Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 

"Everything happens for a reason"

-Aristotele

 

And it's all thanks to one last number and wrong number

-OR-

Universum where Lucy and Buck are best friends, by accident

Chapter Text

Having a new phone sucked. And Buck knew what he was talking about.

He only had his new phone for about two hours and was already having problems.

It's not that there was anything wrong with the model or anything. It just... didn't have anything on it. In the sense of his personal, of course.

His old phone was already a few years old, and although it wasn't of the latest quality it worked very well, and most importantly it had most of his personal photos, numbers and other such things on it.

And yes, he knew that someday he would have to buy a new, maybe better, slightly more expensive version. But he expected more that he would do it when he already had a more permanent job, if at all. Or when that phone breaks down just so-really, really.

And not when, through his stupidity, he ruined his phone by forgetting to take it out of his swimsuit pocket when he entered the ocean.

In fact, just because it was broken didn't bother him, because he had some money set aside there from extra work, and buying another one wasn't a major issue.

The problem was that he didn't have any of his stuff in his already-purchased, new, phone, as he had mentioned earlier.

He didn't feel so bad about the photos, since they were mostly of various views and places he had visited, and which he sent to Maddie. Sure, he had a few photos of him and Maddie that were important to him, but still. It wasn't that bad.

The bigger inconvenience at this point was that he didn't have any of his contacts.

Sure, he had few of them, anyway. He only had numbers to his parents, to Maddie, to a few old school buddies, and to some girls he had met and flirted with when he traveled. And that literally was all.

Not much, but enough.

And surprisingly in all of this. He didn't remember any of them.

Which was actually funny in that aspect, because he always had a head full of unnecessary trivia or anecdotes, but when it came to some important stuff, he always had a problem with it.

Sometimes he really wondered how his brain worked.

Oh, he knew for sure that if Maddie would see him now, he wouldn't hear the end of it. Later, she would probably still chastise him for not thinking to remember it sooner, or at least write it down for himself, but, well, it was a done deal. And as for now, he would have to live without them for the next few days.

Only for a few days, he hoped.

Because he really had high hopes that the service he took the phone to would at least recover his contact list. Seemingly, the man to whom he gave it said he would try to recover everything, but for the phone numbers, he would already be grateful.

As for now, at this point he had to figure out how to contact Madds. Just as he had promised her.

Before leaving, he had promised her that as soon as he reached a certain place he would write or call her, so that she would know he was still alive.

And so even if there was still tension between them, mostly because he was still slightly hurt that she hadn't come with him, he had promised her that and didn't want to break that pledge for any reason. And even more so to worry her.

That's why at that moment, he tried to remind himself of her number. And he was almost, like 90 percent, sure that the number he remembered was this one. He just wasn't sure if it was 4 or 9 at the end.

But as they say- you only die once.

At most he would end up writing to the wrong number and ridicule himself.

[Buck: Uh, hey Maddie? 

Buck: Its Buck, I just wanted to check in and say I am already there

Buck: Sorry it took me so long, I broke my phone

Unknown: Hi? I'm sorry but I'm not Maddie

Unknown: I think you've got the wrong number

Buck: Crap

Buck: So it was 4 after all

Buck: God damn, I'm so sorry. Im idiot

Unknown: Oh that's okay. It happens

Buck: Sorry again, I will not bother you

Buck: Have a nice day

Unknown: Mutually]

Of course that wasn't that number.

Well ok, it's decided.

As soon as he gets all his contacts back, the most important ones he will write down somewhere.

Of course, he will do this only to not listen to any more complaints from his sister, yes, yes. It's not at all that he'll do it to avoid any more ridicule, of course not.

Okay who was he lying to. Of course he will do it to not ridicule himself again.

He didn't know if he wanted to try his luck again, but a promise is a promise nonetheless.

And thankfully he wasn't wrong this damn time. Luckily because he probably would have sunk to the ground if he had been wrong again. He wrote, albeit reluctantly, and Maddie immediately called him.

Of course, she asked him everything in the process.

How was his trip? Long and boring.

Where is he now? In San Francisco

Why does he have a new number? Because he broke his old phone.

And such, and such.

Of course, it was also not without socking him as he suspected, and saying "and I told you so" on her part, but he only snorted at her and admitted she was right. He knew from years of experience that it wasn't worth arguing with her.

Besides, what was he supposed to say? Surprisingly somehow she was always right. Although he didn't always want to agree with her either.

Their conversation ended a little awkwardly, but at the end he still promised her that he would call her in a while and that he would definitely send her a postcard.

He was also grateful to her that not once during the conversation did she bring up the topic of her parents, which he didn't feel like talking about at the moment, and he was grateful that she respected that.

Although he doubted she would have wanted to talk about them willingly either.

Ah, the relationship with parents, isn't it?

Well at this point he preferred not to think about anything. Neither about his parents, nor about other problems. This was the time for him. He is going to have fun, travel and do what he likes.

Yes, this trip will really do him good.

Maybe he will even find something for himself after time?

Who knows.

Chapter Text

[Lucy: Hi, I know it's probably weird to you, but can I call you?

Unknown: Uh…. sure?]

Even though she had texted him(?) with a question anyway, Lucy wasn't sure if she should call.

It wasn't that they knew each other.

She didn't know who the man was, as she assumed, and in fact it could have been anyone. 

She wasn't even sure if he would help her in any way. She also didn't know if it would do anything at all, but at this point? It was literally the only idea she came up with.

Besides, she herself didn't even know who else she should call in this situation. 

Her best friend and boyfriend stabbed her in the back today when she found them in bed together. 

Her parents would probably ignore her, especially after their argument about school today. 

And she didn't really have any other friends to call, which was sad looking at it in a way, at this point, and in this situation.

She had no one to call, so she calls a stranger's number who texted her a few days ago, because she is being followed by a stranger.

Isn't that sad in a way.

For her it sure was.

She ignored what her life looked like at that moment, and simply pressed the green handset next to the unknown contact, then put the phone to her ear, and prayed that the person on the other end would answer and be her salvation.

"Hello?" she heard a voice in her ear.

"Hi Buck!" she tried to sound as loud and confident as possible. "I know I know, I should be there by now. Don't worry I'm already not far from home, I have about 20 minutes left."

She damn well hoped that this "Buck," as she probably remembered it well, would understand what she meant.

"Is something wrong?"

"Yes," she pretended to reply to something he had said to her, and even managed to fake a laugh, something she would probably have been proud of in another situation, but now she was too scared to care.

"Can you tell me what's going on?" he asked her, and she could tell by his tone alone that he was worried. "Wait. Is someone following you?"

Probably a good thing I called after all, she thought.

"Yes."

"Damn," she cursed.

"Well, I know. But you know? That's what I called you for," she giggled, not sure if she wanted to assure herself or him with that.

"Do you really have 20 minutes to get home?" he asked himself.

"Yes"

"Okay good," he sighed, and even over the phone she could hear him rub his hands over his face and sigh again. "I have an idea." She didn't want to interrupt him, so she winked and nodded, even if he couldn't see her.

"Is there a store or other such place somewhere where you are?"

Looking around surreptitiously, she noticed how the window of some Chinese bar was still lit on the opposite street, and it was also bright inside. "Yes. But do you really want Chinese food at this hour?"

"Okay, fine. That is, Chinese restaurants. That's good," he continued. "Go to it, and stay there for some time. Maybe talk to the salesman, as if you knew each other, and check, just surreptitiously, if this person continues to follow you."

"Okay, you're right." She told him, and without changing her pace, headed toward the restaurant.

This side of town, where she currently lived, was never very noisy, let alone full of life like other streets in Los Angeles. Sadly, as a result, it was also not the safest side of town. Unfortunately, it was the only thing she could afford at the moment with her part-time job and studies.

Still, she preferred it, a slightly run-down place, to living longer with her parents, who would probably judge her every move. God was screwing herself down the rabbit hole of her problems again.

Somewhere in her ear she could hear the man trying to calm her down, or continue to tell her what to do but she half ignored it, wanting to get to the restaurant as soon as possible.

"Okay, when you get to the restaurant, order something, whatever," he said.

"Well rest, what would you like?" she continued to pretend.

"I'll tell you that spicy chicken rice is my favorite," he answered her as if she was really ordering something for him. She honestly couldn't help herself and just burst out laughing uncontrollably.

"Good choice," she stopped laughing. "It's my favorite too"

"Ah all the luck that you are a person with good taste".

"Thanks? I think so." Having said that, she finally entered the building, and although it wasn't cold outside she immediately felt better when she entered.

"Are you already inside?" he asked her.

"Yes."

"Okay... then I'll hang up" And when he said this she felt insecure again.

What if that person who was following her went inside? Or what if something else happens? She didn't want to hang up on him. With his voice in her ear, she felt a little more confident.

Apparently he sensed her uncertainty after his last sentence so he continued. "Hey, hey, take it easy. It's just for a moment. I'll hang up just for a moment, as soon as you leave the restaurant call me again okay?"

"Okay."

"Do you remember what you have to do?"

"Yes" she sighed when she heard the end of the call signal, and did what he had told her earlier.

Once she had lined up to be the only person in line in front of the cash register, she looked around surreptitiously. The place itself was very quiet, she could slightly hear some music from the speakers, but apart from her, a few other people and the employees, there were not many other people. Later, she glanced outside out of the corner of her eye. And she sighed with relief. There was no one there.

From the window to the street and through the door she saw no one else, no living soul. She wasn't entirely relaxed about this, continuing to fear that this someone was waiting somewhere and just hid, but so far she was more at ease. Besides, even if there were, there were people around, so she felt at least somewhat secure.

Once she had ordered, and picked up her food, she called Buck again.

"Hi."

"Hey, glad you called, I was already worried," he sighed in relief. "Are you still being followed?"

