced him to attend
but he was very grateful that Bobby and Athena offered to look after the boys again so Eddie could
come with him. He would have dreaded doing this without his boyfriend by his side. Without
Eddie, he probably wouldn’t have come. When dinner was over, they moved over to the living
room, just like they had a couple of days ago and were telling Margaret and Phillip Buckley all
about the bomb threat from yesterday’s shift.

“Well, I’m just glad everybody’s okay.” Margaret said.

“You all seem to have very dangerous jobs.” Phillip added.

“Not really. I mean, most of the time, it’s pretty run of the mill.” Maddie defended.

“Yeah. And Stan wasn’t a bad guy. He just… needed someone to see him. To understand how
much pain he was in. He probably wasn’t gonna blow the place up.” Chimney explained.

“Still seems… very risky. I mean, from what I hear, Evan has spent quite a lot of time in hospitals.”
Phillip continued.

“From what you hear?” Eddie asked, incredulously.

“You coulda come. Seen for yourself.” Buck offered.

“Evan, I’ve told you-” Margaret began.

“You, uh, you’re not good with hospitals. I got it.” Buck shrugged it off.

“I’m not good at seeing my children in them. You don’t know!” Margaret defended, getting
worked up. Phillip placed a hand on his wife’s arm.

“Mom, Mom.” Maddie cut in, shaking her head. Buck looked at her confused.

“I’m fine. I’m ready for dessert.” Margaret deflected.

“You’re right, it was heartbreaking to see Buck in hospital but he’s okay. He recovered. Not that
you had anything to do with it. And he really could have done with your support.” Eddie snarked,
getting up and going to get himself another drink.

“Well, that was rude.” Phillip commented.

“I’m done being polite. You should be glad that I have someone who loves me and defends me
like Eddie does. I’ve been through a lot and if I didn’t have Eddie and the love and support from
the rest of the 118, I would probably be dead. So you owe them all a lot.” Buck announced.

“Oh, Howard, where’d you put that box we brought?” Phillip asked, changing the subject.

“Dad, more gifts?” Maddie checked. She did feel bad that her baby girl was being spoiled by her
parents and her brother had only been given teddy and a few blankets.

“Not exactly.” Phillip smiled.

“It’s over by the couch, let me grab it.” Chimney said, getting up and grabbing the box. Eddie
came back into the room and sat back down with Buck.

“Hey.” Buck whispered, allowing Eddie to press a chaste kiss to his lips. He no longer cared what
his parents thought.

“I like him, Maddie.” Margaret smiled.

“Me too.” Maddie agreed.

“You picked a good one this time.” Margaret added.

“Mom!” Buck exclaimed.

“It was a compliment, Evan.” Margaret defended.

“Oh, was it?” Buck snarked.

“Ugh!” Margaret huffed. Chimney brought the box over, it had Maddie painted on the top.

“Your baby box.” Margaret smiled. Maddie gasped and opened it. “I thought you might wanna
pass on some of these things to your little girl someday.”

“Aw!” Chim smiled.

“Oh, this is cool. I-I didn’t know you made these for us. When do I get mine?” Buck asked.
Margaret and Phillip shared a look.

“Hey, I still don’t think you’re a grown up yet. They’re probably still adding stuff to it.” Chim
joked. No one laughed.

“I can’t believe you kept all this.” Maddie remarked.

“You thought we’d throw it away?” Phillip questioned.

“We may not have agreed with all the choices you made, Maddie, but we never gave up hope that
you’d come to your senses. And you did.” Margaret remarked.

“You never gave up hope?” Buck checked.

“Evan, let’s not do this.” Maddie whispered.

“United front, remember? You guys didn’t even go to her wedding.” Buck exclaimed.

“Oh, she was making a terrible mistake. We told her that.” Margaret offered.

“Yeah, people make mistakes. Doesn’t mean you give up on ‘em. But you did. She married Doug
and you cut her off.” Buck continued.

