Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As Eddie hears the car pull up outside, he discreetly pulls his phone from his uniform pocket and opens the camera, ready to spring into action. Chimney, as they’d planned, is unsuspecting and absently watching the terrible lunchtime show Martin had clicked on.

He nods at Bobby, who nods back and smothers a smirk.

“Hey Chim, can you come here for a sec?” He projects across the room.

Chimney slowly lolls his head in the direction of his Captain.

“Sure thing Cap. Let me just-‘ He breaks off with a grunt as he heaves himself off of the couch. ‘Do that.” Chimney grins as he finally gets to his feet.

Bobby rolls his eyes as the smaller man begins lazily strolling over to the kitchen counter, his back to the staircase, just as they’d planned. The second the coast is clear, Maddie scurries up the stairs and sets the cake on the table while Hen and Tanika, who’d been ‘restocking the ambulance’ follow her with a bag full of gifts and plates of finger food they’d stashed in the bunks earlier. The handful of firefighters who’d been milling around the house bring up the rear and everyone gathers around the table just as Chimney reaches the counter and leans on it.

“What can I do for you?” He asks Bobby. Eddie presses record.

“You can turn around.” Bobby smirks, nodding towards the little crowd gathered.

Chimney, with a small confused frown gracing this face, does just that and jolts in shock when everyone cheers “SURPRISE!” loudly.

“What the-“

“You really thought we’d forget your birthday?” Costello sighs fondly with a roll of her eyes.

“No way.” Hen scoffs.

“Yeah, you only turn 39 once, man.” Eddie adds, yelling slightly so he’s heard clearly.

“Are you videoing this?” Chimney points an accusing finger at Eddie, who shrugs with a grin as he stops recording.

“Of course I am. Your shocked face is going to be my screensaver from now on.” Eddie laughs loudly as he pauses the video on said face, finding Chimney’s wide eyes and slack jaw hilarious.

“Rude.’ Chimney grumbles, but he’s grinning. ‘I can’t believe you did this all for me without me even knowing!”

“Oh please, if you was anymore oblivious you wouldn’t realise it was your own birthday.” Maddie rolls her eyes and giggles as Chimney pulls her in for a crushing hug.

“Thank you.” He says, loud enough for everyone to hear without letting Maddie go.

“Just to think a little over a year ago, you was patching me up after a fire and now, I get to celebrate your last birthday before becoming a dad with you and your family.” Maddie sighs happily as both expecting parents rest their hands on her barely showing bump.

“I can’t wait.” Chimney smiles back, looking and sounding equally as love sick as his girlfriend.

He then laughs and playfully flips everyone the bird when they begin ribbing them both.

Eddie tunes them all out as his cell blares to life in his hand, startling him momentarily. Seeing ‘Carla’ flashing across the screen will always send a bolt of fear down his spine, as his mind goes to the worst case scenario, but it’s gone as soon as it comes. He knows his son is safe in her hands. He clicks accept and stands up from where he’d been huddled up on the couch to move towards the kitchen, where the noise of his team celebrating was a little less loud.

“Hey Carla, how’s it-“

‘Oh god Eddie!’ The woman panicked voice stops him in his tracks.

“Carla, what’s wrong?” He demands, his fear returning and skyrocketing the longer he listens to the woman sob and try to catch her breath.

Eddie doesn’t have to look around to know that it was Bobbys hand settling on his shoulder, to see the man wearing a concerned expression.

‘I-it’s Chris! He’s gone!’ Carla wails.

“What do you mean Chris is gone? Carla!” Eddie growls, his hands trembling.

Gently, Bobby takes the phone from his hand and lays it on the counter on loud speaker, just as Carla begins to talk.

‘I went to pick him up early, like you asked, but when I got there, the teacher told me he’d already been collected. At first I thought I was by your Abuela, but when I asked the woman who it was so I could go get him and bring him to Chimneys party, she said it was someone with an official government ID who put him in the back of a blacked out truck and sped off. So I called our local office and asked where they’d taken him, but they told me no one had been sent out to collect any child, and they told me the mans name wasn’t even on their data base of employees. Someone stole him Eddie!’ Carla hurriedly explains around her tears.

Eddie barely hears Bobby replying to the distraught woman over the sound of rushing blood in his ears. Someone has his son. Someone he didn’t know and didn’t want him to know.

Eddies legs give out, but, suddenly, there’s a big strong presence behind him, and Bobby helps lower him to the floor at a more acceptable speed that his knees will be grateful for. He gets settled in the V of his Captains legs as dark spots dance across his vision.

“Breathe Eddie.” Bobby says calmly into his ear.

“I-I can’t- Chris!” Eddie wails.

“Will be okay. We’ll find him, Eddie.” Hens voice floats down from somewhere above him, soothing yet furious and determined at the same time.

Eddie takes some minutes to get his breathing under control, but he finally manages and Bobby helps him back onto his shaking legs. The rest of the crew are gathered around them, grim looks on all of their faces. But when Martin says something along the lines of ‘we won’t give up until we find him’ from behind Eddie, they’re all quick to nod and agree.

“I know there's not much we can say to help you right now, Eddie,’ Bobby starts, getting Eddie to turn around in his arms. ‘But you are not alone in this okay? Everyone here will do everything in their power to help get Christopher home to you.” The man promises.

Eddie takes a deep breath. “I appreciate that Cap,’ He clears his throat when his thin voice cracks horribly around his words. ‘But you all have lives and families an-“

“None of that. Karen will understand why I’m not around until your little boy is back in your arms, safe and sound. And so will anyone else. Finding Christopher is all that’s important right now.” Hen says gently as she takes Eddie face in her hands and brushes his tears away with her thumbs.

“Yeah, we’re not going anywhere until we know he’s okay.” Chimney smiles softly.

“Thank you,’ Eddie chokes out. ‘And I’m sorry for ruining your celebration.”

Chimney shakes his head. “As much as I appreciate the party, this is way more important. You and Christopher can make it up to me when he’s home.”

Eddie crashes into him for a hug and sobs into his shoulder.

“Thank you. Everyone.’ He repeats, just loud enough to be heard by everyone around him. ‘What you’re all doing for me is above and beyond anything I expected.”

He gets all different versions of replies, ranging from ‘don’t be so stupid Diaz, of course we’d do this for you’ from Martin to ‘of course, Eddie, we’ve got your back’ from Lawrence, the newest recruit.

Time seems to pass by too fast and slow simultaneously then. Bobby and Martin get him settled on the couch again with a cup of tea in his hands. Hen sticks to his side like glue, wordlessly offering her hand to hold any time Eddies begin to shake, while the rest of the crew phone their loved ones and explain that they wouldn’t be home for a while and Bobby gets permission to take their house off call, only for back up if absolutely necessary. He’s grateful for every single one of them.

He finds his mind often wondering to his son. His son, who’s currently alone and probably scared out of his mind and asking for Eddie and-

Eddie blinks back into focus when he sees Athena approach the top of the stairs with a shaking and crying Carla in her arms. Carla is at his side in a second and engulfing him in a tight hug, sobbing ‘I’m sorry’ over and over again into his shoulder.

“Don’t. It’s not your fault, I don’t blame you.” Eddie soothes her.

“But I-“

“Did you ask for him to be- kidnapped? Did you set it up?’ Eddie cuts her off to ask. She shakes her head ‘no’ almost violently. ‘There we go then. It’s not your fault. I know you love him and want him safe back with us just as much as I do.”

Carla looks like she wants to argue again, but Eddie raises his eyebrow and she simply nods with a slight uptick of her mouth.

“We got the plates from the schools camera and managed to track it down.’ Athena informs him. Eddies heart soars. ‘It was found abandoned in a field just off the highway. Christophers backpack and crutches were still inside, but he wasn’t.”

Eddie face and heart falls. “Oh.”

“I know it’s not what you want to hear, but it’s a start. It’s being dusted down for prints and any other clues we can find. We’ll catch these sons-of-bitches, Eddie. I promise you that.” Athena vows.

Eddie appreciates it, but the longer they stay there, waiting to hear something, anything, the further Christopher could be taken away from him.

Another uneasy silence settles over the house then so when Athenas ringtone pierces the air shrilly, at god knows what time, it makes everyone jump. She answers it quickly, talking in low tones to the person on the other end.

Eventually, she hangs up with a deep sigh. That’s never a good sign.

“The car has been picked at and dusted over and put under the spotlight, but we couldn’t find anything. Whoever took Christopher was clearly planning it and was very careful not to leave anything behind.”

Eddie lets out a desperate sob as his heart breaks further. “Please tell me this is a nightmare.”

Athena and Bobby crouch down in front of him as Chimney joins him and Hen on the couch to sandwich him in. Athena takes one of his hands in both of hers.

“I know it looks bleak now, but we will get over this little setback and we will find him, Eddie. I swear to you. I won’t give up until we do.”

Eddie simply nods and falls face first into her and Bobby’s waiting embrace.

“I think I know someone who might be able to help.’ Everyone pulls back and looks over in the direction of Maddie’s voice, to see her standing by the staircase with her phone in her hand. ‘I can’t promise anything, but I’ll get in touch with- someone and ask. They should say yes, if they’re not busy but, like I say, no promises.”

“Who?” Athena asks.

Maddie smiles up at them all. “My brother.” She says before heading down the stairs, dialling someone. Her brother, apparently.

“Her brother?’ Hen questions, turning to Chimney, who shrugs. ‘And why does she think he can help?”

“Beats me. I didn’t even know she had one, either.”

The third long silence that settles over the house is by far the most tense, and it seems to stretch on forever. Until a loud noise outside catches everyones attention.

“What on earth? That sounds like a-“

“Great news!’ Maddie cuts Tanika off with a broad grin as she suddenly appears in the kitchen. ‘My brother agreed!”

She then races towards the stairs that lead up to the roof and everyone scrambles to follow her, bewildered.

But, it becomes a little more clearer once they all arrive on the roof. A Chinook is landing on the large expanse of the roof and everyone shields themselves from the wind behind the door.

“Maddie, what the hell?” Eddie yells over the noise.

“My brother will explain everything!” She yells back.

“Why can’t you?” Chimney asks.

Maddie simply shakes her head ’no’. “I’m sorry, it’s not that I don’t want to, it’s because I can’t. I’m not allowed to disclose any information about him without his express permission!”

Eddie shares a look with the rest of the crew as the rotary blades slow down to a stop. The second the coast is clear, Maddie is dashing off from their hiding spot and everyone else is two steps behind her.

She comes to a stop a few yards from the helicopter, rocking back and forth on her heels in anticipation.

Finally, the door opens and a man is stepping out.

“Evan!” Maddie shrieks as she flies forward.

Now. If Eddie wasn’t in the midst of his worst nightmare come to life, he would take the time to appreciate the man. He’s at least 6 feet tall, with curly blonde hair, bright blue eyes, a bright white smile with the sweetest dimples and the cutest birthmark over his left eye. And an absolutely beautiful and insanely built rock solid body. He’s a walking modern greek god.

But, as it was, Eddie was using all of his energy to keep himself from falling apart at the seams to really think about the man. His brain tucks the information away for a later date, hopefully when his son was back with him.

As it turns out, Chimney has no such qualms. “Now that. Is a beautiful man.” He breathes.

“Where’s the lie,’ Hen mutters in agreement. ‘And I like girls.”

The man, Evan, catches Maddie with a deep chuckle and hugs her impossibly close.

“Hey Mads.” He mutters in a deep, velvety voice.

“Oh I’ve missed you, little brother.”

“Little?” Hen chokes out.

Maddie turns to smile at her. “Yeah, by 9 years.’ She catches Eddies eye then, and sobers up instantly before turning back to Evan. ‘But I didn’t call you here to chat, not just yet. I need your help.”

Evan rolls his eyes fondly. “Yeah I gathered that by the phone call. You’re lucky I have such a high up position, or this wouldn’t of been possible.’ Evan gestures to the helicopter behind him, just as its rotary blades start up again. ‘Everyone, get clear!” He hollers.

This time it’s Bobby who leads the way back downstairs, and Maddie grips Evans wrist and drags him along with her.

Once everyone is reconvened safely in the station kitchen, all eyes fall on the tall man. He seems unfazed by it, however, as he only has eyes for Maddie.

“So. What do you need from me?” He asks the woman.

“I need you to help find a lost boy.” Maddie says. Evans left eyebrow ticks up.

“A lost boy? Mad’s, you know that’s what police are for, right?”

“I do. But he’s not just lost. He was kidnapped without a trace. We need all the help we can get to find him and bring him home.”

Evans brows furrow as he takes in the information. “Alright. Who is this little boy?”

“Christopher.’ Eddie chokes out. Evans eyes settle on him and, is that a once over? ‘He’s my son. He’s 9 years old and he has cerebral palsy. And he’s gone.”

Carla curls around him in an almost painful embrace as she lets out a harsh sob.

“This is Eddie, he works here with Chimney. And that’s Carla, Christophers carer.” Maddie introduce.

Evan nods along with his sisters words. “Chimney, as in your boyfriend and father to my unborn niece who I haven’t met yet?”

Eddie spies Chimney gulping as he gives Evan another apprising look.

“Why are you so convinced it’s a girl?” Maddie laughs, like they’ve had this conversation multiple times before.

“Because. It’s run in the family for generations.’ Evan grins, before turning serious again. ‘Right. What do you know so far?”

“The car he was taken in was found abandoned with no clues other than Chris’ crutches and school bag. Whoever took him knew we’d come looking, they wiped down everything.” Maddie explains quickly. Evan hums.

“I’m sorry, not to be ungrateful or rude or anything, but what can he do that we can’t?” Athena asks, sounding about as indignant as Eddie’s ever heard her.

“Yeah, we don’t even know you.” Tanika adds, though she’s eyeing up Evan like he’s a whole three course meal.

Evans eyes sweep over her before settling on Athena and Bobby, taking in their LAPD badge and LAFD Captain badges respectively.

“No, I’m sorry, where are my manners? I usually go by Buck, but my full title is Chief Petty Officer Evan Buckley of Navy SEAL Team 6. I mean, technically, we’re called DEVGRU, but I’ve always preferred Team 6.” Evan smiles.

He holds his hand out and, once they’re over their shock, Athena and Bobby each take it and shake.

“Hey Buck-‘ Bobby says, before spluttering and changing to, ‘Nice to meet you, Chief.” Bobby even goes so far as saluting him.

“Nah, don’t do that. I deal with way too many pleasantries and formalities while I’m working, this is a nice change. Just call me Buck.”

“Okay. Buck.’ Bobby smiles, looking relieved. ‘I’m Bobby Nash, Captain of the 118. This is my wife, Sergeant Athena Grant-Nash.”

“Nice to meet you both.” Buck smiles.

Athena, however, rounds to glare at Maddie. “Your brother is a SEAL Chief Petty Officer? And you never told us? In fact, I’m pretty sure you said he was a gym owner.”

“I’m sorry! I’m not allowed to tell anyone! Any information I know about him is classified, unless he says so.” Maddie says, holding her hands up.

“Yeah, don’t blame her. I keep everything under lock and key and let people think I’m just some dumb gym rat. It makes people less suspecting. Gives me an advantage.” Buck smirks.

“But you’re really one of the men in charge of the team who took down Osama bin Laden.” Eddie says, unable to keep the awe out of his voice. Buck ducks his head.

“Ah no, I was just in the background for that. Definitely not in charge.”

“That was our dad.” Maddie speaks up, a fond yet sad smile on her face.

“And may his soul forever rest in peace.” Buck smiles back at her, equally fond and sad.

“He died on that mission?” Hen asks softly.

“No, he came back to American soil a hero. Lung cancer took him a few years back. That’s when I took over.”

“In any case, it’s nice to meet you.” Athena smiles, changing her tune completely.

“Wait, how comes Athena knows you have a brother but none of us did?” Chimney questions Maddie.

“She’s a cop, I can’t lie to her.’ Athena raises an eyebrow. ‘Well- you know what I mean.”

“You called in a Chief Petty Officer of the SEALs most prestigious Team to help us find Christopher?” Martin asks Maddie, completely dumbfounded.

“I sure did. He specialises in finding high profile targets and high priority persons. Christopher, to me, is the highest priority.”

“Are you single?” Lawrence bats her long eye lashes at Buck, who barks out a loud laugh.

“Yes I am. My job leaves little room for any type of relationship, romantic or platonic with anyone outside of my Team of very burly manly men. And, while I do play for that team, it’s frowned upon to fraternise with my subordinates.”

Lawrence lets out an embarrassed squeak and hides her heating up face with her hair.

“Lets get back on topic, shall we?” Bobby asks wryly.

Eddie agrees wholeheartedly.

So does Buck, apparently, because he turns back to Eddie with a sweet smile. “Do you have a picture of your son that you can give to me?”

“I only have recent photos on my phone, but I could print one out if you want?”

“That’d be great.” Buck smiles.

Eddie motions for Buck to follow him to the office and he does so without question. Once inside, Eddies shaking hands unlock his phone and bring up his most recent full body picture of Christopher, taken just three days ago at the start of the new school year. He’s grinning cheekily at the camera, his smile so wide it practically splits his face in two. Eddie runs his thumb over his sons face, a muffled sob slipping from his clenched teeth.

He startles when he feels arms wrap around him in a tight, warm hug. He all but melts into it. Bucks breath ruffles his hair when he speaks lowly to him.

“I know you’re hurting, and you’ve probably heard this already, but your son will be back with you before you know it. But even I can tell that you’re wound up as tight as a spring and you’re going to snap if you’re not careful. So let it all go, man. I’ve got you.”

Eddie wholeheartedly believes that Buck, a very experienced fucking SEAL is going to find his son so he gives in to the aching in his chest, gives up trying to stay sane and as calm as possible and does just that.

He shakes and sobs in this strangers arms, feeling safer than he has in years. Minutes or hours pass until Eddie feels strong enough to pull away from Bucks arms and he does so with a sheepish smile as he scrubs his eyes dry.

“Feel better?” Buck asks, his face inches from Eddies.

“Yeah. Thank you. And I’m sorry for soaking your shirt, but you asked for it.”

Buck lets out a low, amused snort as he looks down at the wet patch Eddie is eyeing.

“I did, didn’t I? He agrees easily. ‘Now, let’s print off that picture so we can get to work.”

Eddie does just that, and less than a minute later, they’re leaving the office to rejoin everyone in the kitchen. Hot coffee is passed to each of them as soon as they’re close enough and, if people notice Eddies puffy eyes or the wet spot, none mention it.

“So, what’s your plan of action?” Maddie asks.

“Well, I have the picture now, all I need is the plates off the car and a car myself.”

“You’re going at this alone?” Chimney asks Buck incredulously.

Buck nods. “No disrespect to any of you, but we work differently in the SEALs, work at a different pace to anyone else. If any of you come with me, you’ll only slow me down. That, and I really don’t want my sisters new family to see me in action. It’s not pretty.”

Maddie accepts her brothers explanation instantly, like she knew it was coming. Most of the team do too, other than Athena; who wants to be in on the action if the look on her face is anything to go by, Bobby; who’s looking at Buck in what can only be described as fatherly concern despite the fact that Buck is overly qualified for this task and definitely able to handle himself, and Eddie who, despite knowing what Bobby knows, can’t help feel uneasy at the thought of him being out there alone just as much as he hates the fact that his son is also out there all alone.

Buck picks up on their hesitance and smiles reassuringly at them. “Don’t look like that. It is my job, after all.”