"No, I think not. I don't think so" she said to him. "But... Can we continue talking? At least until I get to the apartment?" she asked him uncertainly. She didn't want to bother him, but she knew that if she talked to him she could feel more confident the rest of the way.

"Yeah, sure. I wanted to propose that. Still, I'd rather you get there safely."

"Thanks. Really," she thanked him.

"Hey, no problem. I'm glad I could help. Even in this way." he tried to reassure her. "So...?"

"Hahaha! A bit awkward isn't it?" she laughed.

"Geez yes." He also began to giggle.

And despite this momentary awkwardness, they continued talking. Mostly the rest of the way they talked about their favorite, and hated, food, and Lucy couldn't even lie that she had a good conversation with him. They didn't even know each other's names, except that she knew his name was Buck, and they knew nothing about each other.

But amazingly. This conversation, even if it was about food, made her mood surprisingly better. And even more so after such a long and tiring day as this one, and after the events of some 20 minutes ago.

It was good to talk to someone about something that wasn't so important.

This was probably the calmest and most laid-back conversation in some.... maybe a few weeks. Also, wasn't this maybe the first time she had laughed in a long time?

God her life really was pretty damn sad.

Their conversation only ended when she arrived in front of her apartment block. At the end they still said goodbye. Lucy thanked him, and he told her to write to him as soon as she got into the apartment, so that he could be 100% sure that she was definitely safe.

Yes, she was really grateful that she called him.

[Lucy: Hi, I'm already in apartment

Lucy: I want to thank you again

Lucy: I prefer not to think about what would have happened if I hadn't called you

Buck: it was nothing, im just glad you're safe

Buck: and I'm glad I could help

Lucy: You helped, a lot

Lucy: I guess since you saved me, I can at least introduce myself to you]

[Lucy: Im Lucy

Buck: Well now I know your name, I'm Evan...but most people call me Buck. But you already know that

Lucy: Yeah

Lucy: if we go with nicknames, just call me Luce, or whatever u want

Buck: Luce it is then.

Lucy: I'm not gonna lie, I'm dead on my feet, so i'm gonna go sleep. It was hard day for me.]

[Lucy: but if you don't have a problem with it

Lucy: I would still like to talk to you

Buck: and the mutual

Buck: although I hope it will be under better conditions next time

Lucy: Yeah, me too]

Chapter Text

Buck was lying in bed, and well, he was just bored.

His month of training to join the army was over, and although he wasn't the most thrilled with the news that he hadn't passed on, he could live with it. 

Even if he was bored at this moment. 

He was so terribly bored.

He wondered for a moment if he might call or text someone. 

The first option that popped into his head was Maddie, but after thinking about it, she was probably with her husband, or at work, and he didn't want to disturb her. 

And that was actually the extent of his options. 

He didn't really want to talk to his parents, and he didn't have many close friends he kept in touch with after leaving Pennsylvania.

Only after a moment another person crept into his thoughts.

Lucy.

He hardly knew her at all. He literally only knew her name, but honestly, when she called him a few days ago and told him she was being followed, he was a little concerned about it.

Let's start with the fact that who wouldn't be.

Fortunately, nothing happened. But still, it was quite a stressful experience. For Lucy probably more, but he couldn't deny that for him too. They've talked a little since then, but not that much, mostly because time didn't allow them, but he had to admit it anyway. 

It was fun talking to her.

Therefore, he turned on the bed and reached for the phone lying on the nightstand. He wasn't even sure if she would answer and what time it was with her, since he didn't even know where she lived, but he could always try, he thought and clicked the message icon.

[Buck: Hi Luce

Buck: Am I interrupting?

Lucy: Buck, hi! No, not at all

Lucy: Actually, I'm at school, but I'm bored anyway

Lucy: So it's cool that you're texting

Buck: Oh that's good

Buck: I'm bored too, and you're my only alternative for any kind of fun 

Lucy: Hahahaha

Lucy: Well if you also provide me with better entertainment than my boring classes, then we have a deal

Buck: Lol. Not enjoying it today?

Buck: But deal. 

Lucy: Not enjoying it everyday

Buck: Ouch, That bad huh?

Lucy: Yeah, something like that

Lucy: I still don't exactly know what I'm doing in these studies

Buck: And what are you studying?

Lucy: Psychology

Buck: Difficult

Lucy: Yes, yes it is]

It was quite awkward on both sides for a long while. This was due to the fact that neither of them knew quite what more to say. 

Should Buck perhaps ask something more about the study?

Or should he change the subject?

So yes, it really was awkward for a while. Buck was already wondering if maybe he should find some other entertainment or something. But a flashing three dots appeared on his screen, indicating that Lucy was writing something.

[Lucy: so... it's awkward

Buck: yea it is

Lucy: Well, we can play 20 questions?

Buck: why not. Wanna start?

Luce: Sure, What is your fav color?

Buck: It's blue. What's yours?

Luce: Also blue, and yellow.

Lucy: Ok.... Do you have any siblings?

Buck: Isn't it my turn now?

Lucy: Nope, you asked about my favorite color

Lucy: Now answer

Buck: That's right, Mrs. apodictic

Buck: But yes, I have siblings. A sister 7 years older than me, Maddie

Lucy: oh, so she's the one you confused my number with?

Buck: yes, that's her

Buck: unfortunately I have no memorization for phone numbers

Lucy: 🤣😂

Buck: 😅 Continuing, it's my turn now

Buck: Okey I have no idea, so I will steal from you

Buck: Do you have any siblings?

Lucy: No, it's just me, myself and I. But I always wanted to have some

Buck: Well I say from experience that siblings are sometimes a bother

Buck: Still, Maddie is the most important person in my life, so I'm glad I have her

Lucy: Aww thats cute

Luck: Moving on, I'll ask this first because they say it's not appropriate for men to ask a woman her age

Lucy: How old are you?

Buck: Wow how gentle of you

Lucy: I know, once in a while it happens to me

Buck: Answering, I am 18 years old

Buck: What about you?

Lucy: 19 already 

Buck: it's your turn

Lucy: okey, okey

Lucy: Well you already know that I am studying. What about you?

Lucy: Work? Studies?

Buck: Actually, at the moment, none of these

Buck: I dropped out of college some time ago, and so far I don't have a job

Buck: I recently wanted to join the Army but didn't go any further

Buck: So far I'm traveling, living in squalid motels and living on the last of my college money

Buck: Later I'll probably look for some casual jobs

Lucy: Lack of a plan for myself or just an aversion to college?

Buck: A little bit of each

Buck: I don't mind studying but I think I'd rather find something that really interests me, something I'll love

Buck: Actually really really

Lucy: Oh I understand you completely

Lucy: Don't get me wrong, I like psychology, I really do

Lucy: But I don't quite think it's my connoisseurship

Lucy: It's just not....

Buck: what do you love?

Lucy: Exactly

Buck: Well then there are two of us

Buck: Haven't you maybe ever thought about quitting all this

Buck: And I don't know? Traveling, for example?

Buck: Of course, I don't mean for you to do what I did, because I always did everything I was forbidden to do

Buck: I'm just asking myself that way

Lucy: Honestly?

Lucy: I think about it all the damn time

Lucy: I just... I don't know

Lucy: I only chose this direction because my parents wanted me to become a psychologist like them

Lucy: And I guess I've learned for so long to just please my parents that I guess I'm afraid not to do it

Buck: Ah, so parents

Buck: I know something about that

Buck: Mine were just the type of parents who were absent

Lucy: oh?

Buck: Yeah, I was always begging for their attention and doing such stupid things that Maddie always chastised me for it

Buck: But it was the only time I had their attention

Lucy: Ah so a team of shitty parents?

Buck: Hahahaha 

Buck: Yep team of shitty parents!]

It was... refreshing.

Buck had never really talked about it with anyone, not even Maddie, and it was both strange and he felt oddly relieved.

Someone finally understood him. 

She knew what it was like to have parents who didn't pay much attention to you, and your life. Of course, their situations were probably different, and maybe their parents' behavior was too, but he felt that Lucy understood him.

They texted with each other for a good few more hours, until Lucy wrote that she had to get to work.

They touched on a few more such topics, and even chatted more to each other about their parents, but they also tried to change topics and not stay with those snotty, somewhat melancholy thoughts about their families and childhoods.

In fact, by the very end, they were talking as if the earlier topics were not there at all. 

Of course, they continued to linger in his head, but even so, the conversation flowed so well and so freely that Buck knew he could talk to her for another few hours.

It really was refreshing.

And when he went to bed, for the first time in a while, he really couldn't help but smile.

Chapter Text

God, Lucy hates her parents.

Sometimes she would wish she could go back to her childhood and back to how ignorant she was then. But then she would always remind herself that she was living in a fairy tale then, and that nothing had really changed.

Her childhood looked just like her current life now. If not worse. She was always locked in a clean sterile cage that she had to call “home.” But it was a cage, just like her life. She was just a bird that lived in a cage and had to do what was expected and ordered of her.

Sometimes, when she had one of those moments, she always wondered if her life at that moment was more free, compared to when she was still young.

Now at least she was living fairly on her own, had a job and an apartment. And even though she wasn't happy, and didn't have anyone close to her at the moment, neither friends nor, anymore, a boyfriend, and even her studies meant that she had no desire. It was her childhood that was... isolated and controlled.

Which, unfortunately, she only found out later, when she was already starting to grow up.

Realizing this fact was very difficult for her.

And it was even harder for her to stop seeking other people's approval after realizing this. She was like a child.

But she succeeded.

It was exhausting, but she escaped most of the restrictions her parents gave her and the expectations other members of her family had of her.

After all, if the child was the product of infidelity,as she found out by pure chance, it should at least be perfect, shouldn't it.

Her college life was not one of the easiest either.

She knew that for most people it was, really.

How much material she had, how many exams, and still how she had to balance it all with work was overwhelming for her. Most mentally. Although she also couldn't deny that it all took its toll on her body as well.