“At the time, we thought it was… for the best.” Phillip defended.

“We didn’t know what was going on. I swear, Maddie, we didn’t know he was hurting you.”
Margaret added.

“Well, you should have. You shoulda known! You shoulda known! You were right there in the
same town. How could you not know? Actually, you know what? Maybe it does track, ‘cause you
barely knew what was going on with your own kids when we were under the same roof. Maybe
you never gave up hope… You sure as hell gave up on her. You gave up on both of us.” Buck
exploded. As soon as he was done, he got up. “Oh, and, uh, you wanna know why I’m really in
therapy? It is because I have spent my entire life feeling like a constant disappointment. And you
wanna talk about our jobs? You think my job is dangerous? I have walked through fire every single
day of my life because of you. When I had my son, I didn’t think it was possible to love another
human being that much because I never felt loved by you, I never felt like you wanted me and I
needed to talk to someone about how that made me feel because that is not how I feel about either
of my boys! That is why I am in therapy! Because nothing I ever did was good enough!”

“We tried. But you always-” Phillip started.

“You never made it easy on us. Either one of you.” Margaret defended.

“We were supposed to? We were kids.” Maddie asked.

“Evan, I don’t know what you expected us to do!” Margaret exclaimed.

“Love me anyway.” Buck cried, tears falling as he went through to Maddie and Chim’s bedroom,
slamming the door behind him and sat on the edge of the bed, sobbing.

“I don’t know how Buck ended up being such an amazing person after what you put him through.
But you’re not our children’s grandparents. Our sons have two sets of grandparents that care about
them, and about us. We don’t need you.” Eddie sneered, getting up and following Buck into the
bedroom. Eddie sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled a sobbing Buck into his arms. It wasn’t
long until Maddie came through to check on him, she was crying too.

“I’m so sorry for asking you to come, Buck.” She sobbed.

“I think, in a way, I needed to do that.” Buck replied, letting go of Eddie and hugging his sister
instead.
 Chapter 17

The next day at work, Buck spent a lot of time on the punching bag, trying to work through the
anger he had been left with now the disappointment had gone. “Tell Mom and Dad how you feel.
It’ll be a fresh start! Two dinners. That’s all it took. Two dinners and I am twelve again, trapped
between my sister and my parents. And now… planning my awkward apology.” Buck ranted.

“What do you have to apologise for, babe? Did you say anything that wasn’t true? Because I was
there and they deserved every word of what you said.”

“No, it was all true, but-” Buck started.

“Well, look, maybe you could have come at it a little differently, but if that’s how you feel, how
they made you feel, you have every right to say so. I may have also said some rude things before
we stormed off.”

“Yeah, I don’t need anymore therapy. I just wanna hit things.” Buck replied.

“I’ve been down that road, remember? I don’t recommend it.” Eddie smiled, wryly. They were
interrupted by Buck’s phone ringing.

“Maddie again?” Eddie guessed.

“Yeah.” Buck sighed. “She’s worried about me.” Buck moved away from his phone and launched
himself at the punching back.

“Can’t imagine why.” Eddie commented.

“We’re all worried about you.” Bobby added, coming up to where Buck was working through his
problems. “I accept that it must be very difficult for you. But you don’t need them. You have
Eddie’s family and you have me and Athena, and the rest of the 118.”

“I know, and I’m very grateful to have all of you but it doesn’t take away the disappointment of the
fact my actual, biological parents don’t give a shit about me. It’s half of the reason that I’m talking
to Doctor Copeland. I love Christopher and Matthew so much and I can’t imagine abandoning
them no matter what decisions they make in life.” Buck explained.

“Some people just aren’t meant to be parents but they are.” Eddie shrugged.

“Are you okay?” Maddie checked. She’d finally convinced Buck to come over as it was just her.
Eddie had stayed at home with the boys. Buck didn’t plan to stay at Maddie’s for long. He’d not
spent enough time at home with the boys lately as on both of their days off so far this week, they’d
had dinner with Maddie, Chim and his parents.