Athena sighs and gives Buck the plates and their last known location.

“You can have my car. It’s not exactly a flashy humvee, like you’re used to, but it runs fine” Maddie offers.

“That’s exactly what I need. These guys must know your profession, so they’re going be anticipating fire engines or a police car or even your first responder truck. An inconspicuous Toyota isn’t even going to be on their radar.” Buck muses aloud.

“I’m still not sure. What if something happens and-“

Buck cuts Eddie off with a palm to the cheek.

“Hey, I’ve trained my whole life to track down and eliminate terrorists. I can handle a kidnapper who’s not going to know what hit them.”

“You’re really going to do this?’ Jensen asks, still sounding a little sceptical. ‘For a random stranger? Don’t you have to be at work or something?”

“Of course I’m doing this. Any family of Maddie’s is family of mine, and I protect family. As for work, the best thing about being in charge of Team 6 is that I’m essentially my own boss. I only need one higher up to confirm an action, and he was all too happy to give me the time off to do this.”

“How long?” Bobby asks.

“24 hours to solve it, then 13 days for vacation.”

“You’re here for 2 weeks?” Maddie asks excitedly.

“Yup.’ Buck pops the p. ‘So you’ve got plenty of time to show me around and meet everyone after I get Christoper back. So give me your keys, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Maddie digs into her purse and throws her keys at her brother, who catches them easily. “Give Christopher our love, let him know we’re thinking of him.”

Buck nods as he strolls from the house, twirling the keys around his finger and whistling.

“The fire that killed your husband was him, wasn’t it?” Chimney asks Maddie.

“I can neither confirm nor deny that statement.’ Maddie responds, but her face says it all. ‘But I can indulge you in a fun fact; if you swallow gasoline and a lit clipper lighter, you body burns from the inside out and can’t be put out.”

“Holy hell. I kind of feel bad for the guys who took Chris.” Hen mumbles.

“Me too. Buck is very… protective of the people he loves and the people they love.”

——

Eddie doesn’t sleep a wink that night. Everyone had hunkered down in the bunk rooms, all too stressed out to go home and run the risk of missing anything. The only person who’d left was Athena, who was still on duty and keeping her ear out for any information. But she’d came right back after her shift finished and cuddled up to Bobby on his tiny cot.

The second crew are informed of the situation and offer their apologies to Eddie and their help, if needed. But Bobby’d shook his head with a smile and a thanks. The second Captain had nodded and carried on getting the trucks and ambulances ready for a call, which came in an hour into the shift.

Eventually, everyone had gotten bored of waiting in the bunk rooms and reconvened in the kitchen, where Bobby and Athena cooked breakfast for them all and Hen made the coffee.

At just gone 10 am, while the second crew were out on their third call of the day, there’s a noise from the bay and Eddie jolts up in his seat at the table. He rushes over to the railing, Athena, Maddie, Carla, Bobby and the rest of the team hot on his heels. He cranes his neck to look over their back up ambulance to see-

Buck walking towards him.

Holding Christopher.

“Chris!” Eddie cries, launching himself down the stairs.

“Daddy!” Christopher calls happily from Bucks arms.

Buck hands Eddie his son over the second Eddie reaches them and Eddie falls to the floor in relief, curling around Christopher and hugging him as close as humanly possible, peppering kisses on any part of the boy he can.

“Oh Mijo, I was so worried about you baby.” Eddie cries.

“I’m okay daddy. Bucky saved me.” Chris cheers happily as he hastily wipes away his dads tears.

Eddie looks up at Buck, who’s already watching him and Chris with a fond smile. “Thank you. So much.”

“I told you before, I protect family. Even if it is from their own mother.”

“W-what?” Bobby stammers from where he and the crew are stood a little away.

“Instead of being a normal person and going through the courts, Christophers own mother got someone to kidnap her son to get him away from Eddie.”

Shocked gasps sound from the large group of people stood around the bay.

“Seriously? Shannon did this?” Eddie rages, standing up with Chris cradled close to him for a second before releasing him to a crying Carla.

“Yep. Her boyfriend is an ex-Sacramento city hall worker. Got fired a few weeks back for something or other but disappeared before he could hand in his city ID. He used that to get access to Christopher and drove him out to the field where Shannon was waiting. They cleaned and ditched the stolen car he was driving, transferring over to Shannon’s personal car and took him back to his house in Sacramento. It was easy enough to hack into the road cameras and track their movements. They certainly weren’t expecting me, they thought their plan was fool proof.”

“What did you do?” Hen questions, taking in his rumpled clothing and bloody knuckles.

Buck spared a glance over at Chris, who was now going through the process of being hugged by every single member in the firehouse and Athena and Maddie.

“The boyfriend tried to stab me so I beat him up.” Buck shrugs.

“Was he… breathing… when you left?” Athena asks cautiously.

“Barely, but yes.”

“And what about Shannon?” Eddie asks quietly.

“Arrested for kidnapping and reckless endangerment before my very eyes.” Buck tells him.

“Reckless endangerment?” Maddie echos.

“Christopher ingested a psychedelic drug in her care. That’s why it took so long for me to get back, I had to get him checked over first. He’s still a little under the influence, a little happy, but the doctors said he would be fine once it’s out of his system.”

“Oh my god.” Eddie stresses, running his hand through his hair.

“Hey, calm down.’ Buck soothes, resting a large palm on his shoulder. ‘He’s going to be okay, Eddie. He’s back with you, where he belongs, and there’s not a scratch on him. Everything is going to be okay.”

“Yeah, thanks to you.’ Eddie vows before pulling Buck in for a crushing hug. Buck lets out a little ‘oof’ and wraps his arms around Eddie in return. ‘Thank you Evan. From the bottom of my heart.”

“You’re welcome, Eddie. We’re family now, and family means nobody gets left behind-“

“Or forgotten!” Chris hollers over with a giggle, finishing the quote for Buck.

“That’s right bud.” Buck chuckles.

“Did he force you to watch Lilo and Stitch?” Eddie chuckles fondly.

“Both of the films and the start of Moana, but there was no forcing about it.” Buck winks at him, making Eddies heart flop over on his chest.

Eddie takes a moment to unwind. The past 24 hours had been absolute hell, a rollercoaster of emotions, but his son was back with him, being saved by someone who’s practically a stranger to him and Chris, who hadn’t thought twice when going out of his way to help.

“So, what’re you going to do with the rest of your allotted 24 hours to find Christopher? You still have a few hours left.” Maddie asks Buck, bringing Eddie back from inside his head.

“I’m gonna get to know my big sisters family.’ Buck grins. ‘But first; food. I’ve only eaten a McDonald’s breakfast since lunch yesterday and I’m starving.”

That’s all it takes for Bobby to manhandle Buck up the stairs and deposit him in a chair at the table, insisting he cook something for him. Buck had laughed the whole way, obviously indulging the man, as Eddie, and everyone else, is well aware that if Buck didn’t want to go, Bobby would not have been able to move him an inch.

Bobby pulls out the fancy steak, the one he usually reserves for official visits, and sets about making a delicious early lunch for Buck. It’s clearly appreciated, if the noise Buck makes at his first bite is anything to go by. No one should sound that hot while eating.

“Oh man, this is delicious. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a very long time since my last home cooked meal, but this is like Michelin level taste.”

Bobby actually blushes at the praise. “Thanks Buck.”

He then scurries back over to the kitchen to start on the pasta for everyone else’s lunch. Eddie is the first to receive his food for him and Chris, and he gets them settled on the table opposite Buck, who flashes them a megawatt grin.

It’s at that moment that Eddies brain suddenly remembers all the indecent thoughts about the man he’d refused to acknowledge yesterday. Eddie studies Buck as he eats, eyes cataloguing all the subtle quirks of his eyebrows, the adorable scrunch of his nose when he smells something green on the end of his fork, the ecstatic eye roll it gets once Buck swallows it, the small grins he gives when something is said, the shocking electric blue of his eyes when he makes eye contact with Eddie-

Eddies face heats up as he instantly drops eye contact. So he misses Bucks small smirk. It does, however, leave him at the mercy of Hen.

“That was painful.” She whispers in his ear as she takes the seat beside him with her own bowl of pasta.

“Shut up, Hen.” Eddie shoves her halfheartedly.

She lets out a too-loud cackle and gets the attention of absolutely everyone in the room. Including Buck.

“Something you wanna share with the class?” Chimney chuckles.

Hen shakes her head no, but she’s smirking slyly and Eddie wants to wipe it off her face. Chris is looking up at him with a curious face, and Eddie encourages him to go back to eating his pasta.

Silence settles over the room as everyone tucks in to their food, but unlike the tense silences from yesterday, there’s an easy atmosphere and Eddie feels like he can breathe properly again as he looks around. Chimneys untouched cake is still stood on the side, a sheet of plastic wrap covering it, along with his unopened presents.

Eddie smiles as he leans in close to whisper to Christopher. “When uncle Chimney blows out the candles on his cake later, you get him with the icing?”

“You got it dad.” Chris ‘whispers’ back and they both turn back to finish their meals.

Chapter Text

When Bucks phone pings with an incoming message, he lazily reaches over to grab it. It’d been a slow day at work and he’d retreated to his office for a quick catnap.

The text is from Maddie.

Can I call u? It’s urgent.

Buck frowns. Wasn’t she supposed to be at her boyfriends birthday party right now? With a shrug, he opens his contacts and clicks on his sister, reaching up to rest his phone between his ear and shoulder as he stretches his arms over his head.

Maddie answers right away.

’I need your help.’ Is all she says.

“What for? Are you okay?” Bucks worry ticks up at the thought of his sister being hurt again. Especially now she’s carrying Bucks little niece.

’I’m fine and the baby’s fine, little brother.’ Maddie assures him. ’But somethings happened at Chimneys work and I really need your help. I can’t discuss it over the phone, it’s too risky. Do you have permission to leave base?’

“Uh sure, I can do once I get dressed.” Buck vows as he starts doing just that.

’Perfect. You’ll need to bring some equipment with you to track something. I’m at the 118. The address is-‘

“Text me the coordinates as a phone number. I’ll work it out.” Buck interrupts to order.

’Okay. See you soon, Evan. And thanks for this.’

“No problem sis.” Buck says before he hangs up.

He has no idea what he was going to walk into, but at least he had something to do now. He throws on some clothes, packs his backpack and leaves his office/apartment.

Ryan grants him leave before Buck can get the whole story out his mouth. “You need a break. 24 hours should be enough, I think, to do whatever it is Maddie needs and then you have 13 days as vacation. No questions.”

Buck rolls his eyes but thanks his pseudo uncle and salutes him cheekily as he leaves his office for the deck. He flags down Johnson and leads him over to the specific Chinook that still holds pride of place in Bucks heart as the first helicopter he ever flew. With Ryan’s permission, of course, Buck hands over the coordinates Maddie had dutifully texted over and Johnson starts up the rotary blades to get him there.

The location is relatively close to their offshore base and it takes less than half an hour for them to get there. Johnson expertly begins his landing on top of the fire station Maddie’s boyfriend works at. The door to the staircase swings open, revealing Maddie and a large group of firefighters and even a cop.

Buck waits until it’s completely safe before exiting the helicopter, thanking Johnson as he goes. The second his feet touch the ground and he closes the door, Maddie is in his arms, hugging him with a scream of his name. It’d been so long since he saw her in person, close to 5 years now, so Buck takes his time to hug her back as tightly as he dares.

“Hey Mads.” He chuckles at her enthusiasm.

“Oh I’ve missed you little brother.” Maddie sighs happily.

“Little?” A voice echos.

Buck looks up to see a pretty black woman with no hair eyeing him up. Not in the leering way he’s used to, but in an appreciative way. It’s a nice change.

Maddie also turns to her with a grin.

“Yeah, by 9 years,’ she tells her. Maddie’s eyes sweep over the crowd before settling back on Buck, a spark of determination in them. ‘But I didn’t call you here for a chat, not just yet. I need your help.”

Buck holds back his initial quip of ‘no shit Sherlock’, instead saying. “Yeah, I gathered that by your phone call. You’re lucky I have such a high up position, or this wouldn’t of been possible.’ Buck gestures to the helicopter behind him, just as Johnson starts up its rotary blades again. ‘Everyone, get clear!” He hollers.

Maddie grips Buck’s wrist and drags him along with her to the door, behind the large group of people scurrying to get away from the wind. Buck barely manages to wave at Johnson in thanks, and see the mans responding nod and smile.

Buck suddenly finds himself stood in the middle of the station kitchen with a whole lot of people staring at him in wonder. But he’s used to being the centre of attention, so he ignores them in favour of looking at his big sister.

“So. What do you need from me?” He asks her.

“I need you to help find a lost boy.” Maddie says. Buck feels his left eyebrow tick up. Was she serious?

“A lost boy? Mad’s, you know that’s what police are for, right?” He knows she picks up what he isn’t saying; ‘you brought me all the way out here for a lost kid?’

“I do. But he’s not just lost. He was kidnapped without a trace. We need all the help we can get to find him and bring him home.” Maddie’s eyes shine with tears.

Buck brows furrow as he takes in the information. She didn’t have another kid Buck didn’t know about, did she? “Alright. Who is this little boy?”

“Christopher.” A new voice chokes out.

Buck snaps his head in the direction of the voice and, holy shit, now that was a nice tall glass of water. Buck can’t help eye the fuck out of the man.

He’s got thick, dark hair and chocolate brown soulful eyes. His chin looks like it could cut lesser men and let’s not get started on that fucking body, otherwise Buck’s pretty sure he’d pop a - very inappropriate, mind you - boner right then and there. If this was any other time, Buck would be climbing the man like a fucking tree. But, alas it wasn’t, and the mans glassy eyes were not from too many drinks. They were tears formed from pain.

“He’s my son. He’s 9 years old and he has cerebral palsy. And he’s gone.” The mans voice cracks and Buck feels his heart squeeze tight in his chest.

Another beautiful black woman curls around him in what has to be a constricting hug and lets out a harsh sob. Buck’s guessing she’s the mother. He can’t help but feel a little disappointed at that, no matter how ridiculous and irrational it is.

“This is Eddie, he works here with Chimney. And that’s Carla, Christophers carer.” Maddie gestures to them both.

Oh, so the man’s single then?

’Not the time, Buckley’ a voice that sounds suspiciously like Ryan sighs in the back of his mind.

Buck nods along with his sisters words, as a thought occurs to him. “Chimney, as in your boyfriend and father to my unborn niece who I haven’t met yet?”

From the corner of his eye, Buck notices a short Asian man gulp visibly and eye him up warily. So that must be him. Not what Buck was expecting, but as long as his sister was happy, he was too.

“Why are you so convinced it’s a girl?” Maddie laughs, fondly.

“Because. It’s run in the family for generations.’ Buck grins, fully aware that Maddie knows this too. He sobers up and turns serious again after looking over at Eddie. ‘Right. What do you know so far?”

“The car he was taken in was found abandoned with no clues other than Chris’ crutches and school bag. Whoever took him knew we’d come looking, they wiped down everything.” Maddie explains quickly. Buck hums.

“I’m sorry, not to be ungrateful or rude or anything, but what can he do that we can’t?” Yet another beautiful black woman says, the cop, her hands settled on her hips with her lips pursed in what Buck knows is indignation.

And seriously? What was it with all the people in LA being so damn beautiful?

“Yeah, we don’t even know you.” Another woman adds, sounding a little defensive but when Buck flicks his eyes over to her, he almost smirks at the look of want she’s giving him.

Buck’s eyes go back to the police officer and the man stood behind her, the obvious Captain of the house.

“No, I’m sorry, where are my manners? I usually go by Buck, but my full title is Chief Petty Officer Evan Buckley of SEAL Team 6.’ Buck smiles - he hopes - warmly. ‘I mean, technically, we’re called DEVGRU, but I’ve always preferred Team 6.”

He holds his hand out for them to shake, almost laughing at their stunned expressions when they finally do. Maddie had kept up her promise of not telling anyone what he really did for a living and it shows.

“Hey Buck-‘ The older man says, before changing it to, ‘Nice to meet you, Chief.” He even goes so far as saluting him. Buck rolls his eyes internally

“Nah, don’t do that. I deal with way too many pleasantries and formalities while I’m working, this is a nice change. Just call me Buck.”

“Okay. Buck.’ He smiles, looking relieved. ‘I’m Bobby Nash, Captain of the 118. This is my wife, Sergeant Athena Grant-Nash.” Bobby gestures to the cop.

“Nice to meet you both.” Buck grins.

“Your brother is a SEAL Chief Petty Officer? And you never told us? In fact, I’m pretty sure you said he was a gym owner.” Athena says, glaring daggers at Maddie, who holds her hands up in defence.

Huh, no wonder she’s named after the goddess of war. She’s feisty as fuck. Buck loves her already.

“I’m sorry! I’m not allowed to tell anyone! Any information I know about him is classified, unless he says so.” Maddie squeaks.

“Yeah, don’t blame her.’ Buck comes to his sisters defence, saving her from Athenas wrath. ‘I keep everything under lock and key and let people think I’m just some dumb gym rat. It makes people less suspecting. Gives me an advantage.”

“But you’re really one of the men in charge of the team who took down Osama bin Laden.” Eddie says, awe obvious in his voice. Buck ducks his head shyly.

“Ah no, I was just in the background for that. Definitely not in charge.” He mumbles.

“That was our dad.” Maddie speaks up, a fond yet sad smile on her face.

“And may his soul forever rest in peace.” Buck smiles back at her, no doubt looking equally fond and sad.

“He died on that mission?” The bald black woman asks softly.

“No, he came back to American soil a hero. Lung cancer took him a few years back. That’s when I took over.” Buck explains, his heart heavy at the thought of his late dad, his hero.

“In any case, it’s nice to meet you.” Athena smiles, lightening the mood. Buck smiles at her.

“Wait, how comes Athena knows you have a brother but we don’t?” Maybe-Chimney asks. Buck almost snorts.

“She’s a cop, I can’t lie to her.’ Maddie shrugs. Buck sees Athena give her an amused look and actually does snort as his sister back-pedals. ‘Well- you know what I mean.” She huffs.

“You called in a Chief Petty Officer of the SEALs most prestigious Team to help us find Christopher?” A tall man asks Maddie, sounding slightly confused, mostly incredulous.

‘Fair.’ Buck thinks.

“I sure did. He specialises in finding high profile targets and high priority persons. Christopher, to me, is the highest priority.” Maddie explains.

“Are you single?” A short girl towards the back of the crowd blurts out, batting her long eyelashes at Buck.

Buck lets out an involuntary laugh at her question. Oh she is so barking up the wrong tree.

“Yes I am. My job leaves little room for any type of relationship, romantic or platonic with anyone outside of my Team of very burly manly men. And, while I do play for that team, it’s frowned upon to fraternise with my subordinates.” He deadpans.

The girl lets out an embarrassed squeak and hides her heating up face with her hair. He feels slightly bad for letting her down so ruthlessly-

“Lets get back on topic, shall we?” Bobby asks wryly.

Buck agrees wholeheartedly. He turns back to Eddie and smiles softly at the man. “Do you have a picture of your son that you can give to me?”

“I only have recent photos on my phone, but I could print one out if you want?” He offers.

“That’d be great.” Buck nods.

Eddie motions for Buck to follow him to what looks like Bobby’s office and he does so without question.