It also didn't help that her parents expected only perfection from her. No matter what the price.

After all, they had to boast later to their other “friends” how smart their daughter was, even if they themselves criticized her at every turn.

This was crazy. It was something she never understood and probably never will. How can a parent not only focus excessively on their child's achievements, but worse, also on how they look in the eyes of others? Everything was fake and superficial. They didn't even show real emotion except in the presence of others. And the really crazy thing was that it was only years later that she realized how superficial these people were. She had no real contact with them. They were simply her parents, nothing more.

For a while she was sad about this, true.

But after a while, no matter how sad it sounds, she got used to it.

All this, and how hard she tried to be perfect, didn't mean she wasn't going through her period of rebellion. Although even then she always tried to stick to two things she promised herself she would never do.

1.She would never take any drugs in her life, except maybe pot.

2.She would never buckle down with her grades. And no, she wasn't doing it for them, she knew how important school was and even if she didn't want to go to psychology she would have to have good grades to get elsewhere.

But that's all she stuck to, everything else she could, she did - she smoked, drank, ran away from home, there were times she didn't even come home.

And the most common.

She constantly argued with her parents.

They didn't notice that she was leaking through their fingers, because they were too busy criticizing her and making her feel inadequate. All they did was add more guilt and shame to her, making her distant and even more rebellious.

After that, they had the nerve to ask her why she had changed for the worse. Of course, they never understood that they were to blame for their daughter's change. No, in their eyes she was to blame because she was different from the girl they knew and wanted.

Not because of their actions or anything like that.

They didn't know her. They only gave her a life that she didn't even want.

They were not the ones who raised her.

And so was their last argument.

Lucy remembers very clearly how exactly it started. She remembers how that day, her parents invited her “graciously” to Sunday dinner. As if they were doing her some kind of favor or something.

She didn't want to go there too much, knowing what would await her there, but she knew that her Aunt Amy would be at the dinner, and even though she hated her parents and other relatives, her aunt, Amy, was the best person she had ever met and had in her life.

She was more like a mother to her than her own mother.

Aunt Amy was the person who was always there for her. She was the person who always made her feel better. She was the only person she could talk to without worrying about being judged or criticized.

Aunt Amy was the only person who understood her and who always made her feel loved cared for.

So when she learned that she too would be at the dinner, she decided to go.

Too bad it turned out to be the most disastrous decision she could have made.

Or maybe the best decision she ever made?

She remembered that the dinner itself was not bad. It was just the four of them. She, her parents and Amy, nothing special or elaborate.

In places, between her AND Amy's conversation, her parents pressed their unfavorable comments, but she tried her best to ignore them, and pretend they didn't bother her.

She pretended as if they weren't there.

And they saw it, of that she was sure. Their expressions of annoyance helped a little in guessing this.

Sometimes she answered what they asked her but they were only abbreviated answers, without any of the other additional words needed.

Yes; no; okay; thank you.

Simply and concisely.

She felt, somewhere internally, that if she said anything more, an argument would break out. 

And after what had happened before, she just wasn't ready for it. She wanted to be as polite as possible so that they would have no reason to yell at her.

She had school tomorrow, and work, and she didn't want to be in a terrible mood because of them, the next day.

But of course, as always. Her plan, and good intentions quickly flew out the window.

Really, what the hell did she expect?

A nice pleasant evening?

Certainly not with them.

Could she have predicted what would happen?

Probably, yes.

But as they say, hope is doomed.

She knew something was coming that she was sure of for sure, but she never thought they would hit her where it hurt the most.

In her ex. Taylor.

And her so-called, thankfully now ex, “best friend”. Danielle.

This was the exact moment her world turned upside down.

Lucy was already anticipating the discussion. She could already feel that anger and defensiveness in the air. But this...

This was something she didn't expect. They mentioned something, someone she didn't want to remember.

The very fact that they mentioned it was bad enough. In doing so, they hit the deepest wound she had in her, and then twisted the knife in it.

And the worst part of it all was that her mother knew about it.

She knew it was a difficult subject for her, because Lucy, naively, immediately after finding her ex and best friend, called her and told her about it.

She didn't know exactly why to her and not to Amy, for example, but she knew, she remembered, what a mistake she had made at the time by calling her mother.

Maybe she thought that for once in her life they would take an interest in her? They would support her?

But no, none of these things happened.

She remembered even now, very accurately and painfully, how after she cried to her own mother, she merely told her to get a grip and stop crying like a baby, then immediately hung up.

It was a moment of realization. 

She realized the depth of her parents' lack of empathy for their own daughter. The only person who was there for her was not even her parents. This was a severe blow to her. She could not count on them for emotional support.

All this only made the quarrel worse.

Her parents constantly criticized her for her choice of friends and the fact that she spent more time with them than with her own family. And that's when she broke down.

They criticized her and her choices so much that they didn't know what kind of people they were themselves. What kind of parents they are. What hypocrisy.

And this was still from people who were psychologists.

But she wasn't exactly a good person either. Nor resilient.

For as her mother mentioned when Taylor and she would finally think about getting married. 

Lucy asked her mother about when she would finally tell her about her real father.

The silence and tension in the room that followed that statement could have killed someone.

She remembered how the three adults looked at her in shock, not expecting it, and she only stared at her mother, waiting for what was to happen next. She waited until she finally exploded.

What anger followed the shock, in that case, was hardly surprising.

The only person in the room who wasn't upset, or angry, was Amy, who, after the argument took on the scales of yelling and almost throwing plates, tried to calm both parties down.

Lucy wasn't exactly proud, of some of the things she said and shouted to them. But she also couldn't help saying that a lot of it, was true.

She told them everything that had been gathering inside her all these years, what she thought of them, and yes, she may have exaggerated some things, but she didn't care anymore.

And so she was hurt by what her parents were saying to her face, how worthless she was, and that she wouldn't achieve anything in life.

But what hurt her more was the last sentence her mother said to her before she ran away from home.

“I should never have given birth to you. You are the biggest mistake of my life.”

The moment she heard those words, she felt her heart stop.

All the resentment she had felt for all these years was gathered in an instant. Every negative thought she had toward her parents, every tear, every doubt, every ounce of unhappiness was summed up in that moment.

Her mother, the woman she had expected to comfort, support and guide her, was in fact the one who had caused all her suffering. The person responsible for all her misery. The root cause of all her pain.

She was crushed.

And at that moment she no longer cared about anything.

If I were to be honest. She would rather not have a mother than have one like Vanessa Chen.

She knew that this sentence, spoken so loudly and clearly by an older woman, changed everything.

Because even if there had been any chance of repairing their relationship before, even a minimal one, at that moment she knew one thing.

Lucy Chen no longer had a mother.

And Vanessa Chen no longer had a daughter.

And Lucy told her this to her face. After which she said goodbye to her aunt, who was crying beside her, and left the house where she grew up.

As she walked away from that place, she felt the greatest and most intense feeling of relief in her life. She left and knew she would never return there again.

She was freed from the shackles of the cage she had lived in all her life.

She now had the freedom to be herself, to choose the life she wanted, and to not feel constrained by other people's opinions, expectations and limitations.

As she fled, she knew that there were no longer any strings connecting her to this house, these two people or anything else in this life.

In that moment, she had no worries or regrets.

She was finally free.

And yes, she knew that these were temporary emotions so far. In a while she might start crying screaming or other such things.

But she knew one thing for sure.

She would have no regrets.

And she was right.

It's been a while since that moment, it's true, but not for a moment did she doubt that she did the right thing.

Of course, there were moments when she felt like what they told her that day was true, but she held on.

That is, she did what she knew how to do best.

And amazingly enough, Buck was the one who helped her.Heck, they had only known each other for a while and not that well yet, but after she hadn't spoken to him in those few days, he called her worried and forced her to tell him.

So she did. She didn't know why, they had known each other for maybe a month and a half, but she trusted him and, well, he was her only friend at the moment.

In fact, the only person she had contact with.

Her parents most likely now expected her to call them and apologize for her behavior, which was business as usual. But oh boy how wrong they were.

She wasn't going to do it for any reason, even if someone forced her to.

She had already blocked them anyway.

Amy, on the other hand... she didn't know how it would go on. Lucy loved her aunt with all her heart, but she wasn't sure she would want to keep in touch with her after what she had told her mother, and her sister.

Therefore, when she heard that Bucky was worried about her, she wept into his phone.

She was sure she had confused the boy even more, or worried him all the more, but it had been so long since anyone had worried about her.

She couldn't hold it in anymore.

The sudden need to scream and mourn all her sorrows was unbearable for her.

She wanted to be the most important thing to someone, at least for a while. To feel that someone supported her and cared about her.

The whole time she was crying in his ear he was listening understandingly and trying his best to comfort her.

Heck, after about an hour of crying, screaming and telling him everything that had happened, he even offered to come see her. To Los Angeles.

Lucy knew he was in San Diego now, he mentioned it in passing, but it was still about a two-hour drive.

Even when she tried to talk him out of the idea, he just told her not to speak and that he was already sitting in the car.

She didn't know when she cried harder.

The moment she told him everything.

Or the moment he said he was driving over to her.

She continued trying to tell him that he didn't have to and that there was no need.

But after some time and his excuse that “-I was supposed to go to LA anyway. The sooner the better.” She let it go.

She knew he was lying. After how much he had told her traveling was in his plans after San Diego, it was to go abroad, not LA, but she didn't want to argue with him.

Just the fact that he was worried about her and wanted to come to her made her feel like never before.

She finally had someone she cared about.

And she cared about him.

This moment was too overwhelming for her to bear.

Someone cared about her.

Someone was there. Someone wanted to be there.

And he didn't even hesitate before he came here, just to meet her. Even for a day, to make sure she was all right, he didn't hesitate.

She didn't doubt that Buck, would be her best friend.

Or maybe she could already call him that.

They were so similar that it hurt.