“Embarrassed, mostly… about the way I went off on Mom and Dad.” Buck admitted.

“You weren’t half as harsh as Eddie was. Besides, you don’t have to defend me. I can take care of
myself.” Maddie replied.

“Well, you shouldn’t have to. Not from your own parents. But I’m sorry. I know you’re trying to
fix things with them.” Buck continued.
“Not just for me. For you, too. You shouldn’t have to carry the weight of their mistakes. You
deserve better than that.”

“I don’t want to fix things with them, Maddie. They lost all opportunity to be a part of my life
when they didn’t give a shit about me or Matthew. I’m glad that they’re here for you now, but I
don’t need them or the negativity in my life. I have people that matter to me, that deserve my time
and attention and our parents aren’t on that list.” Buck corrected.

“I get that. And I need you to know that you have never… you’ve never been a disappointment.”
Maddie comforted him.

“You know, I-I gotta say, uh, this was a surprise.” Buck commented, grabbing Maddie’s baby box
and opening it. “Never knew Mom and Dad were so sentimental. Although I wasn’t surprised
when they didn’t have one for me.”

“Yeah, they used to be… different.”

“Different how?” Buck checked, starting to look through the contents of the box.

“Happier. I mean, maybe they weren’t. You take things on differently as a kid.” Maddie shrugged.

“Oh, hey! There’s a handsome devil.” Buck exclaimed, pulling out a photo of who he thought was
him.

“That’s not supposed to be in-”

“Oh! No pictures of me allowed in your baby box. Selfish! Ha.” Buck joked. “This doesn’t look
like our house. When- when was this taken?” Buck turned the photo over. “1988? That can’t be
right, I wasn’t even born yet.” Buck laughed, he turned to look at Maddie who had frozen.
“Maddie?” Buck stopped smiling. “Maddie, who- who is this?”

“That’s Daniel. He died. He was our brother.” Maddie explained. “He was seven when you were
born. He was gone a year later. That’s why you don’t remember him.”

“How did he die?” Buck asked. He didn’t know how to feel.

“Juvenile leukaemia. He got sick right after that photo was taken. Our lives changed forever after
that. Three years of doctors and hospitals, every treatment they could find, but nothing worked.”
Maddie continued.

“I don’t understand why no one told me. I mean, I had a brother.” Buck whispered.

“They were in shock. After he died. They packed up his things, we moved to a new town and they
made me promise never to tell you.” Maddie added.

“No, it doesn’t make any sense.” Buck denied.

“They were grieving. I think they still are.” Maddie defended.

“So I was born… in the middle of all that. Of him being sick.” Buck checked.

“Yeah. “

“Leukaemia. I’m… I’m surprised they didn’t try a bone marrow transplant.” Buck commented.

“None of us were a match. Not Dad, not Mom… not me.” Maddie offered.
“They couldn’t find a match. So they made one. Me.” Buck guessed.

“You were a match. But then the cells didn’t graft. Daniel had a relapse. I wanted to tell you so
many times. But the more time that went by, it just got harder, you know? And I’m so sorry.”
Maddie cried. Buck got up and headed to the door.

“So they never actually wanted me. It all makes sense now.” Buck felt numb.

“Evan, please don’t leave. Just talk to me.” Maddie begged. Buck just ignored her, leaving without
looking back.
 Chapter 18

When Buck got home, Eddie was doing some laundry. “Hey, how did it go with Maddie?” Eddie
asked, coming over to give Buck a kiss hello.

“Where are the boys?” Buck checked.

“Matthew’s having a nap and Chris is playing a game in his room.” Eddie replied.

“Good.” Buck sighed. He then wrapped his arms around Eddie and began to sob into his
boyfriend’s shoulder.

“What happened?” Eddie asked, leading Buck through to the couch where they could sit more
comfortably.