Once inside, Buck watches Eddie unlock his phone and pull up a picture of his, quite frankly, adorable son. He’s got bright red glasses on, he’s leaning on bright blue crutches (because of his cerebral palsy, duh) but the brightest thing of all is the grin stretched across his face. His mousy brown curls are bundled on the top of his head and he’s giving the camera a thumbs up.

Eddie’s hands begin to shake as he stares at the picture, rubs his thumb over it. The strangled sob that slips through his obvious clenched teeth breaks Buck’s heart and, before he knows it, he’s gathering Eddie into a tight hug, surprising both of them.

SEAL’s aren’t exactly well known for their comforting skills.

Eddie freezes in Buck’s arms for a split second before all but collapsing against him. Buck holds his sturdy weight easily.

“I know you’re hurting, and you’ve probably heard this already, but your son will be back with you before you know it. But even I can tell that you’re wound up as tight as a spring and you’re going to snap if you’re not careful. So let it all go, man. I’ve got you.” Buck hears himself whisper in the mans ear.

He doesn’t know what it is about this man, but Buck just wants to hold him and comfort him as well as rip apart the people who dared take his son from him.

Eddie considers Buck’s words for a second before he nods slightly and just... breaks down. He sobs and yells against Buck’s chest, the raw pain in his voice bringing a tear to Buck’s own eye - a man who hasn’t cried in five years, since his fathers funeral. (Okay, sure, he got a little teary when Maddie FaceTimed him and excitedly told him he would be an uncle - but those were happy tears so they don’t count okay? Okay.)

Eddie seems to pull himself together and get his strength back after a few long and painful minutes, because he’s pulling away from Buck with an embarrassed look on his face as he wipes his tears away.

“Feel better?” Buck asks, his face inches from Eddies.

“Yeah. Thank you. And I’m sorry for soaking your shirt, but you asked for it.” Eddie mumbles, his ears tinted pink.

Buck snorts as he looks down at the spot Eddie is eyeing and, yep, there’s definitely a wet spot there, staining the light grey fabric. Buck shrugs.

“I did, didn’t I? He agrees easily. ‘Now, let’s print off that picture so we can get to work.”

Eddie does just that, and less than a minute later, they’re leaving the office to rejoin everyone in the kitchen. Hot coffee is passed to each of them as soon as they’re close enough and, if people notice Eddies puffy eyes or the wet spot on Bucks light grey tee, none mention it.

“So, what’s your plan of action?” Maddie asks Buck.

“Well, I have the picture now, all I need is the plates off the car and a car myself.” Buck tells her.

“You’re going at this alone?” Maybe-Chimney asks Buck incredulously.

Buck nods. “No disrespect to any of you, but we work differently in the SEALs, work at a different pace to anyone else. If any of you come with me, you’ll only slow me down. That, and I really don’t want my sisters new family to see me in action. It’s not pretty.’

The thought of this group of people, who have welcomed his sister into their arms and family as their own, seeing the true monster that she’s related to just doesn’t sit well with him.

Maddie nods. She knew his answer before he said it, always has. Eddie’s team mates accept the answer too, but whether that’s because they trust him to do it alone or are too afraid to say something against a SEAL, Buck honestly doesn’t know.

Bobby, Athena and Eddie, however, look torn. Athena looks like she wants to help, Bobby looks like a concerned parent for some reason and Eddie looks like he detests the thought of Buck being alone.

He gives them all what he hopes is a reassuring smile. ‘Don’t look like that. It is my job, after all.”

Athena sighs and gives Buck the plates and their last known location. Buck takes in the information with a grateful nod and smile.

“You can have my car. It’s not exactly a humvee, like you’re used to, but it runs fine” Maddie offers.

“That’s exactly what I need. These guys must know your profession, so they’re going be anticipating fire engines or a police car or even your first responder truck. An inconspicuous Toyota isn’t even going to be on their radar.” Buck muses aloud.

“I’m still not sure. What if something happens and-“

Buck cuts Eddie off by taking his face in his hand. He ignores the way the mans face fits in his palm perfectly.

“Hey, I’ve trained my whole life to track down and eliminate terrorists. I can handle a kidnapper who’s not going to know what hit them.” Buck assures.

“You’re really going to do this?’ Another fighter asks, sounding sceptical. ‘For a random stranger? Don’t you have to be at work or something?”

Buck rolls his eyes at her. These people were quite dense, weren’t they?

“Of course I’m doing this. Any family of Maddie’s is family of mine, and I protect family.’ Buck vows. ‘As for work, the best thing about being in charge of a Team is that I’m essentially my own boss. I only need one higher up to confirm an action, and he was all too happy to give me the time off to do this.”

Buck knows Maddie knows he’s talking about Ryan, but refrains from asking about their uncle in everything but blood because she knows they’ll be there for hours, talking about all the dumb shit he and Buck have done recently and time was of the essence right now.

“How long?” Bobby asks Buck, bringing him back from inside his head.

“24 hours to solve it, then 13 days for vacation.”

“You’re here for 2 weeks?” Maddie asks excitedly.

“Yup.’ Buck pops the p. ‘So you’ve got plenty of time to show me around and meet everyone properly after I get Christoper back. So give me your keys, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Maddie digs into her purse and throws her keys at him, and he catches them easily. “Give Christopher our love, let him know we’re thinking of him.”

Buck nods as he strolls from the house, twirling the keys around his finger and whistling.

He hears the team of firefighters beginning to ask Maddie questions the second they think he’s out of earshot but he trusts her not to give anything away. He can feel more than one pair of eyes bore into the back of his head, and he really hopes at least one of them is Eddie, so he swings his hips a little bit more than he usually would, giving them a show.

Buck gets to the small lot adjacent to the firehouse, clicks the unlock bottom on Maddie’s remote and looks around curiously. Just because he knows she owns a Toyota, it’s doesn’t mean he’s actually been in or even seen the car.

He’s pleasantly surprised by the red RAV4 that unlocks a little away from him. Maddie was right, it isn’t exactly a humvee but it’s the closest civilian thing to it. He takes a split second to appreciate the car and its leather upholstery before he jams the keys in the ignition and revs out of the lot.

Buck follows the map to where Athena had shown him Christophers last known whereabouts. It’s only a short 10 minute drive and Bucks mind wanders to Eddie. He can’t imaging the pain the man must be in right now. He’s suddenly ridiculously glad that Maddie called him for help.

He pulls in to the field, and makes sure not to go over the existing tyre tracks there. He hops out of the truck and crouches down next to the tracks, a small frown finding its way to his face.

“These don’t look like just one cars tracks.” He mutters to himself.

Standing back up, he slowly walks alongside the tracks, keeping a critical eye on them. Just as he’s nearing the busted open gate, he gets lucky. There’s a spot in the tracks where the two different tyres separate. Like the person following the first tracks had to swerve at the last second.

“Bingo.” Buck grins.

Buck heads back to Maddie’s car and pulls out the little backpack he’d bought with him. He sets up his laptop and scanner and gets to work.

Hacking into the city’s cameras really shouldn’t be as easy as it is for Buck, but right now he’s grateful for it. He keeps tabs on the SUV as it moves from the highway to his location, but looses sight of it as it pulls into the field fully. Buck lets out a frustrated huff but gets back to work.

It’s even easier to hack into the farmers security camera on the field. He skips back the feed until he finds exactly what he’s looking for. Five minutes before their suspects SUV pulls into the field, another car pulls in and waits. A tall slender woman with brown hair gets out of the car and leans against the hood, looking anxious even through the pixelated footage. Buck speeds the footage up a little, and watches a time lapse video of the woman pacing around her car until the other SUV arrives.

A man in a black suit gets out of the car and rounds the bonnet to the passenger seat, where he leans in and pulls a little boy out. It’s definitely Christopher.

Buck watches with clenched fists as the man hands Christopher over to the woman, who hugs and kisses him, despite his obvious attempts to get away from her. She obviously knew the little boy, but he wanted nothing to do with her.

It clicks in Buck’s head then. Eddie was a single parent. This must be Christophers estranged mother.

Narrowing his eyes, Buck continues to watch as the couple force Christopher into the woman’s car and speed out of the field. Buck catches the number plate though, and he quickly makes a note of it in his head.

He transfers back over to the city’s cameras and, with a little bit of digging, a little bit of elbow grease, he’s able to catch sight of the red Ford leaving L.A and heading northwest, towards Bakersfield.

He types the plate into his tracker and watches with a satisfied smirk when it flags up every single camera it’s gone through on the highway. Buck leaves his laptop on the passenger seat and starts up the engine again.

The road to Bakersfield is long and boring, but Buck endures it. He keeps one eye on the laptop, tracking the cars movements. Just as Buck reaches Bakersfield, the car reaches Fresno. Buck continues his chase. Just as he gets to Fresno, the car enters Modesto. Just how far was they taking this poor boy away from his poor father?

When the laptop pings with an image of the car leaving the highway at Sacramento, Buck sighs in relief. He should be able to get Christopher back to Eddie within the day.

When Buck finally reaches Sacramento, the clock reads 11pm and the car hadn’t flagged up again on any of the highways Buck has been monitoring. It was hopefully parked up somewhere in the city. If he’s quick in finding out exactly where, he could have Christopher back with his father by the time he wakes up in the morning.

Buck parks up in a random Walmart lot. He sets up his laptop and scanner again, going from where he last had eyes on the Ford. Once again, he makes quick work of hacking into the the local city’s cameras and locates the car. He follows its movements to a quiet street, where it parks up and the couple hurry Christopher inside one of the houses.

Buck can’t make out the number, but he notes the red door. He manages to catch sight of the street name and once it is typed into his goggle maps, he starts the car again and makes his way there.

Its nearing midnight when Buck finally pulls into the street. He keeps his eye out for both the red car and the red door, and stops in the middle of the road when he finds both. Buck flicks the hazards on, grabs his backpack and exits the car.

He raps his knuckles on the bright red door exactly five times, then steps back and waits for it to be answered. It takes a minute, but the door finally cracks open. It’s the woman from the field. Christopher’s mother.

“Hi. Can I help you?” She asks quietly.

“Yes you can. You can give me back Christopher and no one gets hurt.” Buck says calmly.

The woman’s eyes open wide in a mixture of shock and fear before she slams the door shut. Well. Attempts to anyway. Buck wedges his foot between the door and the frame and uses all of his weight to push the door back open. The woman lets out a scream as she’s thrown to the floor by the force of it.

Buck steps over her as he strides into the dark and dingy house, yelling for the boy. “Christopher?”

He rounds the corner and finds himself in the living room, where Christopher is sat on the couch, watching cartoons on the T.V with wide eyes. Buck kneels in front of the boy, his brow furrowing on concern.

His stormy grey eyes are blown wide and glazed over. Buck waves his hand in front of Christopher’s face once, and gets no reaction.

“You drugged him?” He spits angrily when he sees the woman slink into the room.

“He wouldn’t stop crying. I had to do something to shut him up.” She shrugs.

“What did you give him?” Buck demands.

“Only a little bit of ACID. Not enough to harm him, but enough to keep him quiet for a while.”

Buck’s blood boils at the nonchalant way she speaks about drugging a fucking child. Her own fucking child. “So not only have you stolen the poor kid, taking him away from his family and everything he knows, you also put his life in danger by drugging him?”

“I didn’t steal him! He’s my son too, my family! He belongs with me!” The woman screeches.

“Then why did you have to kidnap and drug him?” Buck sneers.

“Because Eddie won’t let me anywhere near him!” The woman growls angrily.

He can kind of, sort of, see Eddies appeal to the woman. Maybe. Not really.

“And you can’t think of any reason why he wouldn’t want you near him?” Buck raises an eyebrow.

He sees a shadow move from the corner of his eye and suppresses a sigh.

“Like I said. I’m his mother and he’s staying here with me. You are not going to take him from me.” The woman puffs out her chest a little, her bravado stretched thin and betrayed by her trembling hands and lips.

Buck rolls his eyes. “Right. Like you can stop me.”

“I can’t,’ the woman agrees. ‘But he can.”

Before the man stood behind Buck can even move, Buck twists around on the spot and head butts him as hard as he physically can. The man falls back with a cry of pain, dropping the knife in his hand as he does so and Buck follows, punching with all of his force. With just five punches; one to the groin, one to the throat, two to the ribs and one to the left ear, the man hits the floor like a sack of bricks, out like a light. It takes all of seven seconds and Buck doesn’t even work up a sweat.

The woman is stood in the opposite corner of the room, staring at Buck with wide tear filled eyes.

“Who the fuck are you?” She spits.

“Your worst fucking nightmare.” Buck shrugs nonchalantly.

He pulls his phone from his back pocket to dial 911 and calmly explains the situation to the dispatcher. When he puts the phone down, he notices the woman edging closer to the door.

“I wouldn’t if I were you. If I have to chase after you, you’ll have much the same fate as your friend here.’ Buck kicks the other mans leg. ‘Sit the fuck down.”

The woman gulps as she makes her way over to the couch Buck is pointing at. She gingerly sits down next to Christopher, who hardly acknowledges her presence at all.

Buck crouches down in front of the boy and takes his hands in one of his as he rummages through his backpack and produces a bottle of water with the other.

He gently coaxes Christopher into sipping half the bottle, and watches with bated breath as Christopher slowly comes back down to them.

“That’s it bud, keep drinking from the bottle in small sips for me. It’ll make you feel better.’ Buck says softly. ‘You don’t know me, but my names Buck and I’m friends with your daddy. I’ve come to bring you back to him.”

Those big grey eyes blink up at Buck, still unfocused but a little clearer. “Daddy?”

“That’s right, superman. I’m gonna take you back to your daddy. He’s been so worried about you. And so has Carla, Bobby, Athena, Chimney and Maddie and everyone else.”

“Even Aunt Maddie?” Christopher whispers in wonder.

“Even Aunt Maddie,’ Buck echos with a chuckle. ‘You know, your Aunt Maddie is my big sister and she told me to come get you and bring you home.”

“I want daddy.” Christopher states.

“I know buddy. As soon as I’m done here, I will take you back to your daddy.” Buck promises.

“Okay Bucky.”

Buck smiles softly at the little twist on his nickname and ruffles the boys hair as he stands back up again. The woman opens her mouth to say something, but is cut off by the sound of sirens descending on them.

Within one minute, the apartment is being swarmed with police officers and EMT’s.

Two EMT’s rush over to the still unconscious man and get him on a gurney, cuffing him to it for good measure but Buck’s certain that he won’t be waking up anytime soon, if at all. He’s not all that mad about it. Two more rush to Christopher to check him over as well, giving him something to help him battle the drugs in his system.

The woman, Shannon as Buck learns, is taken into custody kicking and screaming while Buck is questioned. The officer taking Buck’s statement looks a little skeptical of him, so Buck produces his official SEAL id. The mans posture stiffens and he salutes Buck.

“Chief Petty Officer, sir!”

The rest of the room freezes before saluting him also. While it’s not technically required, Buck still finds it humbling and little funny, so he doesn’t stop them. Buck nods at him, standing them all down after a second.

“There’s two of you to one car, right?’ He asks the officer and gets a stiff nod in return. ‘Good. I want one of you to follow the ambulance in my car cause I’m going with Christopher.”

“Of course sir.” The officer stammers, and gestures for his colleague to take the keys Buck’s holding out. He does so with shaking hands.

Buck grabs his backpack and trails after the EMT’s as they get Christopher on another gurney and wheel him out to one of the waiting ambulances. He catches sight of the officer slipping into the front seat of Maddie’s car and placing a portable siren on the roof before the doors slam closed on him and Christopher.

The ride to the local hospital in uneventful. Christopher, while slowly coming down from his high, is still as a statue as the EMT pokes and prods at him and get him hooked up to a multitude of machines.

The woman’s hands are shaking ever so slightly and she keeps one eye on Buck at all times as she gets the oxygen mask around Christopher’s head while he nods off on the bed. He doesn’t say anything to put her fears at ease, he doubts anything he says will help, SEALs have a certain reputation for a reason. But he doesn’t do anything to escalate them either. He simply sits there in silence, watching Christopher like a hawk.

Finally, they’re pulling up at the hospital just as Christopher fully falls asleep. They rouse him, making him whine pitifully and it rubs on Buck’s heart. He’s seen to straight away, and Buck’s being lead to a secluded room on the Paediatric ward within 45 minutes of arrival. There’s a greying nurse waiting for him, watching over Christopher as he continues to nap.

“He’s going to be just fine. We’ve given him an iv to flush his system. The dose was minute, and for any adult it would wear off after a few hours. But, obviously as he’s a child, his body reacts differently. It’s my first ever case of child drug use so I can’t give you an exact time frame, but I’m certain that he’ll be back to normal by tonight. If he’s not, bring him back to the emergency room to be seen to again.” She tells him, her voice clinical yet warm.

“That’s great, thank you so much.” Buck smiles.

“You’re very welcome. You’re free to take your son home for some extra snuggles whenever you’re ready.”

“Oh he’s uh-‘ Buck starts to correct her that no, this kid isn’t mine, but thinks better of it. ‘Thanks.” He finishes lamely.

The woman nods and exits the room, leaving the discharge forms resting on the table.

Buck slowly approaches Christopher, who looks far too small even in the smaller paediatric bed. He gently shakes the boys shoulder.

“Hey bud, think you can wake up for me, huh?” He whispers.

Christopher slowly blinks his eyes open. “Bucky? Are we going back to daddy now?”

“Yeah bud, we are.” Buck smiles.

Christopher nods and holds his arms out, silently asking to be carried. Buck obliges and carries him from the room. He fills out the forms at the reception and hands them over with his best smile, making the young receptionist swoon. She bids them both farewell a little overeagerly.

Buck’s- Maddie’s- car is parked in a priority spot next to the entrance, a pre paid ticket on the window. The officer who’d driven is leaning against the drivers door, waiting for them, but stands up straight as they approach.

He hands the keys over the second Buck’s close enough. “There we are, Sir.”

“Thank you Officer- Hansen.” Buck reads the tag and the young man preens.

“We got Shannon to talk. The guy you busted up? It’s her new boyfriend. He used to work for the city, but got fired recently. They used his official ID to get to the boy, stole a car to get him away before changing to Shannons car. The knew about the kids fathers ties to cops in L.A so they wiped everything down so they couldn’t be tracked.’ Hansen’s partner, Davis, informs him. ‘They obviously weren’t expecting him to have ties to a SEAL though.”

Bucks blood boils in his veins. He gets ahold of it and takes a deep calming breath before it can overtake him.

Buck makes quick work of strapping Christopher into the seat already installed in the backseat before rounding the car to the drivers seat. He nods at the officers and thanks them. They both nod back and salute him as he climbs into the car and pulls away.

Christopher is sound asleep before Buck even makes it to the freeway.

Buck contemplates phoning Maddie, letting her know he had Christopher and was on his way, but with a glance at the clock that reads 4:46 am, he thinks better of it. He just settles into the long drive back.

Christopher wakes up at six on the dot. Just snaps his eyes open and stares unwavering at the back of Bucks head.

“Do you have an iPad?” He asks sweetly, startling Buck for a split second.

“No, but I do have a phone. What do you need buddy?”

“Can I watch a film?

“Hmm, I don’t know. What film are we talking about here?”

“Lilo and Stitch. It’s my favourite.” Christopher proclaims proudly. Buck grins.

“Oh well then by all means. It’s my favourite film too, you know.”

“Really?” Christopher gasps.

“Really really.”