They both didn't have many friends, their lives weren't perfect, and they had parents who didn't deserve them.

If Lucy could call him her best friend, and he call her his best friend,- she would be proud.

Chapter Text

“Come with me.”

Okay, what the hell.

Buck knew that sometimes, akhm most of the time akhm, he did pretty impulsive things, or said something stupid, but this? 

Really, Buckley?

Did you have to say it out loud?

Sure, this particular idea sometimes popped into his head since he got to know Lucy much better, but he didn't think he'd ever say it out loud.

And before anyone said anything. This idea is very well-founded.

The reason it appeared in his head was that he saw, or at least sensed, from Lucy's behavior that she wanted to escape. 

To get away from this house, this town, this school. And he wanted to help her do that somehow.

But if he was to be honest with himself, there was a second reason as well. 

A little more selfish.

He was just lonely.

He had been traveling alone for about a year now, and although it was a cool experience to be alone for a while, he still was human, and not only did he get bored with just exploring the US, but the loneliness was also derogatory.

That's why, after meeting Lucy and learning more about her than he ever expected, he got the idea whether he might not suggest to her that she should drop everything and go with him on the road.

And as much as this idea seemed sensible and brilliant to him, he didn't know how the girl he was currently living with would react.

And, oh yeah, Buck didn't mention that either. 

It had been about two weeks since Lucy had called him and talked him out of her argument with her parents. 

And just since those two weeks, he has been in Los Angeles, and has been occupying Lucy's little couch.

And surprisingly, it was comfortable.

The apartment itself wasn't very big, just a living room connected to a small kitchen, one room and a small bathroom. Nothing extraordinary, but it had its own atmosphere. Even at first glance as soon as he entered the apartment he could see touches of Lucy in it.

At the very beginning, as soon as he arrived in LA, he wanted to rent a hotel, but Lucy started arguing with him, so he relented. And maybe, the couch in her apartment didn't quite fit his size, it was the softest and most comfortable thing he had ever laid on.

And from then on they also found a certain routine.

Lucy would go to school or work, and during that time he would take care of her apartment. He cooked, cleaned, shopped, and even looked at job ads more often.

They had a certain established rhythm, and it suited them.

Although their most repeated routine, by far, was their movie nights. Whenever they had the chance they would sit on the couch munching popcorn or ordered food, and watch whatever movies they could find.

Mostly they were romantic comedies.

And the same was true at this moment as well. 

Buck had already settled comfortably in his place on the couch, with all the blankets and pillows, and was just waiting for Lucy to finish making the popcorn. 

And somehow, out of nowhere, he just fired out these words:

"Come with me. Let's travel."

The silence that filled the apartment as soon as he said this was downright deafening. 

Buck's heart was beating like crazy as he waited for Lucy to say something, anything.

He knew that he had just impulsively shared an idea that could change their lives, and he wasn't even sure what he himself thought about it.

Heck he hadn't even thought it over. Just because the idea had been popping up in his head for a long time, that didn't mean he had it thought out in any way.

He looked at the girl, hoping to see some expression on her face, but Lucy's face was full of shock. 

He couldn't see anything else besides that. Just shock.

He was really beginning to realize that he had made a big mistake.

Only after maybe a few minutes or so of silence did she finally speak up.

“Buck...”

Only one word left her lips, no more.

She was staring at him, just staring, and out of the corner of his eye Buck saw how the popcorn package was currently lying on the ground.

Was it shock or surprise? Or was it realization? Buck himself didn't know what to think about it now, but he just hoped he hadn't screwed things up completely.

He was already about to start explaining and apologizing when Lucy interrupted him again-.

“Are you serious?” - she said more.

Oh god, he had to answer her.

“I- You know w- what, sorry just ignore it,” Buck tried to explain. 

God she probably thought it was a stupid idea, he thought.

When he felt his cheeks turning red with embarrassment, he grabbed the pillow closest to him and, pressing it between his knees, pushed his face into it.

He didn't even want to look her in the eye.

He was so embarrassed that he wished the ground had engulfed him at that moment.

Or for someone to kill him at all now.

Geez, did he always have to jerk something so stupid.

Now Lucy will probably think he's some kind of mindless idiot, and throw him out of her apartment, and tell him not to speak to her again, and that she doesn't want anything more to do with him.

Well she would have the right. And he wouldn't even be surprised.

His words always had to ruin everything.

Being so absorbed in his own embarrassment, Buck didn't notice how Lucy, standing behind him in the kitchen, had picked up the bag, shuffled over and was now standing centrally in front of him. Along the way, the popcorn she was holding had been thrown somewhere in the corner of the couch and forgotten.

Lucy was now focused on something else. She needed to know.

“Oh, for God's sake, Buckley, look at me.”

This time, however, hearing the tone of her voice, already less shocked and more certain. Buck raised his head and, finally, looked into her eyes.

Lucy stared at him, standing almost centrally above him with her arms crossed, and even Buck could see it, she tried to put on a serious face.

“You have to tell me exactly what you mean.”

Was she...?

Was she considering his plan? Did she want to go with him?

"I... Would you maybe like to come with me? In the sense of traveling. We could travel around the US. Or even leave the country?" - he said rather hesitantly, further not knowing what kind of reaction he could expect.

Just because she asked him about it didn't mean she wanted it.

For the next few moments there was silence again, and Buck again felt like he was about to throw up because of the uncertainty.

Only after a while, Lucy sighs, and without even looking, she throws herself into the vacant seat next to him on the couch.

He watched her out of the corner, as she looked at him with a thoughtful expression on her face. Her hands played with the popcorn packet in her lap and she bit her lower lip, deep in thought. Buck's heart pounded like a hammer in his chest as the seconds passed in anticipation of her reaction.

And finally, after what Buck thought was a lifetime, though in reality it was probably only a few moments, she turned to him with determination on her face.

“My answer is yes” she said simply.

Buck turned his head so quickly he thought he had damaged it. He had to make sure he had heard correctly. Had she just said what he thought she had said?

“Are you kidding or what?” he blinked a few more times in disbelief, and asked her in surprise.

She rolled her eyes and smiled slightly, hearing his response.

“No, you idiot,” she replied.

He simply looked at her, stunned.

Buck's mouth dropped open, and he looked at her like a fool, not quite sure if he had heard her correctly.

Lucy's laughter suddenly interrupted Buck's confusion.

“Oh my God,” she mouthed, and tears streamed down her cheeks. 

“If you could see your face.”

Her answer surprised Buck, and his confusion grew as the girl continued to laugh.

“Stop laughing at me!” - he muttered, finally shaking off his state of shock and feeling his cheeks burning with shame.

He picked up the pillow lying next to him and threw it at Lucy's head. 

She laughed for a good minute more, and Buck continued to look at her with a puffed up expression and flushed cheeks, but still couldn't help but smile as he watched her.

When she finally calmed down and rubbed the corners of her eyes with one hand, she sent him a playful look.

“Buck, I think this is a very good idea,” she said.

“You... seriously think so?”

“Yes.” - She smiled at him in a friendly manner.

"So... Do you want to travel with me? But what about everything here?"

"Buck, nothing keeps me here anymore. My parents disowned me, and I'm out of touch with Amy. I can quit my job at any time, and the lease on my apartment is running out anyway."

"And what about school? I know you don't exactly like psychology, but....-"

"Buck, that's right. I don't like psychology. These studies alone are so tiring. It needs a break, or even an escape from that all."

He couldn't agree more. If she wanted to travel with him, and he would love that, the sooner the better.

Lucy's statement that there was nothing left to keep her here in Los Angeles made him feel as if a stone had dropped from his heart. 

Sure, it hurt his heart in a way because of her, and her situation, but maybe that's what this trip will give her.

Just like it did for him.

That longed-for freedom, and maybe somewhere along the way they'll find something for themselves.

“So...” - he smiled toward her and looked into her eyes. “When do we leave?"

(They hit the road two weeks later. Lucy had to make some arrangements for school, housing and work before leaving, but once they set off. Nothing stopped them.)

Chapter Text

LUCE (The smart and the cool one): Why did I agree to go with you?

BUCK (Just the cool one): Because you love me?

LUCE (The smart and the cool one):Nuh uh

Try again

BUCK (Just the cool one): AHA.

I'm offended

I'm your best friend, you love me

LUCE (The smart and the cool one): Meh

AH! I remember already

Someone must have been watching over you

BUCK (Just the cool one): HEY-

LUCE (Drama Queen): Buck

Buck, damn it, if you do that

I am going to kill you

I am going to kill you very slowly and painfully

And I'll make sure no one finds your body

Or I'll write it with this in the next card to Maddie

BUCK (Crazy brat): Dramatic, much?

LUCE (Drama Queen): DRAMATIC!!!

ME??!!! DRAMATIC!!!??

I was literally gone for 5 minutes!

5 MINUTES BUCK!!!

BUCK (Crazy brat): It happens?

LUCE (Drama Queen): No Buck!

Literally no one normal agrees to do such things with a stranger

NO ONE

BUCK (Crazy brat): heh

It's probably a good thing that you'll be with me, huh?

LUCE (Drama Queen): you're dead

LUCE (Drama Queen): I will dye my hair

BUCK (Crazy brat): !!??

LUCY WTF

I'VE BEEN IN THE STORE FOR 10 MINUTES !!!????

LUCE (Drama Queen): Idk

Just had an idea 

BUCK (Crazy brat): Oh my fucking god

....

Oke, what color do you want?

LUCE (Drama Queen): AWWW

thanks

Take me pink

BUCK (ADHD kid): I can't believe I'm saying this,

But it was a very bad idea.

LUCE: lol

BUCK (ADHD kid): No damn laughing.