“I finally understand why I always felt like my parents didn’t want or love me. It’s because they
didn’t want me.” Buck began.

“I’m sure that’s not true-”

“Please, just, let me explain this. I had an older brother that I had no idea existed until today. I
found a photo in Maddie’s baby box, I thought it was of me, turns out it was a photo of Daniel, my
brother who died. He had leukaemia and he died the year after I was born. Margaret, Phillip and
Maddie weren’t a match for a bone marrow transplant. So my parents made a match. It didn’t work
and Daniel died anyway.” Buck explained. “So they truly never wanted me. I’m just a reminder of
the boy who died. The one who I was born to save and didn’t even manage to do that.”

“That’s not on you, cariño. That’s on them. It’s not your fault.” Eddie assured.

“I’ve just spent my whole life feeling like I wasn’t good enough for them.” Buck whispered.

“They don’t deserve you.” Eddie replied, holding Buck tighter and pressing kisses into his hair.

“I think I need a lie down.” Buck stated.

“Okay, if you need me, please shout.” Eddie requested.

“I will.” Buck assured. He went straight upstairs and went into Matthew’s room. He took his
sleeping baby out of the crib and sat down in the rocking chair, just holding Matthew as he
continued to sleep, blissfully unaware of the inner turmoil his Papa was facing. “I love you so
much. And I will spend my whole life making sure you know that.” Buck whispered, pressing a
kiss to Matthew’s head.

After a good night’s sleep, wrapped up in Eddie’s arms, Buck was in a much better place to talk
about what happened, to talk about his childhood. By using humour, of course. After dropping
Matthew off at Abuela’s and Christopher at school, they headed to work. During breakfast, Buck
told everyone what Maddie had told him the day before. “Lots of things make sense now, when I
was growing up, I could never get attention from my parents unless I was hurt so I used to
deliberately get hurt so they’d pay me attention.” Buck shrugged.

“This explains so much about you.” Eddie smiled.

“It’s a miracle that you even survived childhood.” Hen commented.

“It’s a miracle he survived yesterday.” Eddie joked. He was still really worried about his boyfriend.

“It was the only way I could get their attention. Guess now we know why. They never wanted
another kid. They just had me for parts. Defective parts, as it turned out.” Buck explained.

“Hey, that’s not on you.” Eddie reminded him.

“I doubt Margaret and Phillip would agree.” Buck frowned.

“Have you talked to them about it?” Bobby asked.

“What would I say? ‘Hey, I’m really sorry about your dead son, but can we just talk about me for a
minute’?” Buck asked.

“Daniel wasn’t their only son. You matter, too, Buck.” Hen insisted.

“Sure. Just- just not to them.” Buck frowned. Eddie got up and pulled Buck into a hug.

“Sorry I’m late, Cap.” Chim called, coming upstairs. He then turned to Buck. “Hey, can we talk in
private?”

“No need. Come on. They all heard the story.” Buck said, pulling away from Eddie.

“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Believe me, I wanted to-” Chim tried.

“I get it. Maddie put you in a tough spot. She does that.” Buck walked off.

“You need to call her, Buck. She really wants to talk to you.” Chim called behind him.

“He’s not ready for that yet, Chim. He might have been joking with us about what he found out
yesterday but when he got home, he was broken. He sat and sobbed into my shoulder for a good
twenty minutes as he told me what he found out. Buck is trying to use humour to cope but I know
he’s really hurt. He feels unloved and unwanted. And he’s terrified that one day, Christopher or
Matthew will feel the way that he did.” Eddie explained.

“He’s so good at pretending he’s not affected by things. I never would have guessed that was how
he was feeling.” Hen frowned.

“He’s spent his whole life perfecting it.” Eddie stated.

Buck was repeatedly cleaning the same spot of the truck even though it was already clean. He saw
Maddie appear behind him. “Just wanted to make sure you were okay ‘cause you’re not answering
any of my calls.” Buck dropped the rag and turned to walk away from his sister. “Please just give
me a chance to-”

“Twenty nine years. Why is it now suddenly such an emergency?” Buck asked.