Buck slows the car down a little and quickly fishes out his cell, opens Disney+ (don’t judge him, base was lonely at times, okay?) and loads up Lilo and Stitch. Christopher cheers happily when Buck plugs the phone into the charger already there - thank you Maddie - and hands the cell over. Christopher settles back into his car seat to watch it.

Buck dutifully quotes the entire film with Christopher. When it comes to the part when Stitch explains his human family to his officer, Buck’s heart swells.

“You’re family too, right?” Christopher asks him.

“Yeah, I’m Maddie’s brother, remember?”

“That makes you my uncle Bucky!”

“I suppose it does.” Buck grins.

“You know what my uncles do for me usually?’ Christopher asks, sounding anything but innocent. Buck raises an amused eyebrow and hums. ‘They buy me McDonald’s breakfast.”

Buck lets out a loud laugh, spying the Golden Arches in the upcoming service station.

“Oh is that so? Well then, who am I break that sacred tradition?” Buck asks solemnly and pulls into the queue.

Christopher cheers so loudly, Buck ear rings for a second.

Buck gets them their food before pulling back on the freeway for the home stretch. Christopher happily munches on his pancakes in the back as he clicks to watch Lilo and Stitch 2, and Buck juggles his McMuffin, his hash brown and the steering wheel expertly.

Once again, they quote the second film together, making Christopher giggle. Buck thinks he could hear that sound every day for the rest of his life and it would still fill his heart with warmth every time.

“Can I watch another film?” Christopher asks once the second film wraps up.

“You can but I don’t think we’ll have time to finish it buddy.” Buck tells him and nods to the ‘Los Angeles City Limit’ sign they’re coming up to.

“We’re home!” Christopher grins.

“We sure are. We’ll be back with your daddy in,’ Buck looks at his map to get an accurate time. ‘54 minutes!”

“Yay!” The boy grins, before putting on Moana.

He gasps in delight when Buck sings along to the first song with him. What? I told you, base is lonely sometimes. Don’t judge.

Buck presses down on the gas, so he’s riding the speed limit - occasionally itching over - eager to get Christopher back with Eddie as soon as possible.

He makes it to the station lot in 50 minutes. Christopher whines when Buck takes the phone away from him, but immediately brightens up at the fact that he’s home and about to be reunited with his dad.

Buck unclips him and settles him on his hip as he locks the car and makes his way into the station. The trucks are gone, obviously out on call, and Buck looks around the floor with a frown. Where was everyone else? He’d expected Eddie, Maddie and Carla at the very least to be waiting.

“Chris!” Eddie’s voice cries from up above them. Ah. There he is.

Buck’s head snaps up to see him, and everyone else he’d met yesterday afternoon, thunder down the stairs that lead to the kitchen to get to him and Christopher.

“Daddy!” Christopher calls happily.

The second Eddie reaches them, Buck unloads the mans son into his arms and watches with a small smile as he all but collapses to the floor in relief, holding Christopher as close to him as humanly possible and kissing him all over.

“Oh Mijo, I was so worried about you baby.” Eddie cries.

“I’m okay daddy. Bucky saved me.” Christopher cheers happily as he hastily wipes away his dads tears.

Eddie looks up at Buck, gratitude clear in his eyes. “Thank you. So much.”

“I told you before, I protect family. Even if it is from their own mother.” Buck shrugs and waits a second for that information to sink in.

“W-what?” Bobby stammers from where he and the rest of his crew and Maddie, Athena and Carla are stood a little away.

“Instead of being a normal person and going through the courts, Christophers own mother got someone to kidnap her son to get him away from Eddie.”

Shocked gasps sound from the large group of people stood around the bay.

“Seriously? Shannon did this?” Eddie rages, standing up with Christopher cradled close to him. He presses one last kiss to his head before passing him over to Carla.

“Yep. Her boyfriend is an ex-Sacramento city hall worker. Got fired a few weeks back for something or other but disappeared before he could hand in his city ID. He used that to get access to Chris and drove him out to the field where Shannon was waiting. They cleaned and ditched the stolen car he was driving, transferring over to Shannon’s personal car and took him back to his house in Sacramento. It was easy enough to hack into the road cameras and track their movements. They certainly weren’t expecting me, they thought their plan was fool proof.” Buck smirks.

“What did you do?” The bald woman questions, eyeing his still-bloody knuckles.

Buck glances over at Christopher, who is now going through the process of being hugged by every single member in the firehouse and Athena and Maddie.

“The boyfriend tried to stab me so I knocked him out.” Buck shrugs.

“Was he… breathing… when you left?” Athena asks cautiously.

“Barely, but yes.”

“And what about Shannon?” Eddie asks quietly.

“Arrested for kidnapping and reckless endangerment before my very eyes.” Buck tells him.

“Reckless endangerment?” Maddie echos.

“Christopher ingested a psychedelic drug in her care. That’s why it took so long for me to get back, I had to get him checked over first. He’s still a little under the influence, a little happy, but the doctors said he would be fine once it’s out of his system.”

“Oh my god.” Eddie stresses, raking his hand through his hair.

“Hey, calm down.’ Buck soothes the man, reaching over to rest a hand on his shoulder. ‘He’s going to be okay, Eddie. He’s back with you, where he belongs, and there’s not a scratch on him. Everything is going to be okay.”

“Yeah, thanks to you.’ Eddie vows before pulling Buck in for a crushing hug. Buck lets out a little ‘oof’ and wraps his arms around Eddie in return. ‘Thank you Evan. From the bottom of my heart.”

“You’re welcome, Eddie. We’re family now, and family means nobody gets left behind-“

“Or forgotten!” Christopher hollers over with a giggle, finishing the quote for Buck.

“That’s right bud.” Buck chuckles.

“Did he force you to watch Lilo and Stitch?” Eddie chuckles.

“Both of the films and the start of Moana, but there was no forcing about it.” Buck winks.

Buck watches in fascination as the tension begins to slowly bleed from Eddie’s shoulders as the man smiles warmly at him.

“So, what’re you going to do with the rest of your allotted 24 hours to find Christopher? You still have a few left.” Maddie asks Buck, getting his attention.

“I’m gonna get to know my big sisters family.’ Buck grins. ‘But first; food. I’ve only eaten a McDonald’s breakfast since lunch yesterday and I’m starving.”

The fire Captain, Bobby, reaches over and grips Buck’s arm. Not tight enough to hurt, but enough to know that he wanted Buck to follow him. He starts pulling him up the stairs towards the kitchen and Buck goes willingly, laughing at Maddie and Eddie’s faces. They look shocked at the prospect of Bobby forcing him to do anything, but deep down he knows they know Buck is letting him pull him along. He flops ungraciously into the chair Bobby pulls him over to and waits patently.

Bobby pulls out a steak from the fridge, that looks fancy as fuck if the packaging is anything to go by and quickly whips up a meal with vegetables and fried potatoes.

It’s love at first bite.

“Oh man, this is delicious. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been a very long time since my last home cooked meal, but this is like Michelin level taste.”

Buck spies a blush go up the mans neck at the praise. “Thanks Buck.”

He then scurries back over to the kitchen to start on some pasta for everyone else, making Buck snort at the special treatment. He would’ve been fine with pasta, but he doesn’t say that. If anything, he’s flattered. Eddie is the first to receive his food for him and Christopher when it’s done, and he gets them settled on the table opposite Buck. Buck offers them a grin.

Buck feels Eddie’s eyes leaving burning trails on his skin as the man studies him while he eats. Buck indulges him a little, eating slowly and putting more emphasis than necessarily needed on the groans he lets out while eating the delicious steak, vegetables and potatoes. He then makes solid eye contact with the man, and bares witness to the endearing flush that spreads across his face at being caught out before Eddie drops his head. It makes Buck smirk.

“That was painful.” The bald woman ‘whispers’ in his ear as she takes the seat beside him with her own bowl of pasta. Buck really needs to learn her name. He can tell they’re going to be good friends.

“Shut up, Hen.” Eddie warns, shoving at her halfheartedly.

Huh. So her names Hen. Buck smiles and stores away the little bit of information.

She lets out a too-loud cackle and gets the attention of absolutely everyone in the room.

“Something you wanna share with the class?” The man Buck is 90% certain is Chimney chuckles.

Hen shakes her head no, but she’s smirking slyly and Eddie looks like he want to slap her. Christopher is looking up at his dad with a curious face, and Buck watches on fondly as Eddie easily encourages him to go back to eating his pasta.

Buck catches Eddie looking around the room with a small smile from the corner of his eye and smiles himself. He deserves to smile and be happy after the day he’s had. Eddie then leans down to whisper something to Christopher, so low that Buck can’t even hear it.

Christopher replies with a still whispered, but not low enough “You got it dad.” That makes Eddie smile before they both go back to their meals.

Buck quirks an eyebrow. What are they up to?

It becomes clear, as everyone finishes up their food when Maddie stands up and brings a cake over to the table. Ah yes, it was Chimneys birthday yesterday.

Chapter Text

Hen lights the candles and everyone gathered around to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the now confirmed Chimney and Buck joins in happily.

Just as the song comes to a close, Christopher leaps onto Chimneys back with Eddie’s help and shoves his face into the cake.

Chimney lets out a loud squawk while everyone else laughs loudly. Buck very much included.

He gives Christopher a high five. “Nice call little man.”

“It was daddy’s idea.” Christopher grins.

Buck extends his high five to the blushing man and smirks when Eddie’s hand shyly meets his.

“I gotta say, it’s nice to put a face to a name. Why do they call you Chimney?” Buck asks.

Chimneys face flushes bright red and he ducks his head.

“I’ll tell you later.’ Hen promises as she holds her hand out. ‘I’m Hen, nice to officially meet you, Buck.”

Buck gladly shakes her hand. “You too, Hen.”

The rest of the crew follow in the woman’s footsteps and introduce themselves. The last person to shake his hand in the pretty girl from earlier, who’d asked if he was single and her face is aglow with how much she’s flushing. Buck can’t help but take her face in his hands.

“Don’t be embarrassed. It’s nothing against you, I’m sure you’re a lovely lady, but I am very gay.” He tells her and it makes her giggle.

“Thanks. I needed to hear that.” She says, still shyly but not as bad as before. Buck takes it as a win.

“Yeah, he was the first ever LGBT Chief Petty Officer.” Maddie announces proudly.

The whole room of firefighters and co burst into applause for Buck.

“Ahh, stop.’ He whines. ‘My ceremony was bad enough.”

“I’d never seen Uncle Ryan cry before the day of your ceremony.” Maddie laughs.

“Trust me, it happens a lot more than people think. He’s secretly a cry baby.” Buck snorts.

“I find that hard to believe.’ Maddie scoffs. ‘He’s the toughest man I know.”

“I literally have a video of him bawling when I told him you was pregnant. Like, Oliver had to take over for him while he calmed down. Can’t exactly face new recruits while crying your eyes out.”

“Are you serious?’ Maddie shrieks in laughter. ‘Oh god you have to show me that video.”

“Can’t. It’s a breach of security just having it on my phone.” Buck explains.

“Why? Oh. Right, cause it shows your base. Duh.” Maddie rolls her eyes.

“Perks of being part of the most secretive branch of the Navy.” Buck shrugs apologetically.

“How are uncle Ryan and Oliver doing?”

“They’re good. Ryan is still a little stiff from a mission gone south but he’s kicking it.”

“Were you on that mission?” Maddie asks with a raised eyebrow.

“Sure was, but I only got four bullets to the leg. Ryan got, like, 20 everywhere.”

“Only four bullets he says.” Hen scoffs.

“It’s not the worst I’ve had by a long shot.’ Buck shrugs. ‘It was basically a tickle compared to a 4X4 rolling over onto my leg and crushing it.”

“What?” Maddie screeches. Buck’s face pales.

“Uh yeah, I never actually told you about that...”

“Start talking. Now.” Maddie demands.

“It was like a year ago Maddie, I’m fine now.’ Buck tries to appease his sister, but she simply crosses her arms and purses her lips. Buck sighs in resignation. ‘Fine. We were ambushed on one of our missions. A bomb went off right next to the Cougar 4X4 I was taking cover behind, and it rolled over from the force of it. I managed to crawl away but it caught my left leg as it settled on its side. Ryan shielded me from the ambush the whole time. When it was over, they had to use a tank to push it off of me and got me to the hospital. I don’t really remember that much, I’m sure I passed out from the pain, or the blood loss or whatever. Anyway, I had emergency surgery, and they put a rod and screws in my leg to help it heal properly. I was stuck there for almost two months, recovering, before going back to strict desk work, and after another three months of physical therapy and taking the rod and screws out, I was cleared for work and back out on the field. And now here I am.” Buck sweeps his arms widely.

There’s a moment of complete silence, before Maddie starts screaming at him.

“You were crushed by a fucking 4X4 and didn’t think to call me?”

Buck gulps. Yeah, he’s a SEAL, and a very experienced one at that, but even he is terrified of his older sisters wrath. There’s nothing quite like it.

“It was only my leg?” He tries.

“Oh only your leg, that makes it so much better!” Maddie growls.

“I didn’t want to worry you-“

“I’m your sister, I always worry about you!”

“But I’m fine!”

“Obviously not! You have a metal rod in your leg! I can’t believe you!”

“Uh, I’m pretty sure I said the metal rod and screws were taken out months ago.”

“Not the point!”

“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I knew you’d just worry about me, and you’d have no way of seeing me other than through FaceTime. If something had gone horribly wrong, I would’ve let you know but it didn’t. I’m healed up now and feeling as good as new, so there’s nothing to worry about. Especially now you’ve got your little one to think of.” Buck knows he’s fighting dirty, and he knows Maddie knows he knows, because she simply levels him with the dirtiest glare before huffing.

“Fine. I’m still not happy with you, though.” She states.

“I guessed as much.’ Buck shrugs with a chuckle. ‘Forgive me?” He pouts and bats his eyelashes.

Maddie sighs. “Of course I forgive you. But you are to never do that again, okay?”

“Scouts honour.” Buck salutes his sister.

Maddie rolls his eyes and hugs her brother tightly.

“So, anything else you need to tell me about? Any other life threatening injuries you’ve sustained?”

“Other than some standard gunshot wounds and a pulmonary embolism, nope.” Buck shrugs.

Maddie’s left eye twitches.

“Pulmonary embolism?” She echos, eerily calm sounding.

“It kind of goes hand in hand with the crush injury. I suffered some blood clots in my leg and lung because of a reaction to the screws in my leg and choked up blood, but it happened in front of Ryan and Oliver and they got me help before I even knew what was happening.”

“What did happen?” Eddie asks, and Buck suddenly remembers their large audience.

“I was talking to Ryan and Oliver, thanking them for being there for me through my surgeries and therapy when I got a tickle in my throat. Next thing I know, there’s blood covering my hands and Ryan’s shouting and everything goes black.”

“Sounds scary.” Hen mutters.

“Not my finest hour, I’ll admit. But everything is good now, I’m in the clear, even after the most recent bullet holes that now decorate my fucked up leg.”

“You’ve aged me horribly in just one day.’ Maddie sighs wearily. ‘Your poor leg, not fucked up leg.”

“Sorry sis.’ Buck grins. ‘And I’m not joking - it’s a real mess down there. I hope any future partner I have doesn’t mind ugly war scars or I’m screwed.” He chuckles, but it sounds a little self conscious even to his own ears.

“So. You’re thinking of early retirement, huh?” His sister asks out of the blue and changing the topic, making Buck sigh in relief, and then frown.

“When did I tell you that?”

“When I phoned you last week?” Maddie supplies.

“Oh yeah, I guess I did.’ Buck chuckles. ‘Yeah, early next year marks my 10 years of service with the SEALs and Oliver’s tryna convince me to get out and live the rest of my life. He doesn’t want me to end up like-“

“Dad.” Maddie finishes for him when Buck falters.

“Yeah.”

“I can understand that. Dads life revolved around the SEALs, it ruined his marriage to mom and his relationship with me and it nearly ruined his relationship with you, if you hadn’t of enlisted. He lived and died for them and I don’t want that for you. I mean, you’re only 28. You’re still young enough to peruse a career in something that doesn’t take you out to a war zone on a regular occurrence.” Maddie rants.

“You been holding that in for a while?” Buck guesses, smiling wryly.

“Maybe.’ Maddie huffs. ‘All I’m saying is you don’t have to go down the same path as dad. You’ve lived and served the SEALs your whole adult life, it might be time for you to finally live for just yourself instead.”

“You’re right, I have lived my entire adult life training and living in bases and fighting in deserts around the world, but that’s the only life I know. Without any of that, I don’t know who I am.” Buck admits.

“You are Evan Buckley, my pain in the ass little brother who has far too much intelligence to be a scary soldier his whole life. If you do decide to retire, I have a perfectly good couch you can crash on while you figure yourself out.” Maddie tells him with a small smile.

“Thanks Mads, I’ll think about it.” Buck promises.

“If you still want to live a life fuelled by adrenaline, you could always apply for the academy.” Bobby offers with a shrug. Buck eyes him critically.

“What academy? To become a firefighter?”

“Yeah, we could always do with new recruits. And I’m sure your skill set will come in very handy for the job.”

“I’ve never thought about it, but it makes a lot of sense. Running into burning buildings, saving people’s lives instead of taking them away. It sounds like something I could do.” Buck muses thoughtfully.

“I daresay the physical training will be a breeze for you.” Hen smirks.

“Hey, let’s not forget the brain behind the brawn.” Buck snorts.

“Alright, Einstein, let’s not show off now.’ Maddie scolds playfully. ‘But in all seriousness, I think you’d make an amazing firefighter.”

“Yeah?” Buck asks, uncharacteristically shy.

“Hell yeah.”

“And the uniform will do wonders for your body, you’ll be fighting people off left right and centre.” Hen informs him, though her eyes are firmly trained on Eddie, who flushes.

“I think you might be into something there, Hen.’ Buck grins back at the woman. ‘You know what? I think you and I are going to be very good friends.”

“Oh I’m planning on it.” Hen grins back at him and they high five.

“I’m worried.” Bobby states, making everyone snort in laughter.

“So.’ Buck claps his hands together. ‘It’s my first time in L.A, you wanna start showing me around?” He asks his sister.

“Of course.” Maddie grins.

“If you get back here for around 5, I’ll make sure there’s enough dinner for you.” Bobby offers.

“Thank you Bobby, that’s really kind of you.’ Buck smiles over at the man, who smiles back warmly. ‘Lead the way, sis.”

Maddie grips his hand in hers and, with quick goodbyes the siblings go to leave the firehouse.

“Can I come with you?”

Buck stops dead in his tracks and looks around to see Christopher looking up at him with wide, pleading eyes. With one swift look at his sisters grinning face, Buck spins back around to crouch down in front of the boy.

“Of course you can, as long as it’s okay with daddy?”

Buck doesn’t miss the flush that creeps up Eddie’s neck at his choice of wording, and he has to smother a smirk. Hen, on the other hand, does no such thing.

“Yeah, of course it is.” Eddie mumbles.

Christopher whoops with joy, and Buck can’t help but smile at him. He settles him on his hip, takes Maddie’s hand in his again and hollers another goodbye as they actually leave.

Maddie takes him and Christopher to all of the famous landmarks, from the Hollywood sign to Santa Monica pier. Christopher has a whale of a time, and so does Buck, if he’s being honest. He takes photo after photo to send to Ryan and Oliver so they’ll stop worrying about him never having fun. Maddie sends photos to Eddie to keep him from worrying too. As it nears 4pm, Buck sneaks Christopher a scoop of ice cream and they begin making their way back to the station.