You could have stopped me

LUCE: it was your idea

BUCK (ADHD kid): But you are the voice of reason of the two of us

Luceeee

how the hell am I supposed to live with a duck tattoo on my ass now

LUCE: I still laugh about it

at least mine is pretty

BUCK (ADHD kid): You'll never guess what happened

LUCE: Buck

Sunshine

With your lifestyle, that's for sure

BUCK (ADHD kid): Okey pfff

I don't know what you mean

LUCE: Oh yeah?

Three words

Jump, with, parachute

BUCK (Bestie): Luce

There are police officers sitting in our living room

And Horhe and Maira

LUCE (BFF): Well fuk

BUCK (Bestie): Do you remember anything from yesterday?

LUCE (BFF): Nope, I only remember we left the bar.

And what about you?

BUCK (Bestie): Nothing either, but damn, frogs as far as the police?

LUCE (BFF): write me when you find out something, k?

BUCK (Bestie): ok

.

.

.

BUCK (Bestie): ok, Horhe and Maria saved our asses.

but

it turns out that we were accused of..... breaking into a pet store?

LUCE (BFF): Oh!

And that's exactly what I remember,

We thought animals might feel lonely.

BUCK (Bestie): Okay, it makes sense to me

BUCK (U need help): Lol. Mind you, if you try to make a candle with food coloring, the food coloring will just sink to the bottom of the glass, and when the flame finally reaches the bottom, all the food coloring will ignite and become one big high flame that you can't possibly explode and the glass will start to crack, and then in a panic you will pour tea on it, and then the very hot food coloring will start to boil and sizzle terribly, and then the glass will break. Please take my word for it.

LUCE (Yeah, like you): What did you do, Buck?

BUCK (U need help): a mistake

LUCE (Yeah, like you): I'm going to get Maria

BUCK: Hi Luce

I left you a mug of hot coffee on the table before leaving for work

LUCE: Buck

It's cold

BUCK: So, I left you a cup of delicious coffee!

LUCE: It's terrible

BUCK: A mug of coffee!

LUCE: After trying, I consider

It is not coffee for damn sure Buck

BUCK: C U P

LUCE: ....

It's a glass

BUCK: Look

[photo of dog]

LUCE: dog?

BUCK: dog

LUCE: no buck, we don't get a dog

BUCK (Golden retriever): Aaaa Buu ;(

LUCE (crazy sunshine): buck-!

buck I am fucking begging you answer me

Buck-

Fuck fuck fuck

It's bad buck

BUCK (lil brat): Luce?

What the hell is going on?

Luce what the hell is going on!

Answer the damn phone!

Luce!!!

Chapter Text

Honestly, why did she decide to go with him?

Ok, don't get her wrong, Lucy loved Evan Buckley, also known as Buck. She really did.

In the few months, almost a year even, since they met, Buck found a place in her heart. 

Although, in her opinion, it was more that he broke into it without an invitation, but, as he liked to say, it was too late.

It's also not that she wanted to get rid of him. He was her best friend. Her younger annoying brother.

But well... sometimes she felt like strangling him. But that's normal, right?

It sure is. Let's hope so.

In the few months since they started getting to know each other in person, and even more so traveling together, Lucy discovered one most important and common trait in Buck. His fearlessness. And by extension, mindlessness.

The boy himself wasn't stupid, in fact Lucy had to admit that he was even above average, although sometimes he didn't show it and acted like an idiot. He had a good memory, and was very good at everything related to history or language. He knew so many random facts that she was amazed that a human head could remember so much. In general, Evan Buckley wasn't stupid.

But sometimes he was, and that irritated her.

The worst part was that he was fearless and acted impulsively, and Lucy already knew from experience that with such actions he couldn't really think. 

Sometimes she really wondered how this boy had made it to this age.

“ I hate you. I hate you so fucking much Buck! ”

If she dies because of this idiot, she is going to haunt him from the afterlife.

“ Luceeee, don't worry, it'll be fun. “ oh he really wanted to die.

“ If I die here. I will haunt you, remember my words Evan James Buckley. Remember. my. words. ”

Well I can't believe it, he still had the nerve to roll his eyes at her. That damn fool. Not only did he get them into such a situation, but he still laughed at her.

God why did she deserve someone like that as her travel partner and best friend.

And she could have found someone calmer, and more composed. But nope, she had to choose an idiot with an adrenaline addiction, and now look where she ended up-.

GOING TO THE PLANE TO JUMP OUT OF IT!!!

At least no one will cry for her if she dies today.

And if she doesn't die, at least when they land, she'll kill Buckley.

For sure Maddie will forgive her.

“ Remind me again, how did we get here? “ she squeezed the ridge of her nose. She knew why and how they got here, she knew very well. But she needed a distraction, and that, unfortunately, was the only thing that allowed her not to think about the damn jump.

She didn't like heights, okay?

“ Well... Adrien could be quite convincing. “ he moved his eyebrows in her direction, wanting to let her know what he meant.

It wasn't the best idea. Now she wanted to throw up even more. She didn't need that image in her head.

Throughout the trip, let's say, they had been testing their sexuality. More Buck than her, which is why they often took two rooms in motels. Over time, and with different places, they both became aware of certain things.

Each of them had preferences in both sexes.

It didn't change much, in fact everything was almost the same, only with the addition that they both now had more options.

And everything would have been downright perfect if all of this hadn't led them into this situation.

She cut her hair after just one month of their trip. 

At first it was quite a big deal for her, not wanting to do it just out of attachment to it. But then she began to remind herself -

If there was one thing her mother liked about her, it was her hair. After that, she didn't think twice.

At the very beginning, she wasn't even sure what she wanted.

Was it just to cut the tips? Maybe a fringe?

Or maybe something more?

In the end, thanks to Buck and a pretty girl at the bar, she got a pixie cut. She never thought that something that simple would make such a change in her, but it did.

It was almost like a release.

But as time went on, her hair slowly began to grow back. Grooming and styling them gave her some difficulty, but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. What bothered her more was that she would be back to that wretched length again. And boring.

So she decided to dye them.

It happened quite spontaneously. Like most activities at the time. She was sitting in their hotel room, waiting for Buck to return with their take-out and groceries. And that's when the idea popped into her head. She grabbed her phone the next moment and quickly typed a message to her friend. Since he was at the store anyway, she could use him.

Of course he was being dramatic while texting with her. Typical.

Okay she understood him a little but it was fun to read his shocked messages. Oh she knew exactly what kind of faces he made.

Fortunately, she didn't even have to convince him for long.

Nor did she have to wait long for his return, because after just 15 maybe max 25 minutes, from the last text message, she heard a key in the door. Turning around, she saw Buck entering with a small plastic bag in his hand, and his face expression showed a mixture of amusement and annoyance.

“ Here ” he said, handing her the bag.

Lucy smiled and dragged him, and the rest of the groceries standing in the doorway, inside. “ Oh come on, come on! ”

“ And where is my thank you? ”

“ Thanks, Buck. ”

He rolled his eyes, but followed her into the bathroom. They could take care of the shopping later.

“ You're lucky I like you “ he muttered, leaning against the door frame while she laid everything out on the counter.

“ Yes, yes. “ she replied teasingly to him. She looked at the boxes of pink dye and highlighter, and felt her excitement grow even more. “ Let's do it. ”

As Buck carefully applied the paint to her hair, Lucy chatted about everything, from time to time reaching for the noodles the boy had bought for them.

A few hours later, after all the treatments were finished, Lucy stared at her reflection in the mirror, and the view of her hair, most of it covered in pink, left her in awe.

“ So? “ she asked, turning toward Buck, dramatically tossing back her new hair in the process. “ What do you think? ”

Buck looked at her closely, and smiled playfully. 

“ Meh. ”

“ Hey! “ she slapped him on the shoulder, and the boy, unable to contain himself any longer, burst out laughing.

“ Good! Good! Just kidding “ he wiped his tears ” You look awesome.”   he admitted. “ It's wild, but it suits you. ”

Lucy smiled at him, slapped him once more on the shoulder, but still embraced him with her arms . “ Thanks, Buck. ”

“ Whatever “ he laughed.

“ Now, it's your turn. ”

“ Wait, what?! ”

Waking up the next day after a wild night with tequila was never the easiest thing to do.

Yeah, Lucy was speaking out of experience.

Especially with so many hours slept (which is NOT enough) and alcohol still circulating in her system.

God, let her sleep.

She only hoped that neither she, nor Buck, had done anything stupid yesterday. Or that at least they didn't post anything online. After all, Rachel would never let her go.

Only after a long while her sober soul began to return to her body, and unfortunately at the same time she began to realize yesterday's actions. And the pain on her shoulder.

“ Oh my God “ she whispered as she rolled up the sleeve of her shirt revealing her arm - the tattoo. A tattoo appeared in her eyes. A fresh tattoo from last night's drinking.

Sweet lord, how much did they drink last night?

Delighted, she gently moved her fingers over the intricate pattern. It was a snake entangled with various beautiful roses and stars. It was just about the perfect size, fitting under a short sleeve, not too big but also not too small. For her, perfect.

It was truly an interesting night.

And not just for her.

At least she was smart enough not to end up with something stupid, not like Buck.

A duck, really, and still on the buttock. To be honest, it suited Buck's drunkenness so much that she wasn't even surprised. But she was still going to laugh at him and tease him. Forever

That's why when they finished writing with each other, Lucy quickly got ready and headed off to work and to her friend, already looking forward to teasing him.

They'll never drink again.

Never. 

Ever.

Again.

Decided.

They really should learn that alcohol in their case does not lead in a good direction. The last time they ended up with tattoos, and even if one of them was pretty, still. Not very smart decisions.

And yet, now Lucy was at work and wondering why the hell, and how, being drunk as hell, she and Buck had apparently broken into the pet store.

Until now, that is, until the news from Buck, she didn't even know that something like this had happened.

Just one night off was enough.

And now they had police officers in their living room.

Great.

Her only comfort was that they knew the store belonged to Maria's very good friend so there was a minimal, very minimal, chance that they wouldn't go to jail for it.