“Because you won’t talk to me. And you’re here, working, and you probably shouldn’t be.”
Maddie replied.

“No, you don’t get to take that away from me too.” Buck stated.
“I wasn’t trying-”

“We were supposed to be a team. Us versus them. That’s what we always said. But it turns out it
was the three of you against me the whole time. And now, you’re not here for me. You’re here to
make yourself feel better.” Buck lashed out. Maddie looked as though he’d actually punched her.
He was so relieved when the alarm went off and they were sent on a call.

“Fifth alarm. Complex structure fire. 2351 East Boulevard.”

Buck got on the truck without looking back. “Is everything okay with you and Maddie?” Hen
asked.

“No. I think I just need some time to think about what I’ve found out. I know she’s worried about
me. I know you’re all worried about me but you don’t need to be. I’m fine.” Buck assured them,
but none of them believed him.
 Chapter 19

When they arrived on scene, the fire was already crazy but it was a five alarm blaze, so they knew
that going in. It still always came as a surprise to see the scale of some fires. “Okay, five alarm fire.
We’re third on scene. Captain Mehta from the 133 is IC. It’s his show. You guys know what to do.
Gear up and stand by for a size up.” Bobby instructed.

Bobby went to find Captain Mehta and after getting the details, he relayed it to the rest of the 118.
“It’s like a minefield in there, and a large one so you stay with your teams. If you need to split off,
you remember your hose line is your lifeline. You get lost, you find a wall. There are still twelve
workers in there unaccounted for. Eddie and I will be joining the 133, searching on the Charlie
side. Hen, Chim, Buck, you will be running a team with two firefighters from the 141. Your entry
point is the Alpha side. Let’s go!”

“Copy that, Cap!” Hen acknowledged.

“Copy that.” Chim repeated.

“Stay safe. I love you.” Eddie commented, pressing a kiss to Buck’s cheek before putting on his
helmet and running after Bobby.

“I love you, too!” Buck shouted. Eddie gave him a thumbs up.

“Hey, Buck…” Chim started.

“Not now, Chim.” Buck dismissed.

“You know you can’t run away from this forever, right?” Chim pointed out.

“Sure I can. It’s the Buckley family way.” Buck remarked, putting on his breathing apparatus and
running to the doors. “Coming through! Coming through!” He shouted, using a saw to open the
doors. When they opened the doors, they were greeted by a wall of fire, the guys from the 141
grabbed the hose and set to work on getting that bit under control. When it was out and they were
safe to enter the building, Buck, Chim and Hen did just that.

“To the left.” Hen stated.. Buck looked around in panic.

“IC this is Buckley, 118. I got level four flammables inside the west side entry. Looks like about
ten pressurised drums.” Buck radioed in.

“Copy that, Buckley. Sprinkler systems are still down so I’m sending in foam.” Mehta responded.

“All right, guys, let me know the level of involvement up ahead. The victims are towards that side
of the building.”Hen instructed.

“Copy that.” Buck accepted. He ran around the corner to check before heading back to update Hen.

“I wouldn’t say all clear, but definitely clear enough for us to keep on moving.” Buck told her.

“This way’s no good.” Chim offered, returning from a quick scan of a different path.

“Great. Let’s keep going.” Hen suggested, pointing to the way Buck had checked. Buck took the
lead.
“Wait, wait, here. Someone put towels under this door to keep the smoke out.” Buck moved the
towels and looked through the window. “Hey, I got people inside!” He opened the door so Hen
and Chim could rush inside to get the people out.

“Scott, Lorenzo, let’s go!” Chim shouted. “Try to remain calm, we’re going to get you out of here.”
He redirected to the group of people inside.

“IC, Captain Nash here. Be advised, we have located seven victims, but we’ve had some
accelerants ignite up here. We are separated from two of our team. Sending them back out.” Bobby
explained over the radio.