As Buck sits around the table, eating and laughing with the people there like he’s known them his whole life, he finally allows himself to think of a life outside of the SEALs. He loves his job and his Team, he really does. But Maddie’s right. It’s not forever.

—

Day 11 of his vacation begins much the same way. He and Maddie join the 118 and Athena for breakfast at the station.

Buck’s just chowing down on one of Bobby’s delicious omelettes, when he hears his name get called.

“Yo! One shot!”

He springs to his feet and races over to the balcony, to see Oliver grinning up at him as he jogs up the stairs.

“Oli! The hell are you doing here?”

Before Oliver can say a word, he’s being ambushed by Maddie, who drags him in for a crushing hug. “I’ve missed you Uncle Oliver.”

“I’ve missed you too, Maddie.’ Oliver chuckles, hugging her back. ‘And I wish I was here on better business.”

Buck’s back straightens at the undercurrent in his words. “Seriously?” He whines.

“Yeah.’ Oliver sighs as he forces Maddie to let him go. ‘They made a move. We’re being shipped out to Baghdad this afternoon.”

“Ah shit.’ Buck moans. ‘How long?”

“6 months to start with.’ Oliver shakes his head, and Buck groans loudly. ‘I know kid. But it can be your last hurrah before you officially retire.”

“Wait, you’re retiring?” Maddie gasps.

“Yeah, I was gonna surprise you at my 10 year ceremony.’ Buck glares at Oliver, who holds his hands up placatingly. ‘But, cats out of the bag now. I’m officially retiring and I’m gonna apply for the LAFD.”

Maddie throws her arms around him with a delighted squeal. “Oh Buck I’m so proud!”

“We all are, kid.” Bobby grins over.

Buck grins back at the man.

“Oli, meet the 118, Maddie’s family.” Buck tries to gesture to the table of firefighters, but Maddie won’t stop hugging him.

“And your family too.” Athena raises an eyebrow, daring Buck to argue with her. He- very wisely, might he add- does not.

“Pleasure to meet you all. I’m Oliver, or Oli. I’ve known Buck and Maddie since they were kids, served with their dad.”

“And now I command you, old man.” Buck drawls smugly.

“Watch it, I could still kick your ass.” Oliver smirks.

“Probably, but only cause you trained me up.’ Buck concedes. ‘Am I gonna have time to go back to Base to get my shit before we ship out?”

“Nope. What do you think this is?” Oliver gestures to the duffel in his hands.

“Well, I was hoping, but competence is not something I usually associate with you.” Buck says cheekily.

Oliver launches the duffel at Buck with an indignant squawk of laughter. “Get changed, One Shot. The team are outside waiting on you.”

“Aye aye.” Buck smirks as he disappears to change into his beige camouflage fatigues in the toilets. He makes quick work of it, and is strolling back over to the table when he hears Chimney speak.

“Why is he called One Shot?”

“Because I was a sniper when I first started with my Team.” Buck says casually, making the man jump.

“Yeah, the best we’ve ever seen. Kid got a headshot on a target from 1649m away with winds at 8 knots.” Oliver puffs his chest proudly.

“Well damn.’ Athena whistles. ‘If the LAFD doesn’t work out for you, I can guarantee the LAPD will be happy to take you.”

“Thanks Athena.” Buck blushes.

“You ready to head out?” Oliver asks reluctantly.

Buck nods. “I need to make a pit stop at Maddie’s place to get my laptop but other than that, I’m good to go.”

“Alright, that can be arranged.” Oliver sighs, put on.

Buck shoves him before he opens his arms to Maddie, who falls into them.

“I’ll be back before you know it.” He promises.

“You’d better.” She sniffles.

“Scouts honour.’ Buck hooks his pinky with his sisters and they shake. He hands his mobile phone over to her and she takes it with a frown. ‘I won’t be allowed it.” He smiles sadly when her eyes well with tears.

“So I can’t even talk to you when you’re half way across the world in a war-zone?”

“Well, we will have untraceable tablets to call on when we can, but I can’t promise I’ll be able to.’ Buck grimaces when the tears spill over. ‘I’m sorry Mad’s.”

“I know.’ Maddie sniffles as she wipes away her tears. ‘I know you are, and I know you have no choice. It doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“I know.’ Buck echos with a wet chuckle. ‘I’ll see you on the other side, Big Sister.”

“See you on the other side Little Brother.”

Buck hugs his sister one last time, before pulling away and wiping at his own tears.

“It was a pleasure to meet all of you, and thank you for taking me in as one of your own.” He announces to the room.

“Hey. Any family of Maddie’s is family of ours.’ Hen coos. ‘You just come back to us in one piece.”

“I mean, I can’t guarantee that. And I might come back in one piece, just one piece inside a casket, but I’ll try my damn hardest not to.” Buck tries to joke, but it falls flat.

“Be careful, son.” Bobby says sternly as he pulls Buck in for a tight embrace.

That’s something Buck had had to get used to. The hugs from Bobby and his team. They were so tactile, and took him in and included him in that immediately. Although he’s only know the older man for 11 days, he feels this weird father-son bond with him already.

“I will be, Bobby. My team will have my back and, seeing as Oli and I trained most of them, I’m pretty confident.”

That does the job. The team let out little laughs at him and the somber mood is lifted, if only just a little.

One by one, the 118 hug him tightly and say goodbye, until it’s just Eddie left. Despite only knowing him for less than two weeks, Buck feels this pull with the other man. Like he had his own orbit and Bucks gravitated towards it all on his own. The more he got to know about him, the more he was pulled in. And not to mention his son is a literal bundle of sunshine who Buck’s not ashamed to admit he loves already.

Eddie cups Bucks face in his palms, and Bucks heart breaks at the sight of tears in his eyes.

“You come back to us, you hear me? Or I will murder you myself.” He warns wetly.

“I don’t doubt that Diaz.’ Buck smiles, placing his hands over Eddie’s own. ‘Say bye to Chris for me?”

“I will.” Eddie promises, then leans in and places a sweet kiss to Buck’s lips.

Buck gasps at the zap of electric tingling that goes down his spine at the simple press of lips, his eyes widening and seeing Eddie’s own honey brown eyes widen.

“Eddie-“

“Something for you to fight to come home to.”

“I’ll always fight to come home to all of you, but now I’m even more inclined.” Buck grins cheekily, pecking Eddie’s lips once more, before pulling away completely and joining Oliver at the stairs.

“Safe travels, soldiers.” Martin two finger salutes them with a grin.

“See y’all on the flip side. I’ll look after your boy. I promise.” Oliver two finger salutes back.

“Don’t have too much fun without me!” Buck calls as he and Oliver race each other down the stairs.

“You too, Buckaroo.” Athena calls back.

Buck spins so he jogs backwards and offers the 118 & Co one last grin. His eyes linger on Eddie for a second longer, and sends him a special small smile.

Chapter Text

Even though he wasn’t even a member of the 118, with Buck gone, the firehouse feels weird.

Chimney is always looking around for his future brother in law when he makes a joke he knows he’ll appreciate.

Hen always goes to shoulder her new best friend in the ribs when someone does or says something dumb.

Bobby always places down an extra plate and set of cutlery with every meal.

Athena always comes in, looking for him to gush about a good shot she’d made.

Martin always looks around for his sparring partner.

Tanika and Lawrence always look for their gossiping partner.

And Eddie? Eddie always looks for the golden headed man who’d managed to steal his heart in just over a week. For the man his son is obsessed with, and is missing terribly.

It’s almost as though there’s a dark cloud hanging over the house. The only times the sun can poke through that cloud, is when Maddie comes in for their weekly scheduled video chat with the man. Thus far, he’s managed to answer the call every week, on Thursday at 12 on the dot.

But today? Today, for the first time in 19 long weeks, he isn’t answering.

No matter how many times Maddie calls, it just rings through. She’s tried over a hundred times in the last hour or so. Thank god the 118 haven’t been called out yet.

“I’m sure they’re a good reason for it.” Chimney tires, and fails, to soothe a panicking Maddie.

“Yeah, like they got ambushed and killed!” She screams, her tears flowing like a faucet.

“Don’t you dare say that.’ Eddie snaps. ‘We have to stay positive for him.”

“I’ve stayed positive for 10 years, Eddie. I just can’t anymore.’ Maddie sighs. ‘I’ve seen my baby brother in hospital beds far too many times to count.”

Maddie all but collapses into the mans arms when they wind around her in a comforting hug.

“I know. But you need to suck it up this one last time. Think of the baby, he wouldn’t want you to put them under any stress, would he?”

Maddie knows what he’s doing, and she’s grateful. She pulls away from him and blinks away her tears.

“You’re right.’ She sighs. ‘He wouldn’t want this.”

“We just have to trust that there is a good reason.” Bobby rests a heavy hand on Maddie’s shoulder, radiating comfort.

“Thanks guys.” She sniffs.

“Any time, hon. I know he’s your brother, and this is by no means a comparison, but we care about him too.” Athena soothes her.

“I know you do.’ Maddie finally smiles. ‘How is Christopher holding up, Eddie?”

“He’s okay. Missing his Bucky, but he understands that he has to be away for a little while. He’s just looking forward to Buck coming back home and he’s focusing on that.” Eddie smiles.

“Maybe I should take a leaf out of his book.” Maddie laughs, and the suffocating tension in the room slowly begins to evaporate.

The bell goes off just then, making everyone jump. Everyone rushes to get in their gear, Athena running with them to be the responding officer, but Chimney hesitates and looks over at his girlfriend.

“You gonna be okay?” He asks gently.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll just wait here for you guys to get back, just in case there is any news.” Maddie assures him.

Chimney nods and pecks her lips before following after the rest.

The silence of the firehouse once the crew is gone is deafening. Maddie doesn’t know what to do with herself. The man behind, Tomkins, was sound asleep in the bunks so she had no one to talk to.

So, she sits there, trying and trying again and again to get through to her brother. With no luck.

An hour and a half has gone by when Maddie’s phone blares to life in her pocket. The tablet she’s been cradling crashes to the floor in her haste to answer it.

“Buck?” She breathes.

‘Hi. Sorry, am I speaking to a Maddie Buckley?’ The unknown voice says on the other end.

“This is she.” Maddie hears herself answer.

‘Hi Maddie. My name is Samantha Richards from the HR department of the U.S Navy, you’re listed here as the emergency contact for Chief Petty Officer Evan Buckley - is that correct?’

“Yes that’s correct.”

‘Ms. Buckley. I am so sorry to inform you that your brother was killed in action last night.’ The woman says, her voice thick with emotion.

No.

There has to be a mistake, or a bad dream.

He can’t be gone. He just can’t.

‘Ms. Buckley?’

“Oh god.’ Maddie manages choke out as her world implodes in on itself. This isn’t a bad dream. This is real life. ‘When? H-how?”

‘Last night, ma’am.’ The woman states again. ’He willingly sacrificed himself to disarm a suicide bomber in a civilian setting. The bomb itself was deactivated, saving both his team and the 27 civilians present, but the assailant had a concealed dagger on his person, and managed to catch Chief Petty Officer Buckley in the chest with it.’

Tears stream down Maddie’s face. He was so close to coming home with them for good.

“Can- can I see him? When is he coming back home?”

‘He is currently residing at our Medical Centre in Landsthul, Germany. Once a post-mortem examination has been performed on his body, he will be flown back to the United States. I will personally let you know when that happens, and in the mean time, as soon as I get more information, or details of his funeral - which will be funded in full by the U.S Navy - I will be in touch.’ The woman promises her.

“Okay, thank you.” Maddie cries.

‘Your brother was a hero among us all, even before today. We’re all heartbroken by his loss. And I give you my deepest sympathies. We know how close you both are, you’re all he would talk about. You and his niece.’

Maddie lets out a sobbing laugh. “He was so convinced I was having a girl, but I never told him. I wanted it to be a surprise and now... now he’ll never know that he was 100% correct.”

‘He usually was, ma’am. I once again send you my deepest sympathies, but I’m afraid I have a few more calls to make today.’

“Okay, thank you. I’m sorry for your loss too.” Maddie manages to at least sound sincere at that.

‘Thank you ma’am. Goodbye now.’

“Yeah, goodbye.” Maddie mumbles as numb fingers hang up the call.

She stays in her seat on the sofa, staring at the wall across from her, tears falling from her unblinking eyes, her heart shattered into a million irreparable pieces.

Her baby brother was gone. The last person in her family she gave a damn about was actually gone forever. She’d never hear his laugh, or see his smile ever again.

She’s still in the same position when the ladder trucks roll back into the station god knows how long later. She hears their footsteps thunder up the stairs, but she can’t bring herself to look over at any of them.

“Maddie!’ Chimney calls happily, racing over to her. He freezes when he catches sight of the state that she’s in. ‘Maddie? Hey, what’s wrong?”

“I got a phone call.” Maddie informs him, and the others gathered behind him, still not looking away from the wall, still crying silently.

“Yeah?” Martin presses.

Finally, she look up at everyones concerned faces.

“He was killed in action last night.” She states numbly, before collapsing into Chimneys stiff arms in tears.

“No-“ She hears Eddie’s anguished cry.

She hears the rest of the room let out their own little sobs, but Eddie’s breaks her heart the most. She’s never seen the man cry over anything other than his son’s disappearance. To see him break down in Bobby’s arms over her brothers death is pure torture. They would’ve been so good together.

Maddie has no idea how long she and the team sit there, sobbing, but when they finally pull away, everyone’s voices are sore and cracking with use.

“What happened to him?” Athena asks, and Maddie startles at the tear tracks on her face.

She has never, not even once, seen Athena tear up, let alone actually cry.

“He disarmed a suicide bomber, but got a dagger to the chest.”

“Oh god.” Eddie sobs hysterically.

“I’m so sorry Eddie.” Maddie cries as she shuffles over to where he’s curled up on the floor in the V of Bobbys legs.

“What? He was your brother, I-“

“Yes, and I got 28 years with him. You finally found the other half of your heart and lost him before you got a chance. I am so sorry.”

Maddie cradles him as close to her body as possible, what with her protruding baby bump.

“What am I gonna tell Chris? He’s been looking forward to seeing his Bucky again.”

“We’ll tell him, all together.” Bobby tells him as he rubs his and Maddie’s backs soothingly.

“I know the name brings back bad memories for you Hen, but I think we should call our baby Eva. After her uncle.” Chimney suggests gently as he crouches down in front of their little cuddle puddle on the kitchen floor.

“That’s a wonderful idea.” Hen smiles through her tears.

“You’d really want that?” Maddie asks, her voice thick with a fresh load of tears.

“Of course. He was the most important person in your life, I want to keep his legacy alive. Our kid will grow up knowing everything about her brave uncle she was named after.” Chimney smiles as he gets settled on the floor.

“Thank you Howie.” Maddie cries, resting her hand on his shoulder.

“What’s happening to his body?” Eddie asks after a short while of sniffling.

“At the moment, he’s at the Navy’s Medical Centre Germany. After he’s been examined, he’ll be flown back home. The Navy will be paying for his funeral, and someone names Samantha will be in contact with me when she knows more details.”

“You know we will all be there for it. I’ll have a word with the Chief to shut the house down for the day.” Bobby says.

“You’d really do that?”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Thanks Bobby. You’re the complete opposite to our dad, and you meant a lot to him, I could tell.”

“In the short time I knew him, he became like an adopted son to me.’ Bobby’s eyes shine with tears. ‘I’ll never forget him.”

“None of us will.’ Hen vows. ‘He will be with us all forever.”

Chapter Text

Buck groans as he comes too.

The harsh, clinical light in the room makes his head pound so he closes his eyes again straight away. But he can still see it through the lids of his eyes, so he tries to roll away from it. He doesn’t get far though, because as soon as he moves an inch, his chest starts burning.

He’s not sure is he makes a noise or not, but suddenly there’s a flurry of noise around him, multiple people shouting over each other, shouting questions he can’t really understand through the fog in his mind and the cotton in his ears.

“Go ‘way.” He grumbles, trying once again to roll over.

The hands on his shoulders stop him.

“Evan!” A familiar voice cuts through the fog.

“Ol’v’r?”

“Yeah kid, it’s me!”

“Wh’ hap’ned?”

“You got stabbed, kid. We all thought you were dead.” Oliver’s tear stained face swims into view as Buck pries his eyelids open again.

“Can’ kill me. ‘m inv’sable.”

“Yeah, you’re damn invincible alright. And the medic who declared your death is definitely being fired.”

“Don’ do that. S’not ‘is f’lt.”

“Yes it is. Buck, they’ve already called Maddie and told her about your death.”

“Oh man. She’s gon’ kill me.”

“Probably.” Oliver laughs wetly.

Buck cranes his neck to look around the room. He’s lying on a cold metal table in a-

“‘m in a morgue?”

“Yeah, kid. I told you, you was declared dead. They were about to examine you.”

“Oh shit.’ Buck breathes. ‘No wonder ‘m cold. Glad I woke up now.”

“We all are.”

Buck’s pretty sure he goes back to sleep after that, because when he opens his eyes again, he’s on a soft and more importantly warm bed with thick blankets draped over him. Oliver and Ryan are asleep in those uncomfortable hospital chairs at his sides. Content that he’s alive and safe, he slips back into unconsciousness.

It’s pitch black outside when he opens them next, and the overhead lights are shining bright, so he slams his eyes shut again. This time, he hears himself groan - his mouth feeling more his own this time around - and the responding chuckles.

“Rise and shine princess.”

Ryan.

“Yeah, it’s me kid. You gave us a fucking heart attack.”

Buck turns his head to look at Ryan and Oliver, sees the dark circles under their eyes contrasting with their pale skin.

“‘m sorry.”

“Don’t be, just don’t do it again.” Ryan warns halfheartedly.

“Have they phoned Maddie again?” He bites his lip.

“No, not yet. You’ve been out for about 8 hours, we’ve been waiting for you to wake up so we could phone her at a more acceptable time.” Oliver informs him.

“What time is it here?”

Oliver checks his watch. “Just gone 1 in the morning.”

“An’ we’re definitely in Europe, right?”

“Yeah kid.” Ryan smiles.

“So it should be, what, 10am in LA? Can I talk to her now?”

“Of course you can, One Shot.” Oliver rolls his eyes.

He fishes his phone out of his pocket with Ryan leaning over his shoulder. He pulls up her contact on FaceTime and presses call. There’s only a short wait until Maddie answers.

‘Hi guys.’ She sniffles.

“Hey Maddie-.”

“Where are you right now?” Ryan cuts across Oliver to ask, and the other man gives him the skank eye.

‘I’m on my way to the station to see Chimney and his team. Why?’

“Are you sitting down?”

‘Yes, you can see I’m in the car.’ Maddie scoffs, making Buck snort. ‘Will you please tell me-‘

“Buck’s alive.”

There’s a moment of complete silence.

‘Wh-what? But the woman said he-‘

“The medic at the scene made the wrong call. Buck was in shock, and his heartbeat was so low it couldn’t be detected, but he was still alive.”

‘So he’s fine?’ Maddie asks and Buck can hear that she’s crying.

“No, he still got stabbed in the chest, but he’s definitely not dead. He woke up on the mortuary slab.” Ryan snorts.

‘Oh god. Only he could do that.’ Maddie’s voice cracks.

Buck snorts again. Fair play.