Let's hope so.

Although at this point, she didn't know if she wasn't more scared of Maria than of the prison itself.

Still, her mind was telling her to get to the apartment as soon as possible, but she also knew that she couldn't just leave the bar in Jenny's hands.

The girl wouldn't be able to manage it alone.

That's why she wrote to Horhe that she would stay at the bar and get updates about their guests from Buck.

Hopefully these two would stop Buck from saying something stupid.

She didn't want any more trouble.

She didn't have to wait long for an update. Even though she learned more from Horhe than Buck.

Thankfully, they won't go to jail. Yay!

It was generally a miracle, because the owner of the store didn't even press charges against them. They had a clean slate.

Maria managed to charm her so that she, as well as Buck, would help out in her store for a long time, so she didn't press charges or anything. And thank goodness.

Nevertheless.

No.

More.

Tequila.

Shit.

Shit.

SHIT.

Lucy didn't think she had ever, in her entire life, been as terrified as she was at this very moment.

Her heart beat harder as she turned into the last alley leading to the apartment, and the heavy smell of smoke filled her nostrils. 

The fear that trailed up to her from work, like the thick smoke she had seen, now materialized before her eyes - their apartment, no, the whole building, was in fire. The scene unfolding in front of her eyes was chaotic, as well as horrifying. Fire trucks and police cars were all over the place, sirens were howling, and lights were flashing all around. And the flames, flames that gave it all a frightening as well as beautiful orange glow. 

Her life, her last years. They were burning. 

Oh god. Maria and Horhe's legacy was burning before her eyes.

And she? She could do nothing, only pray that the three most important people in her life were safe.

Panic raged in her veins as she reached for the phone again, with trembling hands. She pressed Buck's speed dial, praying that he would answer.

“ Buck  Buck  Buck ” she mumbled into the phone with a cracking voice. 

The phone was ringing and ringing, and with each passing second it seemed as if she had less and less air to breathe. Tears froze her vision as she looked around the crowd, searching for any sign of the person she knew.

Until finally, a voice rang out on the phone. Frantic, worried but Buck's. “ Luce?! What the hell is going on! ”

“ Buck! “ she exclaimed, feeling minimal relief flooding over her. “ Oh God! Where are you!? The apartment is on fire! ”

“ Shit! “ she heard his panic rising. “ I just ran to the store. I'm on my way back! Are you safe? Where are you? ”

“ I'm outside “ she said, breathing unevenly. “ I just came back from work and I saw the fire. Oh my God, Buck, what if... ”

“ Listen to me “ interrupted Buck in a firm tone. “ Stay where you are. I'm on my way. Don't go inside or come any closer, do you hear me? Be safe. ”

“ But Maria, Horhe- ”

“ NO-. Stay away from the apartment, do you understand? “ he shouted panicked.

Lucy flinched, but nodded, even though he couldn't see her. “ OK, just hurry up. ”

Buck hung up, and she pressed the phone to her chest, trying to equalize her breathing. She watched as the firefighters continued to battle the flames, their silhouettes a stark contrast to the roaring fire. Her thoughts swirled through her head - what if Buck had been home? What if he was trapped inside? And where were Maria and Horhe? Were they safe? 

Minutes seemed like hours, or maybe it was hours that seemed like minutes, but finally she saw him. Buck was running toward her with a worried and fearful face that mirrored hers. 

Being already at her side, he pulled her close, and she clung to him just as tightly, unwilling to let him go. 

“ Is everything okay? “ he asked, stepping back gently to look at her.

She nodded, and the tears she had been holding back until now finally ran down her face. “ I was so scared, Buck. I thought... I thought you might be inside. ”

“ I'm here “ he said quietly, wiping a tear from her cheek. “ It's all right with me. Did- Did you hear anything about- ? ”

Unable to gather herself, Lucy only denied her head, and snuggled into her friend again.

They didn't know what was going to happen now. None of them had a clue.

They had spent the last few years here, in Peru. They had found a small family, found a home. And now? Now they had nothing left.

Most of their savings had gone up in flames, as had the apartment, and they didn't know where either Maria or Horhe were, they didn't know anything. 

At this point, all they could do was hang on to each other.

Chapter Text

One noon.

All it took was one damn noon.

And everything went to hell.

Even, now, sitting on the cold floor and leaning against one of those sterile white hospital walls, it seemed to him as if it was all just one big nightmare.

A nightmare from which he couldn't wake up.

And he knew that if it hadn't been Lucy, who at that moment was half lying leaning on him and snoring quietly, he would have collapsed or lost his mind long ago.

And all he wanted was to go out for a quick trip to the store after work.

He was gone for just one moment, just one. And now they waited alone for any information about the state Horhe and Mariia were in.

If he hadn't left, would everything have been okay?

Would no one have been injured?

He didn't even want to think about the worst, but in this case, he couldn't even do otherwise. He couldn't stop his thoughts. The lives of the two Sanchez now lay in the hands of the doctors and nurses who entered or left the room opposite them every now and then.

They had to know what to do with each other next. What they had to do if-.

No. He shook his head. He couldn't even think about it. Not now. It will be fine. He tried to tell himself that. 

Everything will be fine.

He whispered these words as if to himself, though to be honest, he didn't know if he believed in them himself at that moment.

Gently, so as not to wake the girl next to him, he moved even closer, and gently so as not to wake her, he put his arm around her back, burying his face in her hair.

He needed-

He didn't know what he needed at that moment.

For Maria and Horhe to be okay?

Assurance that everything would be okay?

He didn't know, but he was already so tired that he would accept anything.

God, he was so tired.

He didn't know how much time had passed, nor did he know how many doctors and nurses had entered and left the room, everything slowly began to blend together, and the fatigue that had been giving him a long time began to slowly put him to sleep.

He didn't even know when, but his eyes began to stick together from second to second, and after a while he already fell into darkness.

He hadn't slept for long, or at least he thought he had. Because he wasn't sure if hours or minutes had passed.

He had a light and sensitive sleep. He was able to wake up even at the quietest sound. For example, now, when the door of the room where Mariia and Horhe were staying was suddenly and loudly opened. And a moment later he heard footsteps approaching them.

“Mr. Buckley? Miss Chen?”

Hearing the doctor's voice, he finally forced himself to open his eyes, blinking slightly. Maybe they'll finally get any information, he thought.

Afraid to see the doctor's face, he first looked down, a little surprised to see that Lucy was still sleeping peacefully on his shoulder.

Slowly, but also gently, he began to wake her up.

If they were going to get any information, he would prefer she also hear it from the doctor, not from him.

“Hey- Lucy, wake up,” he said a little louder, immediately croaking at his tired and hoarse voice.

He didn't have to exert himself for long because after a few pokes, and talking to her, she finally opened her eyes.

“Hmm?”

“The doctor is here.”

Lucy continued a little unclearly, looked up, and when she saw the doctor in front of her, she quickly rose to her feet with little difficulty, straightening her slightly rumpled clothes in the process.

He did the same, stretching his body slightly, and silently croaked when he heard his back and some other parts of his body creak faintly from the hard floor.

And finally, more uncertainly than he expected, he looked the doctor in the eyes.

He didn't know what to expect, sympathy, or perhaps his face wouldn't show any emotion?

He wasn't sure.

But looking at the man standing in front of them in a white smock, he thought he would break down. He was smiling at them.

Not a painful one, or that sympathetic smile. No, it was a weak smile, but a sincere one. A comforting one.

The next moment he no longer had to wonder if the information would be good or not, he no longer had to worry.

Not when the doctor said it-.

“Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez will be fine. At this point their condition continues to be quite serious and they need to rest, but their chances are very high.”

Buck's heart leapt. At that moment, he realized how much tension and anticipation had been building up inside him, and he realized that his legs were starting to go numb from sitting on the floor.

He was glad to hear that they were okay.

They're fine, they're fine, he repeated to himself, still unable to fully calm down.

They were alive.

They were alive. 

Buck repeated this in his mind, as if trying to convince himself that it was all real. That it was all not just some dream.

They were alive.

Suddenly he felt Lucy put her arm around him and lay her head on his shoulder, just as she had done before. But this time it was not because of the fatigue that gripped her, but because of the relief that had gripped them both moments before. After a while, in the place of his arm, he felt tears that began to soak his shirt.

He put his arm around her, trying to give her as much comfort as possible. He didn't know if it was her or himself, but it worked.

“Are you sure?” She managed to say.

“Yes, I can assure you, miss. They are still in critical condition, especially paying attention to the burns, but we believe that after one or two weeks of rest they should feel much better.”

Hearing this, Lucy began to cry even louder.

Everything will be fine.

“When will we be able to see them?” Lucy was the first to ask the doctor.

“They are resting at the moment. They have been given a stronger dose of medication to help them rest for a while. I don't think it's worth waking them up yet. Not today,” the doctor said, shaking his head.

Buck had to agree with his. Today had been exhausting enough for all of them.

Mariia and Horhe needed rest.

You kids too, he shuddered hearing their voice in his head. But he had to agree, they needed rest.

It had indeed been a very long day.

Buck knew that they needed to rest and that theirs and certainly his body would probably refuse to obey him at some point, especially after the few minutes of sleep he had. His legs, back and neck were even killing him, begging him to stop and let them rest. 

Still, he knew he wouldn't fall asleep. Not after what had happened today. He just couldn't fully relax. 

He turned his head to look at Lucy to make sure she was okay. She didn't look much better than he did.

“We can see them tomorrow, right?” Lucy asked again, pulling away from him slightly.

The doctor, looking at their clearly tired eyes and faces, just nodded, smiling slightly.

“Of course. You can come back tomorrow, but I advise you to rest right now.”

Lucy nodded, finally looking sufficiently satisfied with the answer she received.

“We'll do it,” she assured the doctor, nodding once more. “Thank you,” they both muttered, to the departing doctor.