“You guys hear that? They need help.” Buck commented.

“That’s clear across the factory!” Hen pointed out.

“They lost two guys! We got plenty here. I should go.” Buck corrected.

“You’re not wrong, Buck. And I don’t say that to you very often. Go!” Hen told him.

“Be careful!” Chim shouted as Buck ran off.

The next room he ran into, Buck had to scan it a couple of times before finding a ladder that he
could use. The fire was very developed in this area and if the ladder hadn’t been there, he would
have had to turn back. As he was climbing, the entire building shook as something exploded and he
nearly fell off the ladder.

“IC, be advised, the last explosion took out most of the supports in here. Structural integrity is not
good.” Someone announced.

“All teams, all teams, be advised. We are evacuating the structure. Repeat, full evacuation is in
effect.” Mehta ordered.

“IC, this is Buckley. One team found seven victims. Others got four. That means there’s still
someone in here.” Buck offered.

“Yeah, we are aware, Buckley, but it’s too unstable.” Mehta replied.

“We’re just gonna leave someone behind?” Buck checked.

“It’s too dangerous to continue. You need to pull out, now.”

“Copy that. On the move.” Buck replied, but he was going to do everything he could to find this
last victim. There was someone in here still relying on a rescue and Buck felt as though he at least
owed them a fair shot. He did briefly think of Eddie and their boys but this person in here could
have small children at home relying on them and Buck couldn’t bear the thought of just giving up.
This person had people who would miss them if they died.

“Evacuate the building now! That’s an order!” Mehta repeated. Buck carried on anyway. He
doubted the team would expect anything else.

Buck found another ladder and headed up it. “LAFD! Anyone in here?” He called. He could hear
someone clanging something metal against something else that was metal. “Hey, hey! Hey, I can
hear you! Keep making those noises. I’m on my way.” Buck shouted. He managed to find the
missing victim. “Hey, are you hurt?”

“I am lost. Too much smoke.” The guy replied.

“It’s okay. I’m gonna get you out of here. Can you breathe?” Buck checked.

“This is helping.” He replied, pointing to his face mask. “The fire is not.”

“Then let’s make it quick. Come on. Stay low.” Buck helped him to his feet and escorted him
across the room. “Over here. Come on.” They had to turn back when fire covered their chosen
path. “All right, back this way. Through here, come on.” But the fire was there, too.

“I believe we are both lost now.”

 Chapter 20

Buck was determined, he was going to find himself and Saleh a way out of this building if it killed
him. The last guy had inhaled a lot of smoke and couldn’t stop coughing, which was
understandable given the situation they were in. Buck was hopeful that they would find their way
out. Eddie was going to have a few choice words for him after this, he was sure of it. “There.”
Buck pointed. “I think I see an exterior wall.”

“Let us hope it is equipped with a door.” He quipped.

“Hey, what’s your name?” Buck asked, as an afterthought.

“Saleh.”

“Saleh. I think we’re gonna have to walk across this gantry. You think you can make it?” Buck
asked, pointing to the steps and pathway above them.

“I would like nothing more than to make it.”

“Same here. Let’s do it.” Buck instructed Saleh to go in front of him, as soon as they started
climbing the steps, the flames started to whoosh up around the area they had been standing
moments before. “Move, move, move!” Buck and Saleh sped up when suddenly, a fork lift truck
exploded, disassembling the gantry, causing Saleh to fall off and they both went flying. Buck
crashed into some tanks and momentarily lost consciousness. “Saleh!” Buck exclaimed as he
dragged himself to his feet.

“Thank you for attempting to save me. It appears this vat has a different plan.” Saleh sighed. Buck
felt his heart drop when he looked up and saw Saleh’s legs crushed under the vat. How was he
supposed to move that by himself? But Evan Buckley was nothing if not stubborn so he grabbed
his axe and began his attempt to shift it. “It is also very heavy.” Saleh commented. Buck changed
angles and tried again, grunting with the force of his efforts.