“He’s right here with us, you wanna talk to him?” Oliver asks.

‘Yes of course!’ Maddie cries.

Oliver passes the phone over to Buck with a smile. Buck takes it and takes in the picture of his big sister. She is indeed sat in her car, thankfully stopped by the looks of it. Her face is red and blotchy, her nose looks sore and her eyes are red rimmed and sunken in, like she hadn’t got any rest the night before.

He hates the fact that he’s the reason for it, no matter that it wasn’t exactly his fault.

“Hey Mad’s.” He calls.

‘Oh my god Evan!’ Maddie sobs over the video chat. ‘It is so good to see your face little brother.’

“I would say you too, but you look worse than I do.”

‘I thought you was dead Evan, we all did. We’ve been a mess.’ Maddie snaps, but there’s no head behind it.

“We?” Buck arches an eyebrow.

‘Yeah. I got the phone call about your apparent death while I was at the station for lunch. Everyone there knows about it.’

“Oh fuck. Even Christopher?” Buck asks, hoping against hope that she says-

‘No, thankfully.' Maddie shakes her head.

"Oh thank fuck." Buck breathes out shakily.

'Can you stay on for a little while? I’m literally around the corner and I’m sure they’d all love to see you alive.’

Buck looks up at Ryan and Oliver, who nod.

“You’re gonna be here for at least a few more days while you rest.” Ryan tells him.

Buck turns back to his sister expectant face. “I’ve got time.”

‘Perfect.’

The sibling sit in silence as Maddie finishes her drive, plucks the phone from its holder and rushes inside. Buck winces at the sound of rustling over the speakers as Maddie hides the phone against her round stomach.

‘Hey guys.’ He hears her call.

He hears the 118 respond to her, their voices just as wrecked as Maddie’s was and his heart breaks further.

‘I have some more news.’ She announces.

‘Did they tell you when they’re gonna be sending his body back?’ Buck hears Eddie ask, and his breath hitches at the raw emotion he hears in his voice.

‘Nope. I’ve got better. The field medic called Buck’s death too early. He’s still alive.’

‘W-what?’ He hears Hen gasp.

‘Yeah. His heartbeat was too slow to be detected, but he was still alive. He woke up in the morgue.’

‘Holy shit.’ Chimneys voice rings loudly making Buck snort.

‘You guys wanna talk to him?’ Maddie asks.

Buck’s ears ring at the loud chorus of ‘yes!’ that comes through the tinny speaker, making him smile widely.

Suddenly, the video changes from Maddie’s very interesting blouse pattern, to the faces of the 118 and Athena. They all look as wrecked as Maddie does.

“Hey guys.” Buck calls sheepishly.

‘You’re actually alive, oh my god.’ Eddie sobs.

‘Thank fuck for that.’ Chimney sighs.

‘It is so good to see your face Buckaroo.’ Athena coos.

‘I’m gonna kick your ass for this, Buckley.’ Hen warns.

‘I’m glad you’re alive, son.’ Bobby breathes.

“It’s good to see you all too.” Buck winks back at them.

‘What the hell happened?’ Hen demands.

“I don’t really remember much. I remember tracking down the suicide bomber, remember infiltrating the secret camp with the Team. I remember tackling the bomber and disarming him, then everything went black. When I woke up again, it was for like five minutes and I was apparently in the morgue. I did think that bed was a little cold.’ Buck cuts off to laugh, and then cough and ultimately wince at the pain in his chest. ‘Then, I woke up again and Ryan and Oli yelled at me for nearly dying. That was literally like 20 minutes ago.”

“He survived a dagger to the chest. Kids fucking invincible.’ Ryan calls over. ‘A reckless idiot who’s gonna get a piece of my mind when he’s better, but invincible nonetheless.”

“Protect me Maddie.” Buck pleads.

‘Oh no, you’re on your own.’ Maddie smirks. ‘When are you coming home?’

“He’s being released in a few days, and the second he’s feeling up to it, we’re all on that plane back to the States.” Oliver informs her, and Buck.

“Seriously?” Buck asks hopefully.

“Yep. We did what we came here for - to stop the bomber. Our mission is over, kid.”

“Oh thank fuck.” Buck, Maddie and Eddie breathe at the same time.

All of Buck’s energy drains out of him at that, and he finds himself battling to keep his eyes open.

“’m getting really tired, so I guess I’ll see you soon.” He announces.

‘Yes you will. Sleep well, baby brother. I love you.’

“Love you too Mad’s. Love you guys.” Buck slurs.

‘We all love you too, Buck.’ Athena calls before everything fades to black once more.

The next few days sort of blur into one. Buck doesn’t call his sister or the team again, because he can barely keep his eyes open for longer than a few minutes at a time, he’s so exhausted.

When, on the sixth day, Ryan asks him for the 127th time if he’s really sure about flying home even though he still can’t really move much without the wound feeling like it’s on fire, Buck nearly punches him.

“I just want to go home and see my sister and family.” He whines.

“You got it kid.” Oliver smiles, shoving a hovering Ryan away when he starts complaining like the mother hen he is.

Buck sleeps on Oliver’s shoulder for the entire flight home, only waking when the man gently coaxes him to eat and take his pills.

He does finally feel more human once he arrives back at Base in California, and almost everyone he knows is waiting for him. He gets numerous gentle pats on the back, welcome homes and a deafening round of applause from them.

Once Ryan and Oliver help him have a nice hot shower and he has a power nap in his own bed, Buck feels more refreshed and a little less zombie like. He pulls out his burner phone, fully intent on calling his sister, when he catches what day it is and starts forming another plan...

Chapter Text

Maddie waddles into the station for their weekly lunch together. It’d carried on from when they would phone Buck. Even though there was no call now, it was still nice to get together.

Martin is just exiting the locker room, and lends her a hand up the stairs. She gladly accepts.

“Thanks.” She puffs once they reach the top and he helps get her settled into the chair that Chimney had pulled out.

“Don’t worry about it.” Martin grins back.

“Morning Maddie. How’s the squirt treating you today?” Bobby calls over from the stove.

“Kicking like mad and overly active today for some reason.” Maddie groans.

“I do not envy you one bit.” Hen shakes her head as she sips her coffee.

“So, any news on Buck?” Eddie tires to sound casual, but he misses by about a mile. Maddie can’t help the small smile that curves on her lips.

“Still nothing. I think he’s still in Germany, otherwise I would’ve been told. We’ve just gotta wait for him to be strong enough to come home.”

Eddie looks deflated at that, but he flashes her a small smile.

“It won’t be long Eddie. He’s still recovering from a pretty severe injury.” Bobby says gently.

“I know, I just miss him.” Eddie mumbles.

“I missed you too, Diaz.”

Everyone in the loft freezes for a second, before slowly looking over to the stairs. Where Buck is stood, flanked by (more like held up by) Oliver and Ryan.

“Oh my god you’re home.” Maddie sobs out.

“I’m home Maddie. For good, this time.” Buck smiles.

No one dares even move while Maddie heaves herself to her feet and wraps her much taller little brother in for a tight hug. She lets go instantly when he hisses in pain.

“Oh no, don’t you dare.” Buck growls, pulling her in even closer.

“But you’re hurt!” Maddie’s tear filled voice is muffled by the fabric of Buck’s shirt.

“I don’t care. I’m hugging my big sister and my baby niece or nephew again for the first time in months.” Buck cries into her shoulder.

Oliver and Ryan share a fond eye roll.

“Niece. You were right all along.” Maddie tells him.

Buck pulls away to look her in the eye. “I’m gonna have a baby niece for real?”

“For real.” Maddie confirms with a grin.

“I knew it!” Buck crows as he drags her back in, holding on even tighter than before.

“Look kid, I know you missed her but you’re gonna force Maddie into early labour and pop your stitches if you hug her much tighter.” Ryan warns.

Buck reluctantly lets his sister go, but only pulls far enough away to cradle her face in his palms.

“I’m sorry Maddie.”

“You’re here and alive. That’s all I care about. But why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?”

“Wanted to surprise you all.” Buck grins.

“You got a seat for him?’ Oliver asks. ‘I can feel him going.”

Bobby rushes over to pull a chair for Buck to stumble over to and slump into unceremoniously, even aided by the others.

“I’ll never get over the fatigue you feel for weeks after a chest wound.” He groans.

“Don’t think anyone will, kid.” Ryan snorts, before formally introducing himself to the crew.

Eddie crouches down in front of Buck and cradles his face in his hands. “You came back to us.”

“Promised you I would. I had so much to fight for.” Buck grins and places his own hands over Eddie's.

Eddie lets out a loud sob as he rockets forwards and crashes his lips to Buck’s. Their kiss is a filthy fight for dominance that Buck inevitably lets Eddie win. They break apart panting minutes or hours later, Buck really doesn’t care. Eddie rests his forehead against Buck’s and presses a kiss to his nose.

“That was so much better than any of my fantasies.” Buck winks. Eddie rolls his eyes.

“Okay Eddie. Let the man breathe.” Bobby chuckles.

Eddie pulls away after pressing another shorter kiss to the blondes lips, taking the seat beside him and holding his hand instead. Maddie does the same on his other side.

One by one, the rest of the 118 and Athena give Buck gentle hugs, kisses (though none are quite on the scale of Eddie’s) and ‘welcome homes’.

“It’s good to be home.” Buck groans and winces.

“Time for your drugs?” Ryan asks.

“Time for my drugs.” Buck agrees reluctantly.

“Can someone grab me a bottle of- water.’ Oliver blinks in surprise when a bottle is passed into his hands almost immediately. ‘Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” Tanika smiles.

Buck’s eyes water as he gulps down his pills and Oliver rubs his back. “I know they suck kid.”

“They taste like toxic fumes.” Buck whines.

“We know. You’ve told us many many times before.” Ryan snorts at him.

“And I will continue to tell you until I no longer have to take them.”

“You’re on medical leave, we won’t see you at work for the next two months at least.” Oliver points out.

“I will phone you every single day, three times a day, as I take them. And you’ll have to answer, just in case something really is wrong.” Buck says smugly.

“You are so lucky we love you kid.” He sighs.

“Where exactly are you gonna stay for your medical leave?” Ryan suddenly asks.

“Maddie’s couch.”

“You have a stab wound in your chest. A big stitched up gash and you wanna sleep on a couch? Oh hell no!” Ryan growls.

“Please never say ‘gash’ again.’ Buck shivers. ‘And I’ll be f-“

“He’ll be staying with me.’ Eddie cuts in to save Buck from himself. ‘I have a guest room, but I doubt he’ll be staying there.”

“No strenuous activities.” Oliver wags a finger in Eddie face, to which he laughs.

“No I know. When I was discharged from the army, I could barely move for weeks after.”

“You served?’ Ryan asks. ‘What happened to you?”

“My unit got hit out of the sky by a RPG, landed right in enemy territory. We had to fight off rebels until back up could come.” Eddie sums up blandly.

“He was their medic, and he singlehandedly dragged his entire team out of the downed chopper to safety and got shot three times for his efforts. Got a silver star and everything.” Buck beams with pride.

“How do you know that?” Eddie frowns.

“I may or may not have accessed your files on the car ride when we was deployed.’ Buck shrugs. ‘’s why I wanted my laptop.”

“Seriously?” Ryan groans.

“What? I was ‘looking for potential candidates to join my team’ as far as the Navy is concerned.” Buck does actual air quotes with his fingers.

“You’re impossible.” Oliver sighs, but he sounds fond.

“Impossible, invincible, irresistible, insatiable.’ Buck purrs. ‘All of the above.”

“You forgot irritating and idiotic.” Maddie smirks.

“Impossible.”

“We already covered that one.”

Buck very maturely pokes his tongue out at his sister. Then, without warning, he goes slack in his seat, his eyes rolling back as his head slams against the tabletop harshly.

Everyone jumps and shouts in shock, getting him over to the couches in a flurry of panicked movement. Hen makes quick work of looking over him with the first aid kit from under the sink.

“He sounds and looks fine, I don’t know what caused it.” She bites her bottom lip worriedly when she pulls away.

“Probably exhaustion.’ Ryan says sadly. ‘He’s barely had half an hour to himself recently, and he literally landed in the country, had a shower and a quick 30 minute nap, before demanding we bring him here. That, and his pills make him drowsy.”

“Take him to one of the bunks and let him sleep it off.” Bobby suggests gently.

“I’ll go with him, Cap. I’ll be the man behind today to look after him.” Eddie offers, but it’s clear that he wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer.

“That’s fine by me.” Bobby smiles.

“I trust him in your care, but make sure he’s off his feet as much as possible.” Ryan stresses.

“C’mon mother hen, he was a medic, remember? He knows what he’s doing.” Oliver ribs him fondly.

“I know but- he’s like a little nephew to me. To me he’ll always be the little 5 year old I met for the first time, not a Chief Petty Officer.”

“Yeah, I know Ry.’ Oliver sighs and rubs his back comfortingly. ‘But that is what he is. He’s got one of the highest honours for his service and he’s one of the highest ranking Commanders to boot. And he has a wonderful family around him to take care of him when he needs it, when we aren’t there to do it.”

“I know.” Ryan repeats, dragging a hand down his face.

“We’ll take good care of him for you.” Bobby promises as he places a hand on Ryan’s shoulder.

He blinks in surprise when both men pull him in for a tight hug.

“Thank you, Captain Nash.” Oliver smiles.

“Call me Bobby.”

“Bobby. We should head out now, but can-“

“I will text you constant updates.’ Maddie vows as she stands up, removing her fingers that were combing through Bucks hair to hug them both. ‘Thank you for bringing him back to me, to us.”

“Anytime sweetheart.” Ryan winks.

With that, they bid farewell to the team and make a hasty exit. Maddie has no doubt that, if they’d longed it out, they never would’ve left.

Eddie enlists the help of Bobby and Chimney to get a deadweight Buck to the safety of the bunks. They’re all sweating by the time they get him tucked up into one with Eddie lying next to him over the covers.

“He weighs a tonne.” Chimney complains, stretching out his back as he leaves the room, making Bobby chuckle.

“He’s like 160 pounds of pure muscle, of course he’s heavy.” Maddie points out as she enters the bunks with a bottle of water for both Buck and Eddie.

She settles them down on the small bedside table and kisses both their foreheads before shutting off the lights and leaving them be.

Eddie also kisses Bucks forehead, before settling down with him.

Chapter Text

Christopher loses. his. shit. when Eddie brings Buck back to his house later that evening.

Like, the second the man opens the door, the boy is shooting out of his seat on the couch with a cry of his name and if Buck wasn’t in so much pain right now, he definitely would have dropped to his knees to hug him.

But, as it was, he was using all of his energy just to remain standing, even with Eddie supporting most of, if not all of, his weight.

“Chris, Chris, Chris!’ Eddie chants frantically, getting his sons attention. ‘Do not jump on Buck, okay? He’s really hurt.”

Christopher freezes in his tracks 6 feet away from where Buck and Eddie are still stood in the doorway, his eyes widening in horror.

“Bucky’s hurt?” He whimpers, his bottom lip wobbling and Buck’s heart cracks a little.

“Yeah, buddy. He got hurt at work, but we’re going to make him feel better, okay?’ Eddie says smoothly. ‘Can you do us a favour and go fetch Carla?”

“I can do that!” Christopher chirps, happy to help.

He takes off into the house, hollering Carlas name as he goes.

“Your son is an actual angel.” Buck tells Eddie sincerely.

“Don’t I know it.’ Eddie smiles softly. ‘Lets get you comfortable, hm?”

Eddie slowly moves them into the living room and as gently as possible, deposits Buck on the couch Christopher had just been occupying. He settles with a groan, the movement aggravating his chest.

“Hey Eddie, how was wo- oh lord, Buck?” Carlas eyes widen as she comes into the room and catches sight of Buck on the couch.

“Hi Carla.” Buck tries to grin, but he’s sure it comes out as more of a grimace.

“You need your pill, let me go get you some water.” Eddie states.

Carlas hand on his chest stops him. “You stay here with Buckaroo, I’ll get the water. Have you boys eaten today?”

“Not much.’ Eddie admits. ‘Buck’s been asleep most of the day and I didn’t want to leave him.”

“I’ll whip you up something light.” Carla says, and then she’s gone from the room.

“Thank you Carla.” Eddie calls after her, but she’s long gone.

A bottle of ice cold water is launched in the room a moment later, and Eddie barely manages to catch it. Christopher, who’d settled on the floor on the other side of the coffee table with his Legos, snorts with laughter.

Buck does too, but it turns to a whine when he once again aggravates his wound.

“Here.’ Eddie holds out one of his pills and the water. Buck downs both, pulling a face. ‘Yeah I know, I know. They suck.”

Eddie’s hand rubs soothing circles across his shoulder blades, and Buck relaxes into the feeling. Buck closes his eyes and leans back against the couch when Eddie stands up and brushes his curls from his face.

“Dad.’ Christopher ‘whispers’ and Buck fights a smile and keeps his eyes clenched shut. ‘Do you think a card will make Bucky feel better?”

“You know what, bud? I think it will.’ Eddie mumbles back. ‘Why don’t you head to your room and make one especially for him?”

“Okay dad!”

Buck listens with his eyes still closed as the sound of the boys crutches disappears and a door down the hall clicks softly as its closed.

“You’re gonna have to act surprised when he gives it to you.” Eddie says, his voice close to Buck’s ear.

Buck cracks open an eye and tilts his head to the left. Eddie is hovering over his face with a soft smile, his left arm leant against the back of the couch and holding up his weight.

“I don’t know what you’re on about.” Buck grins tiredly.

Eddie lets out a low chuckle and pecks the tip of Buck’s nose with his lips. Buck closes his eyes again and sighs happily at the move.

“You wanna nap while dinners cooking?” Eddie asks.

“I wanna nap all the time.” Buck says slowly, his mouth not cooperating with him anymore.

He feels Eddie press his lips against his temple and hears him whisper. “Get some rest, cariño.”

Buck doesn’t need to be told twice.

When he peels his eyelids open again, it’s to Carla softly calling his name.

“There those pretty blue eyes are. C’mon, it’s time for food.” She coos softly.

With surprising strength, Carla manages to heave Buck off of the couch and lead him through to the kitchen. By the time they make it there, Buck feels a little more human, a little more alive. He settles down at the table where Christopher and Eddie are already sat with bowls of soup, and they both give him blinding smiles.

“Hey guys.”

“Are you feeling better, Bucky?” Christopher asks.

“A little bit bud, but I’m sure Carlas amazing soup is going to make me feel stronger, so I can get a hug from my best guy, that I know will make me feel loads better.” Buck smiles.

“Am I your best guy?” Christopher gasps.

“You sure are, superman.”

Christopher squirms happily in his seat at that.

“So you be a good boy and eat all of your dinner, so you can give Bucky that hug.” Eddie smiles.

Christopher tucks in with gusto. Buck notices that there isn’t another place set for Carla, and he frowns.

“You’re not joining us?” He asks the woman as she gathers her things.

“Oh no hon, I’ve got my own husband to feed at home. As long as he hasn’t ordered pizza, again.’ The woman chuckles. ‘I’ll see you boys tomorrow, okay?”

“Bye Carla!” Christopher calls around a mouthful of soup.

Eddie stands to say his own goodbye and Buck struggles to follow, making Eddie’s eyes go wide.

“What are you doing?” He demands as he tries to gently but forcibly sit him back down.

“I’m going to see Carla out.” Buck states, slapping Eddie’s hands away.