For a moment they both just stood there, unable to say or do anything.

Buck wasn't even sure if he would have the strength to leave the hospital and make it to their motel. Everything seemed so damn heavy at that moment.

“Luce...” he finally said quietly, trying to find his voice and force himself to speak.

They were both visibly tired, their eyes were red from tears and lack of sleep, and their skin somehow seemed paler than usual.

“We should ... rest,” - Lucy finally said.

“Come on. Let's go back to the motel,” he said quietly after a moment of silence.

To be honest, he didn't want to stay in this hospital anymore, he was sick of the white walls and floors. He was sick of this place. 

Tomorrow they will figure out what to do next.

“Tomorrow,” however, came much later.

During all this time, many things happened. But the most important of these things was that Maria and Horhe's condition had improved, and improved a lot. They continued to take medication, go to consultations and physiotherapy, and had to apply ointment to the burn scars, but it was much better. It was getting better every day.

At the same time, they also had a lot of other things to take care of. They had to take care of the bar, insurance and many other things. It wasn't until the end of the first week that they finally went to see what was left of their old apartment. 

They were horrified, and he wasn't even afraid to say that a few tears flowed, it had been their home since they arrived in Peru, they felt safe there, and now? There was nothing left of it.

Just ash and rubble.

But over time, even if it hurt, things slowly began to move forward. Now they really had time to sit down and breathe freely. 

And this time gave them time to think about the most important thing. Where were they supposed to go now?

They knew that Mariia and Hohe were going to want to sell the bar, and move to LA, as they told them themselves. This was because of their health and physiotherapy, but also because Maria had a very good childhood friend there. 

Isabel Diaz.

He knew there was no chance they would stay longer in that city, and he understood. Because even if they had happy memories, they lost a lot. They could have started over in the States.

And he wondered about that, too.

But Lucy... well, he knew how she felt about the city. Her reaction when she heard about the move showed it all the more.

But he also knew her enough to know that she loved the place.

He knew that, even before they met, she had encouraged him to go to L.A. and fawned over almost sheer compliments about her city. And he realized that she loved the city and that just moving there would make her happy.

The bigger problem were her parents.

Since their last argument, after which he came to see her, they hadn't really talked or had any other contact. Sure she still had contact with her aunt for a while, and she would tell her once in a while about her parents, even the fact that they asked about her, but after a while that too went silent.

And he understood why she was uncertain about the move. 

Meeting them would most likely not end well.

And they would have found out about her return to the states and the city sooner or later anyway.

And now she had to make a decision.

In a way it was a simple decision, but at the same time he knew it wasn't that easy. He knew that she was torn between the life she had created and the one she had left behind.

The truth was that from the very beginning his response was positive to the move, but still he preferred not to move without Lucy. At this point they were almost inseparable, like Siamese twins or something.

So it was certain that if she didn't want to go, he wouldn't go.

They could have continued to travel. Or settle down somewhere else.

Still, he could see her thinking about this decision.

However, he received the answer sooner than he expected.

It was one evening when they returned from the hospital.

They were both tired, and as soon as they returned to their rented room, they threw themselves into bed.  

All they had planned to do was - go to sleep, go to sleep and go to sleep.

So when Lucy suddenly spoke up he was a little surprised.

“Buck...” she said in a whisper, and he wondered if he should turn his head. In the end, however, it won and he leaned slightly toward her, further lacking the strength to open his eyes.

“Hmm?” he muttered, clearly showing that he was on the verge of falling asleep.

“Buck... can I ask you something?”

At first he made a strange sound of assent, too tired to answer her properly, but finally he spoke.

“Yes, of course,” he said, opening one eye. “”What's up?“”

“I was thinking...” she began, clearly hesitating to say what she meant.

He raised his head and rested it on his shoulder to get a better look at her, wanting to show her that he was listening carefully.

“”About?”

To be honest, he was more aroused than he should have been and wanted to be at this point, but well Lucy had already started so he would listen to her. If she says something stupid, he'll hit her tomorrow.

When she said nothing and remained silent for a while, he turned to lie on his side, now looking at her closely.

“Luce?” he asked.

“About moving. I was thinking about moving.”

With this he was acutely surprised. Sure, after Maria mentioned the moving, they tried to talk about it, but Lucy said she needed time. And he respected that.

Guess he just expected her to take more time.

Still, he wanted this one to continue. 

“And?”

“And...” She paused, taking a breath that was meant to calm her down.

“I... I think I've made a decision.” - She sighed quietly.

“Yes?”

He was still a little confused, and trying to get a clear answer from her was difficult, as she didn't seem willing to just talk freely about it. Or was she further unsure of her answer?

“And what did you decide?” - he asked, hoping to finally get an answer from her, but at the same time wondering if he was really ready to hear what she had to say.

He could see her mind working, clearly searching for the right words. And he also saw fear? Anxiety? In her eyes. He wasn't quite sure.

“I think I'm ready,” she said quietly, and after a moment of silence. She turned her head and looked him straight in the eye, and her gaze was still quite strange. “I think I'm ready to move.”

Lucy sighed, closing her eyes for a moment.

“I think... I think we should move from Los Angeles.”

And he couldn't say he was surprised.

He knew from the beginning that she was in a dilemma about whether to leave. 

“Are you sure?” he asked quietly. “Like 100% sure?”

“Yes. Yes, I'm sure,” and with a slightly more confident smile she turned her head toward him.

After that night, he asked her a few more times if she was sure of her decision, and she seemed to understand his uncertainty, but with each passing day he saw more and more certainty in her eyes. 

Once, however, he asked about her parents. She wasn't angry per se, maybe unsure, but when she told him -

“I can't let their presence, or their very existence, cause me so many restrictions. I cut myself off from them, now I have to do it again.”

Later, he did not ask her again. Neither about her parents, nor about the move.

The rest of their time before they left was spent running last minute errands, whether for themselves or the Sanchezes, and lastly packing up all their belongings. 

There wasn't much left but at least they had something.

And so, after almost 3, agonizing months since the fire, they were finally ready.

Ready to move, and for the new beginning that was to await them in Los Angeles.

Chapter Text

Not that she had any high expectations for her first day on the job. Really. Even more so after, while she was still at the police academy, their instructors had scared them a bit about their first days.

But she certainly didn't expect that, it would all end like this.

Or would it start?

Whatever. 

Her first day was a failure, and even Buck who would usually laugh at her in such a case, on this day only looked at her with pity. And that already indicated a lot.

Well, but what was she supposed to say, honestly, her day had to be one of the worst. 

And it started with a stolen car.

Okay, fine, she knew it was partly her fault, okay?

She knew.

But to justify herself, she didn't remember that the car her grandmother gave her had a broken door lock. And many other things but further, she didn't remember.

The last time she drove it, it was just with her grandmother, and she was like 13 years old.

And now look, because of this one mistake and one forgetfulness, now she didn't have a damn car. 

She had already had enough of this damn week, and it was only Monday. MONDAY.

And that wasn't even all. The morning itself already indicated to her that this day was going to be hopeless, and that she should give up. 

Spilled coffee, a broken coffee machine, a message from Maria that they had to move tonight's dinner.

This day really did not promise to be good.

She hoped that at least her day at work wouldn't be as bad as the start of this day.

It was fortunate that at least Nolan, who she knew now lived not too far away and was driving on the same road as her, could give her a ride.

Pulling out her phone, she opened messages and began to write to a friend she had met while at the academy.

LUCY:

Please tell me you haven't left home yet.

NOLAN:

No, not yet

just getting ready, something wrong?

LUCY:

Could you give me a ride to work?

My car got stolen

NOLAN:

Sure, be there in 10

At least someone will rescue her. If it wasn't that Buck had already been at work for a long time, she probably would have asked him for a ride, but well. At least she was saved anyway.

And fortunately she didn't have to wait much longer, because not even a full 10 minutes later, the familiar car stopped in front of her house.

Still after checking the door one last time, she left the porch and got into the passenger seat of the car, throwing her bag into the back seats.

“Thank you.” She said in greeting, looking at her friend and colleague with a small, tired smile.

Apparently, she looked like crap in his eyes, so he probably didn't laugh at her for that reason, but further, it didn't help.

The only thing she wanted at that moment was to sleep. Or to cry. To her taste, the second option looked much more convincing.

Their ride, which didn't even last 20 minutes, was spent in silence the whole way, and the only sound that echoed was the sound of the engine itself and the softly playing music from the radio.

She didn't even notice when, they finally arrived in front of the station.

In the corner of her eye as they drove in, Lucy noticed how Jackson was already standing in front of the main entrance, apparently anticipating them.

She wondered if John had texted him to alert him to how she was feeling, but honestly, she didn't care. 

She was sad, sure. Upset a little, too. That car, even if it wasn't in good condition, was the only memento of her grandmother she had left. She had a right to be upset. But her grandmother always said,

“Even when things don't go your way, pick your head up and keep going without looking back.”

So she believed she would find her car, even if it took time. And now, now she had to look brighter and move on. She couldn't think about her problems or bad days now, she wasn't going to screw up her first day or the hard work that got her into the Police Department.

Not. Today.

After they both got out of the car, they grabbed their bags and headed toward the station, and as she walked past Jackson, she saw the concerned look in his eyes and the small, barely visible look that said “you look shitty.” She just rolled her eyes at that.

“I'm fine...”  she assured, not being in the mood to talk for now. Maybe later she would have the strength to talk to either of them, but right now she had to focus on something else. At least for now.

Nevertheless, she smiled apologetically at both of them, and bypassed the Younger man, moving straight inside.

It would be fine, the day might have started out hopelessly, but she knew, this would be her day.

This wasn't her day.

It wasn't her day, and at that moment all she wanted to do was cry. And she was only halfway through her shift.

She had had enough.

She knew that the first day at work is usually awful.

She really knew. She had already had bad experiences.

But today?