“I’m gonna need you to try and stay calm, okay? I’m gonna get this thing off you. I’m gonna get
you out of here.” Buck assured.

“You will need to hurry.” Saleh stated, looking past Buck. Buck turned to where Saleh was
looking and his face fell when he saw that the hand sanitiser that had spilled from the vat was
already on fire, inching closer and closer to the whole thing.

“IC, this is Buckley, 118.” Buck called over the radio.

“Buckley, did you ignore my direct order to evacuate?” Mehta asked.

“I got the last victim but this sanitiser has ignited all around me. I wanna say I’m near the north
east corner, Delta wall, but I’m not sure. Sure could use some sprinkler action. They online yet?”

“Negative. We got you. Hang tight. We’re gonna get you both out. RIC team, RIC team, deploy.
Delta entrance, repeat, Delta entrance, north east corner. Rescue team’s coming to you, Buckley.”
Mehta called over his radio.

“Copy you. Not going anywhere.” Buck replied. That was when everything around them seemed to
explode. Buck did his best to shield Saleh from the blast by laying over him. “You okay?” Buck
checked when the worst had passed.
“This is a relative term, but I am all right.” Saleh replied. Buck could see the fire getting ever
closer and pulled himself to his feet, using the vat for support and looking around. “What are you
looking for?”

“I was a fire marshal once. This is a factory. They’re required to have fire extinguishers three feet
off the… ground. Okay, I think I got one, Sa-” Buck rambled but cut himself off when he turned
back to Saleh who was gasping for breath. “Saleh?” Buck quickly took off his oxygen mask and
put it over Saleh’s face. He’d inhaled too much smoke. “Here you go. Just breathe.” Buck
instructed.

“But how will you breathe?”

“I’m gonna hold it.” Buck replied.

“For how long?”

“As long as I can.” Buck was cursing himself for getting stuck in another situation like this one,
where it seemed there was no way out. Giving his oxygen to Saleh seemed like the obvious choice,
he couldn’t let him die when they were so close to getting him out but he couldn’t help but think of
Matthew and Christopher. What would Christopher say if Eddie went home without him?
Christopher had already lost one parent, and Buck knew he wasn’t Chris’s dad or papa or anything
like that but he loved the kid like he loved Matthew, there was no difference between the two boys
in his eyes. How could he be responsible for Christopher going through that kind of loss again?
And Eddie, how would Eddie cope after Shannon? Buck got to his feet again, determined. He
wasn’t going to die here. He was going to get out of here, he was going to fall into Eddie’s arms,
accept the various lectures he was going to get from everyone and then go home and hug his boys.

Buck leapt across various obstacles to get to the fire extinguisher, coughing as he reached it. “I got
it!” He exclaimed. He rushed back over to Saleh as the fire was getting a little too close for comfort
and used the extinguisher on the flames. Unfortunately, the extinguisher wasn’t designed for this
kind of blaze and it soon ran out. Buck discarded the empty canister, just throwing it on the floor as
he collapsed to his knees. “Saleh. Hey, come on. Come on. Hey. Breathe. Breathe.” Buck
instructed as Saleh eyelids fluttered shut. The sprinklers came on and Buck got to his feet again, he
tied a wire around his axe and threw it over one of the beams after attaching it to the vat currently
trapping Saleh. He pulled with all of his might, hoping that the leverage would finally allow him to
free the trapped man, but it still wouldn’t budge. But that wasn’t going to stop Buck from trying
his hardest. Buck collapsed to his knees again. He’d all but given up hope when he felt a hand on
his back. He looked up to see his boyfriend and the rest of the 118. Eddie grabbed the wire along
with Hen, Chim and Bobby and they all pulled, using their combined strength to lift it. Saleh was
pulled out from under the vat and everything that happened after that was a bit of a blur for Buck.
He’d never been so relieved to see the rest of the 118 in his life.

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