“Let me do that Buck, you just rest, okay?” Eddie tells him softly.

“Okay.’ Buck relents, slumping back into his chair with a huff. ‘Tell her thank you for me?”

“Of course.” Eddie smiles and presses a kiss to his hair.

Buck settles back into the chair properly and starts eating his soup as he hears Carla and Eddie converse by the door.

“Bucky? How did you get hurt?” Christopher asks after a long comfortable silence.

Buck’s eyes go wide. How the hell is he going to explain that to a kid?

“Remember what you learned the other day about how scary knives are?’ Eddie saves Buck’s ass as he re-enters the kitchen. Christopher nods at his dad. ‘Well, someone used a scary knife to hurt Buck.”

Christopher gasps in horror. “But why?” He whines.

“Because he was a very bad man, who is now being punished for it.” Buck tells him gently.

“Oh that’s good.” Christopher nods.

Buck shares a fond look with Eddie over the kids head. Dinner passes smoothly after that and Buck soon finds himself back on the couch with Christopher tucked against his left side, and Eddie letting him lean his right side against him. It’s warm, it’s comfortable and Finding Dory plays on the screen, and Buck’s eyelids are getting heavier and heavier by the second.

Eddie gently shifts and settles Buck back against the couch cushions as he stands and stretches. He then moves around to Buck’s other side and gathers a snoring Christopher in his arms.

“I’ll be right back.” Eddie promises.

Buck smiles and watches him go. He must have drifted off yet again, because Eddie is suddenly back and smiling down at him.

“You ready for bed, soldier?” He asks cheekily.

“As long as it’s yours.” Buck purrs back sleepily.

Eddie rolls his eyes as he helps Buck get back to his feet. They stagger up the stairs and into Eddie’s bedroom where Eddie settles him down on the bed. He pulls out a loose fit tee and some sweatpants from one of his drawers and slowly helps get Buck out of his jeans and tee.

He gently unwraps Buck’s bandage, cleans the wound with feather light touches, and re-bandages it for him with those sturdy, sure hands before getting him dressed and Buck falls a little bit more in love with him.

Eddie then makes quick work of getting himself changed into his own loungewear and gets them both settled under the duvet with only a lamp on.

He arranges them in a way that Buck’s head is settled on his chest, and Eddie’s arms are wrapped around him protectively in a way that doesn’t disturb the wound.

“Thank you, Eddie.” Buck whispers, pressing a kiss to the clothed torso beneath his head.

“Don’t thank me for this cariño.’ Eddie whispers back, dropping a kiss to the crown of Buck’s head. ‘Now go to sleep. I’ll be here in the morning.”

“Y’promise?” Buck slurs, already half asleep.

“I promise.” Eddie whispers.

And the man stays true to that promise.

When Buck wakes up the next morning, it’s to the sound of the bedroom door lightly scraping across the carpet, indicating that it’s being opened. Buck cracks open an eye, and finds his face mashed against Eddie’s solid chest still, with the mans fingers carding through his hair soothingly.

Christopher is stood at the foot of the bed carrying a tray of bacon, pancakes and orange juice, with Carla just behind him, both smiling warmly.

“We thought you’d like some breakfast in bed!” Christopher explains happily.

“That’s really sweet of you Mijo.” Eddie’s chest rumbles beneath Buck’s ear.

“Yeah, thank you superman and superwoman.” Buck’s voice cracks from sleep, but he’s grinning.

“Oh you’re more than welcome.’ Carla waves him off. ‘Your pills are there too, so you both just stay put and eat, I’ll get Chris ready for school. I’ll bring him back to say goodbye though.”

“You’re a Saint, Carla.” Eddie sighs.

“Oh I know.” The woman winks, before herding Christopher out of the room again.

Buck groans softly as he pulls himself away from the heat that is Eddie’s body and sits upright in the bed. Eddie sits up next to him and settles a big palm between his shoulder blades and rubs comfortingly as Buck swallows another one of his pills.

“How did you sleep?” He asks, pressing a light kiss to Buck’s shoulder.

“Like a rock.’ Buck grins. ‘It’s the best I’ve slept in years. You have a magical touch, Diaz.”

“I think it’s more to do with the fact that you’re recovering from a stab wound and chewing drowsy painkillers every few hours.” Eddie mumbles, his ears tinted red.

Buck, though he knows he will regret it, turns his torso so he can press a loving kiss to the older mans lips. Eddie kisses back, before he moves around so he’s sat in front of Buck, one leg dangling over the side of the bed and one leg folded up in front of him. Buck crosses his own legs where he’s sat so they can sit as close as possible to one another.

“You’re definitely a big part of it. In all my 10 years as a SEAL, I’ve never been able to sleep quite like that. Even when I was recovering from my leg being crushed and had an IV in my arm at all times.” Buck tells him seriously.

“Yeah?” Eddie looks up at him from beneath his lashes and bites his lip, making Buck’s breath stutter.

“I thought it the moment I met you, but holy shit you’re beautiful. Like, the most perfect man I’ve ever seen.”

“Stop.” Eddie whines, hiding his face in his hands.

Buck chuckles and reaches out to pull the hands away and maintain strong eye contact.

“I mean it, you’re gorgeous and I- I think- no, I know I’m falling for you. I’ve never felt like this before.”

“Me neither.’ Eddie whispers as he moves forwards to kiss Buck again. ‘I’m falling for you, too.’ He whispers against Buck’s lips. ‘As much as I’d love to carry this on, right now we have a lovely breakfast to eat. And a very excited 9 year old who could burst in at any moment.”

Buck snorts. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Eddie pulls over the tray from the nightstand and settles it into the space where their knees touch. They eat in companionable silence, trading a few small smiles and lazy kisses as they go.

Just as Buck wipes up the last drops of syrup with what’s left of his pancake, the door swings back open and and fully dressed Christopher bowls into the room. Buck moves the tray to the other side of the bed as Eddie helps him climb onto the bed and gives him a tight hug and a wet kiss on the cheek.

“Eww dad! You’re kissing me in front of Buck!” The boy whines, but he’s giggling.

Buck plucks the squirming boy from Eddie’s arms and hugs him next, ignoring the ache in his chest. When he plants his own wet kiss to Christopher’s other cheek, the boy lets out a loud groan.

“Oh no! You’re just like dad!”

“You bet I am.” Buck grins.

Christopher rolls his eyes, but he’s grinning goofily. “Will you be here when I get back from school?”

“Of course he will, mijo. He’s staying with us for a little while until he gets better.” Eddie smiles.

“Cool! Because I have something to give to you and I don’t want you to leave before it’s finished.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, little man.” Buck promises.

Satisfied, Christopher slips down from the bed and gathers up his discarded crutches and backpack.

“Bye Daddy, bye Bucky.” He calls as he leaves the room again.

“Bye buddy, have a good day at school.” Buck and Eddie chorus.

They share a look before breaking out into a fit of laughter.

“Oh, ow, don’t make me laugh.” Buck wheezes through his giggles.

“I’m sorry.” Eddie giggles back.

“You are two halves of a whole idiot, you know that?” Carla asks from the doorway.

“We know.” They chorus again.

Carla rolls her eyes fondly. “You boys have fun today, I’ll be back with Christopher after school.”

“Want me to see you out, Carla?” Eddie asks.

“We’ll be just fine, you focus on nursing your boy back to health.”

“Alright, bye Carla.”

“See you later Carla.” Buck adds as the woman heads back down the stairs with Christopher in tow.

Buck and Eddie settle back in the bed and Buck curls up on his chest again. The second the front door slams shut behind them, Buck lets out a long, low whine.

“You okay?” Eddie asks, his brows furrowed in worry.

“My chest is killing me right now.’ Buck admits. ‘But I didn’t wanna worry Christopher.”

“You’re a good man Evan Buckley.’ Eddie sighs as he sits them both up in the bed again. ‘Lets have a look at it.”

Buck obediently lifts his arms up as much as he’s physically able to help Eddie get his shirt over his head. The ex medic unwraps the bandages from last night and inspects the wound.

“It looks a little angry this morning.’ He comments with a frown. ‘I’ll put more cream on it and we’ll let it breathe for today, but we might have to take you to the ER if it gets worse.”

“Oh but I hate hospitals.” Buck whines.

“I know, querido, but if it has to be done, you know I’m going to take you.’ Eddie presses a soft kiss to his peck, just next to the wound. ‘I hope it doesn’t come to that, though.”

“Me too.” Buck sighs, pouting his lips and waiting.

Eddie rolls his eyes but dutifully places a kiss to the mans lips. He then pulls Buck into the en suite and deposits the taller man on the edge of the bath. He leans over the side and fills up the tub a quarter of the way before undressing Buck and helping him inside.

Now, Buck has had many sexual counters in his time, hooked up with more men than he can shake a stick at. But, sitting in Eddie’s bathtub while the man gives him a gentle sponge bath and uses the shower to wash his hair is the most intimate moment of his life.

He closes his eyes with a groan as Eddie fingernails lightly scrape over his scalp while he washes the shampoo and conditioner out of his curls.

“You’re not gonna start purring on me are you?” Eddie teases.

“If I could I would. You really do have a magic touch Diaz.” Buck sighs happily.

“Yeah yeah, whatever.” Eddie grumbles, but he’s smiling.

Once Buck is squeaky clean again, Eddie helps him back out of the tub and dries him off, before he smothers his wound in his antibacterial cream. He gets him dressed in some more sweatpants and leads him down the stairs, plopping him on the couch with the remote in his hands.

“Can I trust you to stay here while I have a quick shower?” Eddie raises an eyebrow.

“I won’t move. Scouts honour.” Buck holds out his pinky in a move that’s usually reserved for him and Maddie.

Eddie flashes his pointy teeth as he smiles and links their pinkies together to shake.

“Alright, I’ll be right back.” He promises, drops a kiss to Buck’s hair and disappears back up the stairs.

Buck watches him go with what he knows is a goofy lovestruck smile. He feels so much love and affection for this man already and he really was falling for him. Back in the Navy, those feelings would’ve made him panic. But at home, he sinks into them.

He clicks on some crappy dating tv show that he pays zero attention to while he waits. Eddie is thundering back down the stairs not 15 minutes later in a soft white Henley and jeans, his hair still damp from his shower.

“Why do you get to wear jeans?” Buck pouts.

“Because your legs are a lot longer than mine, my jeans won’t fit you.” Eddie points out.

“Fair.’ Buck concedes. ‘But why do you get to wear a shirt?” He challenges.

“We need your wound to get fresh air, remember? And I really like the view.” Eddie winks.

“Make it even? Please?’ Buck pouts and bats his eyelashes flirtatiously. ‘I wanna enjoy the view too.”

Eddie rolls his eyes, but reaches down to rip his shirt over his head in one smooth movement, leaving his hair sticking up at all angles adorably. “Happy?”

“Oh very.’ Buck purrs. ‘I know I’m not meant to do any strenuous activities, but I’d really like to get my mouth on your abs right about now.”

“Hm I’m sure that can be arranged.” Eddie purrs back.

He stalks over to the couch and gently settles in Buck’s lap, being sure not to let the man move an inch and disturb his wound. He goes up on his knees and holds onto the back of the couch, so his abs are right in front of Buck’s face and Buck wastes no time.

Buck barely has to jerk his head forwards to get his tongue on the other mans peck, and he starts mapping out the warm, toned flesh there. He flicks his tongue across Eddie’s nipple, enjoying the shiver it gets from the other man. Without moving his shoulders, Buck laps and sucks marks across Eddie’s pecks, shoulders and abs, tapping Eddie to get him to move where he pleases.

“You taste so good baby. I can’t wait to get your cock in my mouth and taste it too.” Buck mumbles hotly as he bites down on Eddie’s nipple.

Eddie gasps as he grinds into him on the couch. “Once you’re all better, you can have my cock anyway you like.” He promises.

Buck shudders with a moan just at the mental image alone. Eddie settles back on his lap and kisses Buck hungrily. It filthy and they rock into one another for a few long minutes until Buck’s hips stutter and he comes in his pants, with Eddie following him right after.

“Holy shit.’ Buck pants against Eddie’s neck as he rests his head there. ‘That was the hottest thing of my life.”

“Me too.” Eddie pants back, shaky fingers carding through Buck’s unruly curls.

“In the best way possible, I’m super glad your crazy ex wife kidnapped your son so my sister had to call me in.” Buck chuckles breathlessly.

“I mean, we probably would have met somewhere along the line.” Eddie laughs with him, thankfully not taking offence to Buck’s comment.

“Hmm, true. But it probably wouldn’t have been for a few years. Because, without my sister giving me her puppy dog eyes face to face, I wouldn’t be retired right now. I’d be stuck at base while I heal up from this,’ Buck gestures to his chest. ‘Before heading out on whatever mission I’m given next. You probably would have found someone else by the time I met you.”

“That might be true, but I’m fairly certain that I still would have felt that spark when I saw you for the first time, just like I did all those months ago. Even in the midst of my worst nightmare, I felt something tug me towards you. That shit doesn’t just go away.”

“You’re a closeted romantic? I love it.’ Buck grins cheekily. ‘I don’t wanna screw this up by going too hard too fast but I think you’re it for me, Eddie. You and Christopher already mean so much to me, I’d burn the world down to keep you both safe.”

“And you already mean the world to us. I don’t have the time to plan arson and it’s a little contradictory considering my profession, but I’d do just about anything to keep you safe, too.’ Eddie assures Buck. ‘When we got back from that call and Maddie told us you’d been killed in action, my heart just- shattered. I’d lost you before I even got to have you, and it was the worst feeling. Almost as bad as losing my son.”

Buck gathers Eddie in for a tight hug, being mindful of his chest. He blinks away the tears that are gathering in the corner of his eye and clears his throat.

“I’m here and I don’t plan on leaving you anytime soon.” Buck vows.

“Good, because I never plan on letting you go.”

They stay wrapped up in their embrace for a long moment, before the cooling cum in Bucks pants becomes uncomfortable and sticky.

“C’mon, get up. These sweatpants are getting a little uncomfortable now.” Buck taps Eddie’s ass lightly.

With a chuckle, Eddie climbs out of his lap and helps Buck up to his feet. He leads him to the kitchen, where a pile of clean laundry is waiting. They make quick work of getting into some more sweats, and Eddie sighs.

“If we’re going to keep this up, I’m gonna need to keep on top of my laundry. It’s been one day and we’ve used ever pair of sweats I own.”

“We could forgo any pants at all.’ Buck waggles his eyebrows. ‘But I don’t think that’s very sanitary.”

“It’s really not.’ Eddie agrees. ‘We’ll save the ‘no pants’ rule for the bedroom. And only when you’re better.”

“Deal.” Buck holds his hand out. Eddie shakes with an eye roll.

When Christopher gives Buck his get well soon card later on that night after dinner, Buck cries happy tears and hugs the kid tight to his side for the entire movie afterwards.

Chapter Text

Buck spends the next two months recovering with them. Eddie hates going to work and leaving him, but Carla and Maddie stay with him in shifts to help out if needed.

As more days pass, Bucks strength comes back to him. And on the days Eddie is at home with him, it makes for a very fun round of grinding together on the couch until they cum in their pants like teenagers. He really needs to get the cushions washed.

They barely do anything in front of Christopher, though Eddie has snuck a few kisses to Buck’s cheek when the mans guard is down, but Buck is adamant that Chris needs time to adjust and he doesn’t want to - as he says - go too hard too fast and confuse the boy. If Eddie wasn’t already steadily on his way to being irrevocably in love with the man, that would have done it.

On their shared days off - and thankfully much further into the afternoon so he and Buck don’t get, ahem, disturbed - the 118 and Maddie and Athena, if they’re also off from work, gather at his house to spend some time with Buck and him and Christopher. Eddie loves the way the taller mans eyes light up every single time the group arrives.

Like today, for example.

It’s a gloriously warm Saturday and everyone is gathered in Eddie’s backyard. The kids are all playing in the pool Eddie had put up last weekend, Bobby and David are at the barbecue chatting away, Chimney, Albert and Michael are all stood to the side discussing alien activity of all things, Hen, Karen, Athena and May are sat at the table gushing over Maddie’s huge (not that he’d ever call her that) baby bump. And Buck is wrapped around Eddie like a koala.

His wound is mostly healed over now. It still twinges when Buck moves, that much is obvious from the way his face scrunches up from time to time. But he’s doing more things for himself, and while Eddie can freely admit that he misses giving Buck baths, he’s glad the man has enough strength to shower for himself nowadays.

He’s got tonnes more energy and he’s always bouncing around the house with Christopher, building Lego structures and playing with his action figurines or making a mess with their ’science projects’. Their close relationship makes Eddie’s heart burst at the seams.

They haven’t really spoken about what they are just yet, and they’ve done nothing more than their daily couch sessions, but Eddie’s content with what they have for now. He doesn’t want to rush Buck.

“So, baby brother. Now that you’re mostly healed up, are you looking for an apartment of your own?” Maddie’s voice floats over from the table.

Buck unravels himself from Eddie to frown at his sister.

“Not really. Why, do you want me gone?” Buck turns his baby blues back to Eddie, who feels like a dear caught in headlights.

“Of course not. You can stay here forever if you want.” Eddie tells him quickly, but he’s not lying.

The thought of waking up to Buck every single day for the rest of his life makes his heart do summersaults in his chest.

“Good, ‘cause I want to stay here with you forever.” Buck smiles down at him.

“Now there’s a marriage proposal if I’ve ever heard one.” Hen snorts.

“C’mon guys, we’ve only been dating properly for two months. It’s way too early for that.” Buck laughs and Eddie’s breath gets caught in his throat.

“We’re dating?” He whispers quietly, so only Buck can hear.

Buck turns his attention back into him with a small frown. “Well, yeah. At least, I thought we were.. if you don’t feel the same I-“

Eddie cuts him off with a bruising kiss. Buck hums into it and wraps his arms around Eddie’s waist.

“I just thought that, because we were keeping it on the down-low, you didn’t want-“

“I do. I do want, so much Eddie. But I want to take it slow with you, because I want what we have to last forever and I don’t want to fuck it up by going too fast.”

Eddie cups Buck’s face in both hands to look him dead in the eye. “You won’t fuck it up, cariño, because I am on the same page as you.”

“Does this mean you’ll fuck me tonight?” Buck whispers as he pulls Eddie in for a hug.

“Baby, you can’t say that when people are around.’ Eddie hisses. ‘But yes. I’m gonna fuck you so hard you’ll forget your own name.”

“Oh fuck.” Buck whines as his head thumps against Eddie’s shoulder.

“Break it up lovebirds, you’re in public!” Chimney catcalls from the other side of the garden, making everyone laugh.

Buck pulls back with an exaggerated pout and Eddie kisses it away.

“I love you, Evan.’ Eddie whispers. ‘Like, it’s all consuming how much I feel for you. You’re the other half of my soul.”

“I love you too, Eddie. You’re the other half of my soul, my heart, everything.” Buck whispers back.

With one last lingering kiss, they couple finally pull away from one another completely, just in time for Christopher to ram into Buck’s legs and demand he joins them in the pool. He doesn’t even bat an eyelid at his dad kissing his Buck, and Eddie’s heart flops over. How did he get so lucky twice?

Buck doesn’t need to be asked twice. He helps Chris back into the pool before climbing down himself.

“Remember- no splashing or jumping around. Buck’s chest is still a little sore.” Eddie warns sternly.