Honestly, it was awful, and all she wanted to do at that moment was to go home and wallow in her own misery, and preferably stuff herself with ice cream on top of it.

But no, she couldn't. She still had a few hours left, and frankly, that wasn't the best way to get through a morning full of constant insults from her superiors.

She had to endure, no matter how much she wanted to scream, she also wanted to survive. To show that she could.

Nevertheless, Tim damn Bradford, didn't make it easy for her.

From the second she looked over her shoulder at him at roll call she knew it wasn't going to be an easy year.

And already when they hit the street he gave her a hard time and let her know that she wasn't going to have it lightly.

But she'll stand it. She will stand up to his constant nagging, insults, or not always pleasant tests. She will stand it, because if she has promised herself something, she will come to the very end at all costs.

She won't give up easily, even if an asshole like Bradford keeps putting obstacles in her way.

Still, she knows it will take her a while to get used to it all, and right now she just wanted to be miserable.

She was overwhelmed.

Fortunately, they were the first to show up at the food trucks so even though she adored John and Jackson, she didn't have to talk to them now. Stealthily, once she had carried her order to Bradford, she fled to the farthest bench from him.

She needed-

She needed to call Buck. She needed someone to listen to her.

Without even knowing when, she already had a phone at her ear calling her best friend, hoping that he wasn't on call and that he would pick up from her.

She didn't have to wait long, because after just the second beep, a familiar voice answered her.

“Hello?”

“Hey,” she whispered, and even she was surprised at how tired her voice sounded.

After she spoke, she could hear Buck's voice on the other side of the phone suddenly become more serious.

“Lucy? Are you okay?” Buck asked immediately, clearly realizing that something was wrong.

He knew her too well and knew that there was something disturbing in the tone of her voice.

“I-Yes, I'm fine.”  She sighed and rubbed her hand over her face.

“Try again?” he said softly. She knew the tone of his voice, he always used it when he knew something was wrong with her. Because he always knew, and she was grateful to him for that.

“ Someone stole my car“ she said first and she heard curses coming out of the other side ”And I don't have a good day at work”.

“Damn.”

“Yeah”

“Okay, that really sucks. But-” said Buck, and she immediately knew he was going to start asking her questions. “What happened at work? Why are you having such a bad day?” he asked, and she heard the concern in his voice.

“It-it's complicated. I'll tell you when we get home.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, yes, right now I prefer not to think about it. We'll talk about it over ice cream.”

“If you prefer, and as for the car? Don't worry, I already have a plan”

She laughed at this statement. If this boy had a plan, it would either end in 100% misfortune or 100% success. She was already looking forward to it.

Partners in Crimes, or something like that.

“Good. I love you Buck.”

“I love you too Luce, take care.”

“You too.”

She then ended the call and put her phone back in pocket. She felt a little calmer after their conversation and hoped that the rest of her shift would pass more quickly, let alone more peacefully, than the first half.

Unfortunately, not even a minute passed, and Bradford brought her back to the present by walking over to the bench where she was sitting.

“'Move, Chen. We're going back on patrol.”  and without even looking or paying attention he moved back toward their parked police car.

She sighed with resignation, but gathered up all the trash then moved quickly in the same direction. 

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nolan and Jackson approaching the food trucks and gently showing her four thumbs up. 

She smiled softly at them some more, then got hurriedly into the car, and they took off.

She shouldn't even think to make her shift QUIET.

NEVER.

God what she did.

She didn't believe Buck, much less anyone else when they told her that the q-word or any other brought any misfortune.

She just thought everyone was being dramatic, especially her friend who had a strong inclination about it, so she usually ignored it, clear she tried not to say it, not because she believed it, but so no one else would jump on her for it.

But once she just muttered it under her breath.

And now she was sitting outside the hospital emergency room, waiting to hear about the condition of her TO.

And no matter how hard she tried to calm herself down, or how hard she tried to find positive things to think about, she couldn't.

Now, sitting in that cold and dark waiting room, she remembered her words.

A quiet change...

Of course, it was just a bad joke.

Earlier she thought she was having a bad day, but now? Oh, she would give anything just to have someone sew her mouth shut. All it took was one thought, and now Bradford was hurt.

Lucy, she didn't like him, okay? But damn it, she never wished even an enemy to be injured.

All she needed now was any information that he was okay.

That he would come out of this okay.

She wasn't even sure what she was doing here, clear she could find out later from Sergeant Gray, or anyone else about Bradford's condition, but... she just didn't know why.

For what seemed like hours, she sat staring at the door.

After a while, Sgt. Gray also joined her, and if it weren't for the fact that he put his hand on her shoulder, she probably wouldn't have even noticed him.

He said something to her about Lopez and Harper, coming after the shift, and something about how she should go home, but she just shook her head. She didn't know when either, but her words came out on their own-.

“I need to know that everything is ok”.

And the man did not bring up the subject again. Was she that desperate? Did he think there was something wrong with her?

She didn't really know what she should do.

Or should she leave after all?

Was it strange that she was there?

They didn't even bloody know each other. She didn't even like him, and wouldn't be surprised if the feeling was reciprocated.

And suddenly, as if out of the blue, all these thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming from behind the door through which her TO had been transported earlier.

Theoretically, she knew it could be another nurse, but that didn't stop her from getting up immediately when she heard footsteps behind the door.

The waiting was killing her.

And as if someone heard her silent plea, a moment later the door opened and a doctor came out of the room. He looked at them both, and in that brief moment Gray's hand stiffened again on her shoulder.

“I understand that to Officer Bradford?”

“Yes. How is he, doctor?” Gray asked worriedly, and she was just a tad surprised by this. They had probably known each other for years, and Bradford was a good officer. Gray must have been much more stressed and worried about his condition.

“We took the bullet out, it went through his right side but luckily, it didn't hit any organs. Officer Bradford will be fine.”

The relief that flooded her was overwhelming.

She felt as if she could breathe again. Afraid to even stand, she sank back into the uncomfortable plastic chair, then rubbed her face with her hands.

Everything will be fine, she thought.

“Thank you, doctor,” returned the sergeant's voice as he spoke to the doctor who was walking away from them. Then, quite unexpectedly, the older man turned toward her.

“Are you okay Chen?” he hovered over her and squeezed her shoulder in a comforting gesture.

“I... yes, I'm sorry. I'm fine.” She said looking at him, then added much more quietly. “I don't like hospitals. Bad memories.”

The man did not speak again, only looked at her in agreement and nodded her head, understanding.

She didn't explain anything more, and Gray didn't ask her any questions.

She felt calmer when she heard that Bradford would be fine. At least now she was sure of that, and she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. 

She smiled thinly, getting up from the plastic chair and turning away, no longer wanting to stay in the hospital any longer than she should. She turned to face her supervisor some more, then they said goodbye.

She didn't ask him for anything. She didn't need an update, or news on whether Tim was awake. All she needed was the doctor's assurance, that was all.

Walking away from the room as quickly as possible, she grabbed her phone, and dialed her familiar, and almost her only contact on the phone.

“Hey Buck, can you pick me up?”

Fortunately, when she called her friend, he was already long past his shift, and could pick her up from under the hospital.

She was a little angry with herself, because during their conversation with him she made him start to panic a little and worry about her, but she calmed him down, and explained quickly what had happened.

But still, without any complaints, 30 minutes after their conversation, Buckley's black jeep stood in front of her.

She knew they would still have to pull into the station, just so she could change and grab her bag, but she was so discouraged. She wanted to be home already.

Still, Buck somehow managed to convince her, even promising to buy her her favorite ice cream and food.

He knew her too well and understood that she felt overwhelmed by the situation as well as the whole day. He understood that she would rather just crawl into bed and pretend that today didn't exist. But unfortunately, life was full of crap.

As they went on their way, Buck tried from time to time to engage her in conversation, but after a while he let go and started telling her about his day. Which, she admitted, she was happy about, she could at least laugh at her friend's foolishness.

Once they arrived at the station, she told Buck to wait in the car, and without even changing into her civilian clothes, she grabbed her bag and dashed back outside.

On her way out, she was still caught by Officer Lopez, asking about Bradford's condition. She didn't tell her much, only what she had heard from the doctor, but mentioned that Gray was probably still in the hospital, and that he might have heard more.

Later she ran out as if all evil was chasing her, and jumped into the car.

Finally, they could go home.

She intended to eat ice cream, drink wine and complain and cry into Buck's shoulder. But she was finally going home.

Chapter Text

BUCK (still bestie):

Okay so, don't be mad

LUCY (still Bff):  

Buck

What did you do?

BUCK (still bestie):

Me, nothing

LUCY (still Bff):

Buck, I'm a police officer and on shift

If you need to hide the body, 

NOT.

NOW.

BUCK:

Wait, would you help me hide the body?

LUCY:

We're not going to talk about that now.

Now, let's get back on topic, what did you do?

BUCK:

So, do you remember when they stole your car?

LUCY:

Wow Buck, thank you for bringing that up

I completely forgot about it

BUCK:

Okay wow, you don't have to be so sarcastic

sorry

LUCY:

Okay, let's get back on topic, what about this?

BUCK: 

So, I got today off, right

And I went out for a walk

And guess what, walking through the park near where we run, I found an old orange car standing there

LUCY:

Okay, first of all, it's not that old

And secondly-.

YOU FOUND MY CAR!

BUCK:

wow why am I not surprised that you only focused on that?

Well it doesn't matter, but that's how I found it

And I know for sure that it's still standing there

And apparently

Someone lives in it

LUCY:

Wait what?

BUCK:

Yes, I could see through the windows that it was crammed with stuff

There was no one there and it was fairly hidden behind the bushes

But further on, it looked like someone was using it to sleep in it

LUCY:

Okay, what the hell

BUCK:

Yeah, don't know either

But we can, after your shift, walk over there and see

LUCY:

Yes yes, that's a good idea

I've got to find out who the hell did it.