The kids all agree easily and quickly settle into a harmless game of marco pollo. Eddie stands and watches for a while - capturing videos and pictures on his phone to cherish.

“You look good together.” Maddie smiles when Eddie finally joins her and the rest of the ladies at the table.

“Yeah?” He ducks his head and blushes bashfully.

“Definitely.’ Maddie smiles. ‘And you’re so good for him. I’m really happy for you both.”

“Thanks Maddie, that means a lot to me.”

“I don’t doubt that.” The woman smiles again, placing her hand over Eddie’s.

“Whoah, making a move on my boyfriend again, Maddie?” Bucks teasing voice makes Eddie jump.

He turns around to see the man, dripping wet from his swim, swagger over to him. Eddies mouth salivates and dries up all at once.

“Seriously, Evan?’ Maddie sighs and rolls her eyes. ‘I never made a move on Sam!”

“You held his hand and kissed his cheek!”

“To say thank you for stopping me crashing my bike!”

“Whatever, you made a move on him. But I will not stand back and let you do it this time. If you want Eddie, you’ll have to pry him from my cold dead hands. And there’s less of a chance of that happening now I’m retiring.” Buck smirks.

“Your insufferable.” Maddie sighs and massages her temples, but she sounds so fond.

“So I’ve been told.” Buck deadpans, but he’s grinning.

“If it makes you feel any better, I won’t let Maddie steal me from you, babe.” Eddie shrugs with a grin of his own.

“I am not trying to-‘ Maddie cuts herself off with a frustrated groan. ‘You know what - you guys are made for each other.”

“Yes we are.” Buck snorts as he bends down to kiss Eddie.

“Edmundo!” A very familiar and very scandalised voice comes from Eddie’s back gate.

He all but leaps to his feet and spins around, to see his Abuela and Pepa stood there, their eyes and mouths open wide with shock.

“Abuela, Pepa! ¿Qué estás haciendo aquí?”

“No los hemos visto a ti ya Christopher correctamente en semanas. Estábamos preocupados.”

Eddie ducks his head in shame. “Lo siento Abuela. Han sido unos meses locos. "

“Puedo ver eso.’ Abuela smirks. ‘¿Quién es tu muy guapo amigo?”

Eddie flushes at the woman’s words, but before he can open his mouth, Buck is speaking.

“Mi nombre es Evan Buckley, señora. Es un placer conocerlos a ambos.” The man grins and holds both hands out for his Abuela and aunt to shake.

“¿Hablas español con fluidez?” Pepa asks as they shake.

“Sí, señora. Estuve destinado en México hace unos años con la Marina y lo aprendí allí.”

Huh. Not even Eddie know that. He doesn’t bring it up, though.

“You’re a Navy man?” Abuela gasps gleefully.

“Yes ma’am.’ Buck laughs. ‘Retired just two months ago.”

“Yeah, after getting a dagger to the chest.” Eddie grumbles.

“Are you okay?” Pepa demands, her eyebrows creased in worry as she and Abuela look at the wound.

Eddie blinks in surprise. His Abuela takes to new people like a fish to water, but Pepa? It usually takes some time for her to warm up to people.

“Never better. Edmundo and Christopher have nursed me back to health.” Buck winks.

“I don’t doubt that.’ Abuela smirks back and Eddie just knows these two are going to be best friends. ‘We will be having words later, Edmundo. But now, I want to get to know your handsome friend.”

“Boyfriend.’ Eddie corrects her, his face aflame. ‘We’re dating.”

“I’m very proud of you.’ Abuela smiles. ‘Now, Evito. Sit and tell me everything.”

“Yes ma’am.” Buck laughs and offers her his arm.

“You can start by calling me Abuela.” The woman tells him gently yet sternly.

“Abuela, got it.” Buck smiles warmly and kisses the woman’s cheek as he gets her settled at the table with everyone else.

“I like this one.” She grins over at Eddie, looking like the cat who got the cream and the canary.

“Me too!” Christopher chirps as he hugs his great-grandmother and great-aunt eagerly.

It’s safe to say that by the time the sun has set that night, Buck has become an honorary Diaz family member at the insistence of Abuela and Pepa, who absolutely adore him already. Eddies cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing so much with his family, his whole family. Hen and Chimney have been teasing him relentlessly all day, Bobby and Athena too but they’re much more subtle about it, but Eddie can’t find it in himself to complain. Not when he’s this happy.

As the evening wares on into night, the kids start yawning and rubbing their eyes, so everyone decides to call it a day. With quick goodbye’s, the only people left are Eddie, Buck, Christopher - obviously - who’s sleeping soundly in bed, Abuela and Pepa.

Abuela takes Bucks face in her palms as they stand at the door and kisses his forehead tenderly.

“Bienvenido a la familia, nieto.” She whispers.

“Es un honor ser parte de tu familia, Abuela.” Buck smiles back.

“Cuida bien de él, Eddie.” The woman warns playfully.

Eddie rolls his eyes but agrees, kissing her and Pepa’s cheeks as he says goodbye. Buck does the same and they stand on the doorstep until both women are safe inside their car and driving away. Pepa toots her horn, and they both laugh and wave.

“Well. Safe to say you’ve impressed the Diaz matriarch. How soon is too soon to propose again?” Eddie jokes.

“I’m no expert, but I think two months is a little too soon.” Buck snorts as he winds his arms around Eddie’s waist.

“That’s a shame, because I’m certain that my grandmother is planning the wedding already.” Eddie laughs as he gingerly settles back against Buck, always careful of his chest.

“We have plenty of time. But right now, I want you.’ Buck spins Eddie in is hold and kisses him hungrily. ‘And me.’ Another kiss. ‘In your room.’ Anther kiss. ‘Naked.”

“How can I say no to a proposal like that?” Eddie breathes.

“You can’t, that’s the whole point.”

Bucks blue eyes are blown with desire and lust, they’re almost black. Eddies sure his own eyes are equally as black. The two of them make quick work of getting up the stairs and stripping off. Eddie gently settles Buck down on the bed and stands back to admire him.

“You’re fucking beautiful, you know this right?” He sighs.

“Stop that and get over here, or I’m starting without you.” Buck warns.

“Yessir” Eddie grins.

He crawls up Bucks body in the bed, kissing bucks chest as he goes. He pays special attention to the healed up wound on the right side of his chest, peppering feather light kisses to it and grinning when Buck whines breathlessly. He continues kissing up to Bucks neck, making sure to suck a dark bruise just under his Adams apple. He drags his teeth along Bucks jaw and nips at his bottom lip playfully before claiming his lips in a desperate kiss.

“Eddie- Ed’s please. I-“

“Please what, cariño?” Eddie coos.

“Please.” Buck chokes.

“I’ve got you.” Eddie smiles.

He reaches into the second drawer on his night stand and pulls out a sealed bottle of lube and an unopened packet of condoms. Buck raises an eyebrow. Eddie simply shrugs in response.

He unwraps the plastic of the lube and clicks it open, feels Buck shiver in anticipation at the noise. He generously coats his fingers with the lube before sliding down the bed to kneel between Bucks open legs. He presses delicate kisses to Bucks left leg, runs his tongue over the faint lines of his scars. Bucks breath hitches.

"You're beautiful, Evan. Every part of you." He whispers in earnest.

"Eddie." Buck whines.

"I mean it. I love every part of you, scars and all. You're perfect to me." Eddie promises.

"I love you.' Buck croaks. 'Thank you."

"Never thank me for this. You deserve to be worshiped."

"Please. Pleas fuck me baby. I need you inside me." Buck begs.

With a nod, Eddie teases his pointer over the fluttering hole, keeping an eye on Buck's face the entire time. As much as he wants to ravage this man, he doesn’t want him to be uncomfortable at any point.

“Eddie, please.” He whines.

“Who knew the scary SEAL was such a beggar in bed, hm?’ Eddie teases lightly as he pushes his finger inside, up to the knuckle. ‘What would your Team say if they saw you like this?”

“Fuck!” Buck shudders, choking on a desperate moan.

“They wouldn’t believe their eyes, would they? Big bad Evan Buckley, whining like a whore over one-‘ Eddie cuts off and sinks another finger inside unexpectedly and Buck moans wantonly. ‘Two fingers?”

“Eddie, fuck- Eddie, baby-“ Buck babbles.

Eddie has no idea where this is all coming from. He’s never been a talker in bed - or out of it if he’s being completely honest - but Bucks reactions are bringing out this primal part of him.

“Eddie what? You want me to fuck you with my fingers, get you nice and loose so I can easily sink my fat cock in you? Or do you want to feel the burn?”

“Wanna feel it. Fuck Eddie I wanna feel it so bad.” Buck gasps.

Eddie thrusts the packet of condoms into Bucks hands, still fingering and scissoring his hole. “Open one.” He orders.

Buck obediently rips one from the packet and, with shaking hands, pulls it out of the foil packaging.

“What now?” He asks, breathless.

“Put it on me.” Eddie orders again, his Staff Sergeant voice slipping out.

“Yes sir.” Buck bites his lip and gently rolls the condom onto Eddie’s aching hard cock.

Eddie has to bite his fist to stop himself from coming at the feeling of Bucks hand on him. Once the condom is on, Eddie gently pushes Buck back to lay down on the bed. Buck goes willingly, looking up at Eddie with almost black but trusting eyes. He gently strokes Bucks birthmark with the pad of his thumb as he adds a third and final finger to Bucks hole.

“Good boy.” Eddie all but purrs, and Buck fucking preens. Huh. A sub with a praise kink to boot. Eddie sure has lucked out.

Eddie pulls his fingers free and lines himself up at Bucks entrance, gently pressing just the tip inside. He groans at the feeling of Bucks tight walls surrounding him. Buck lets out a shuddering breath and, after a short minute, he gently pushes down a little, giving Eddie the go ahead.

Inch by inch, Eddie sinks into the all consuming heat of Buck. Feels his walls stretch and clamp around him, hears the man let out a litany of oh yeah’s and fuck baby’s and yes right there’s in between the panting and the whines and the moans. It’s fucking intoxicating.

Finally, he’s buried in Buck to the hilt and both men shudder out a moan at the feeling. Eddie’s panting with the effort its taking to not come, and Bucks eyes are glazed over, and he has this dopey, fucked out smile on his face already. He gives Eddie a little go ahead nod after a few moments of catching his breath.

And Eddie goes all in.

He’s mindful of Bucks wound, sure, but it doesn’t stop him from drilling into Buck, his hips pistoning back and forth at an incredible speed. He’s a little proud of himself. Bucks mouth is hanging open in a silent scream, his eyes are rolled back in his head and an endearing flush is coating his chest and neck beautifully. Eddie can’t help but lean down and press a kiss to any part of Bucks face he can reach.

“You’re such a good boy for taking my fat cock, aren’t you?’ Eddie coos and Bucks whine is needy and broken. ‘You were made for this, hm? Made to the my cock like the good little whore you are.”

“Yes papi.’ Buck moans loudly. ‘’m your whore.”

Edie shivers. “Oh baby boy you are such a good whore for papi.”

“Yeah, yeah. Only you.” Buck pants.

Bucks hand sneaks down his torso towards his dick but Eddie slaps it away, his thrusts never slowing.

“You can come when I say so.” He growls.

“Eddie. Fuck, baby please!”

“Your mouth was just made for begging. I bet you’re so good at sucking cock, too. Are you, baby?”

“Yeah. I wanna suck your cock so bad papi, wanna make you feel so good.”

“Oh you do make me feel good, baby. You make me feel so good already. But maybe next time you can suck my cock, okay baby?”

“Okay papi.”

Eddie deliberately brushes his cock over Bucks prostate, and bares witness to the mans eyes rolling back again, his tongue lolling out a little at the side and the downright filthy moan he makes.

“That’s my good boy.’ Eddie whispers. He feels the tightness building in his abs, and knows he’s not going to last much longer. ‘You can come now.”

That’s all Buck needs. He explodes all over his own chest with a howl of pleasure, Eddie’s name falling from his lips again and again like a prayer. His walls clench down on Eddies throbbing cock and he hisses at the sensation. He stumbles over the cliff right after Buck and his vision whites out with pleasure.

He comes too panting and leaning on shaky arms that are planted either side of Bucks head.

“That was the best fuck of my life.” Buck slurs, sounding as wrecked as he looks.

“Good.” Eddie smiles and presses a kiss to his lips.

Buck reciprocates it with a soft, pleased hum. He captures Eddies lip between his teeth and Eddie shudders.

“I love you, Eddie.” Buck sighs against his lips.

Eddies heart damn near melts in his chest. “I love you too, Evan.”

He then gently pulls out of Buck, tosses the condom in the trash and unceremoniously collapses onto the bed next to Buck, still breathing heavily.

“So. Papi, huh?” Buck turns his head on the pillow to wink at Eddie.

“Shut up, whore.” Eddie smirks back, enjoying the blush that blooms over Bucks cheeks.

“I’ve never reacted like that before.’ He mumbles. ‘The last man who called me a whore swallowed his own front tooth.”

“I’m glad I didn’t suffer the same fate.” Eddie snorts.

“I think you could call me absolutely anything in bed and I’ll love it, because I love you. This isn’t meaningless sex to me.”

“I’ll test that theory in future." Eddie promises.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

"This isn't just meaningless sex to me either. I love you Buck."

Eddie presses one last kiss to the taller mans lips to emphasise his words, and watches on fondly as his face breaks out into a dopey smile.

Chapter Text

Let it go on the record that Buck fucking hates official ceremonies.

He’s stood on the shadeless stage, in his full SEAL formal uniform under the burning hot Californian sun.

But Oliver and Ryan are speaking to the small crowd about how proud they feel to serve with Buck, with that look in their eyes, and Buck can’t find it in himself to complain. So he just sucks it up and, if he’s blushing at the words and the looks his fellow men are sending him, he can just blame it on the heat.

Maddie, Eddie, Christopher and all of his found family are sat in the crowd, all watching him with their own proud smiles and he feels all warm and gooey inside.

It’s been six months since he came back to them with a literal - and he loathes to say this - gash in his chest and they’ve showered him with more love and support than he thinks he deserves. But when he voiced it that one time, and Athena had levelled him with that glare, he had wisely shut his mouth and hadn’t spoke of it since.

“-it is my absolute pleasure to bring to the stage, for the last time; Chief Petty Officer Commander Evan Buckley!” Oliver announces.

Buck flushes as everyone starts cheering for him. He gets to Ryan and Oliver’s sides and sees the tears in the other mens eyes.

“Don’t you dare. Don’t you set me off.” Buck chokes out.

Oliver fans his face with his hands and Ryan looks up to the sky for a second.

“I’m sorry kid, I’m just so damn proud of you.” Ryan sniffles.

Buck envelopes both of them in a tight hug, taking the older men off guard for a second, but they hug back just as tight. They pull apart and blink away their tears before Ryan clears his throat and pins Bucks last ever badge; a Medal of Honour, to his lapel.

Buck stammers through his rehearsed speech, thanking every single person he’s ever worked with, whether that be his Commanders or the grunts he’d met back at Base. If he’s being honest, he doesn’t really remember what he says exactly, because he’s so flustered, but he thinks he does good, judging by the cheers and beaming faces of his family when he’s finished.

He stumbles off the stage when Ryan takes over again and crashes into Eddie, who’d risen from his seat and rushed to meet him at the stairs. Buck wraps his arms around the shorter mans waist and squishes his face into the junction where the mans neck meets his shoulder.

“I am so proud of you, mi amor.” Eddie presses a kiss to Bucks head.

“We all are, baby brother.” Maddie says and she worms her way in between Buck and Eddie, handing little Amelia-Eva Han (and yes, Buck did in fact cry his eyes out when Maddie told him) over to her uncle.

“Thanks, guys.” Buck grins bashfully, giving his pinky to the tiny three month old baby cradled in his arms. It makes him yearn for one of his own. Of course, he has Christopher, but Buck knows he’s not his father. He and Eddie haven’t even spoken about that.

“So, how does it feel to just be Evan Buckley?” Bobby asks.

“Kind of weird, kind of sad, kind of relieved, but exactly the same, if that makes sense?” Buck chuckles.

“Absolutely.” Chimney nods, but his face disagrees.

“Weird that he isn’t formally known as Chief Petty Officer Evan Buckley anymore, sad that he’s no longer an active SEAL, relieved that he doesn’t have to go back to war but exactly the same because nothing has really changed at all- he’s still the same person.” Eddie sums up with a shrug.

“You’re amazing.” Buck sighs happily and kisses his boyfriend on the lips.

“So I’ve been told.” The man winks back.

“Yuck! Daddy Bucky, stop kissing Daddy in front of me!” Christopher whines playfully.

Buck’s heart flips.

“What did you call me?” He asks, his voice shaking as he kneels down in front of Christopher, his hold on Amelia never wavering.

“Daddy Bucky because you’re my second dad.” Christopher shrugs, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“And you’re okay with that? You want me to be your second dad?” He asks cautiously.

“Of course! I love you!” Christopher chirps.

Buck can’t help himself, he gently passes Amelia back to Chimney and picks Christopher up to give him a tight and loving hug.

“Oh I love you too, Christopher. And I’ll proudly be your second daddy.”

Christopher wriggles in his hold with a loud laugh when Buck’s fingers begin to tickle his sides.

“You definitely have to propose now, hijo.” Abuela smirks over at Eddie, making him and Buck blush.

“I don’t have a ring on me right now, but I’ll gladly do it.” Eddie shrugs nonchalantly and Bucks eyes widen.

“You’re serious?” He whispers

“Hell yeah.’ Eddie grins. ‘I wanna marry you, Evan Buckley.”

“I wanna marry you too, Eddie Diaz.” Buck promises.

Eddie leans forward and kisses Bucks lips tenderly.

“Did you guys seriously just get engaged?” Hen blinks, dumbfounded.

“I think so. We’ll do it again, officially, but yeah. We’re engaged now.” Buck grins over at her and the rest of their family.

“We’re definitely having a party tonight.” Athena snorts.

And that’s how Buck finds himself in the centre of Bobby and Athena’s living room a few hours later, surrounded by Maddie, Amelia, the 118, their partners and kids, Oliver and Ryan as well as the rest of the original Team 6, with Eddie down on one knee in front of him.

“I’ve never really believed in the whole ‘love at first sight’ crap, until I met you. Even on the worst day of my life, I knew you were someone special, someone I’d come to love and cherish, and I’ve never been happier to be found right in my life. You complete me, Evan. You complete the little family I have with Chris, you complete the 118. You just complete our lives, and I love you so, so much. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you. So, whaddya say? You wanna get hitched, Buck?”

Tears are streaming down Bucks face. The amount of love he feels for this man is just ridiculous. Buck goes down on his knees in front of Eddie and cups his face in his palms.

“Nothing would give me more pleasure than marrying you, Edmundo. I love you with all of me, and I love Christopher with all of me. I wanna wake up every day for the rest of my life being your husband and his father. And maybe a few more in the future. So yes, I really wanna get hitched.” He cries out.

Their family explode into cheers and whistles for them, but Buck cannot, for the life of him, look away from Eddie. The love of his life. Their hands are shaking as they exchange the engagement rings Maddie and Christopher had picked out for them earlier that day.

“Here’s to the beginning of the rest of our lives together.” Eddie whispers as he tangles his left hand with Bucks own, making their rings clink together.

“Here’s to the beginning of the rest of our lives together.” Buck echos and kisses Eddie firmly.