Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Friend request from FireBuck🔥

Chapter Text

Buck🔥: You will not believe the insane shift I've had - our new probie said the Q word and it has been nonstop nonsense calls ever since! Ughhh 😫

TK🐝: Oh no did no one at the academy tell them! 😱

Buck🔥: Who knows what there teaching nowadays 🤷🏼‍♂️

TK🐝: RIP U 🫣

Buck🔥: feeling the love TK 😒

TK🐝: 😜😘

Buck🔥: 🙄😘

Buck🔥: Eddie just ran into that ableist teacher that Chris had last year on our last call, and I think she asked him out…

TK🐝: The one he yelled at about the skateboard???

Buck🔥: Yup - that’s the one

TK🐝: Did he say yes to the date?

Buck🔥: I don’t know 🤷🏼‍♂️

Buck🔥: and we’re now seated in a death trap because our truck has been electrified ⚡️ My leg isn’t going to like this 🙃

TK🐝: Dude wtf 😬 please keep me posted! Worst jinxed shift ever seriously 😐

TK🐝: Starting my shift now but don’t stop texting please 🙏🏻❤️

Buck🔥: Never ❤️

Buck🔥: another company is here to ‘rescue’ us and they’re taking pictures 😭

TK🐝: I mean wouldn’t you? 😅

Buck🔥: Ok fair but since I’m the one stuck currently I am not seeing the amusement rn

TK🐝: fair enough

Buck🔥: Eddie asked who I keep texting and got really strange when I said you

TK🐝: Strange how?

Buck🔥: I don’t know I’m probably reading into it - but like a weird facial expression something between surprise and I don’t know hurt or something.

Buck🔥: then he was like doesn’t he have a boyfriend? Which I was like I am aware of that fact yes I can text someone without sex involved like wtaf

Buck🔥: so I asked about Ana the teacher and all of this was happening in front of everyone btw and apparently he didn’t want anyone to know about it - but it’s fine for him to ask me stuff that I might not want people knowing about 😒🙃😤 but no he wasn’t planning on going but then the team convinced him to take her up on it so they’re going to breakfast now.

Buck🔥: Not that I do care that people know we talk obviously - I could just do without the judgment

TK🐝: Oh wow that’s a lot, I don’t think you’re reading into it. And yeah that’s a hell of a double standard honestly 🙄 Also even if we were hooking up maybe I have an open relationship who is he to know or judge?! I don’t know he kind of sounds jealous to me but I don’t know him well enough or am there to know for sure.

TK🐝: How are you taking the whole Ana thing?

TK🐝: shit we have a call I will answer as soon as I get back ❤️

Buck🔥: Stay safe ❤️

Buck🔥: It’s something alright 🙃 not sure how I feel about it honestly - that if I kept my mouth shut it wouldn’t be happening? But at the same time it was bound to happen eventually you know? But also why with her she’s the worst!

Buck🔥: also omg if you were in an open relationship that would be so awesome lmao I am not that lucky unfortunately - nah Carlos knows what he has and he appreciates you as he should!

Buck🔥: I don’t think he’s jealous, but maybe I just don’t want to hope you know especially since he is going out with her and that’s after I told him we’re just friends 🤷🏼‍♂️

Buck🔥: haven’t heard from you so I guess you’re still on the call or just crashed right when you got back to the station but let me know you’re safe when you see this please

Buck🔥: the shift from hell just ended, going to breakfast with the team minus Eddie and then to pass out

Buck🔥: someone had a heart attack at the restaurant we had breakfast at because of course they did 🙃😫

Buck🔥: finally home 😭

Buck🔥: TK? I’m really getting worried now please get back to me when you can 🙏🏻

(5) Outgoing call TK

Firebuck🔥: I know we haven’t talked on insta since the first time but I’m freaking out please answer soon I’m worried 🥺

Message request from Firebuck🔥 to Firefox🦊🚒

Firebuck🔥: Hey hope this ok and sorry to bother you but I haven’t heard back from TK and I’m really worried. Last we talked he was on his way to a call and he usually replies once he’s back and that was over a day now.
Just can you please tell me if he’s ok or not?

Message request accepted

Firefox🦊🚒: Hey Buck! Of course it’s ok, I’m just sorry I don’t have better news for you 😔 TK was injured on that call yesterday, he’s in a coma at the hospital rn. We’re all waiting for him to wake up, but he is stable otherwise which is good and he’s expected to make a full recovery once he does wake.

Firebuck🔥: OMG 😭 I am so so sorry to hear! If not for covid restrictions I would be on the next flight down there 💔 Please let the team and especially Captain strand know I’m here if you need anything and am totally willing to drive down to Austin if needed!

Firefox🦊🚒: Probably in a fire truck, I don’t doubt it 😂 Thanks Buck I really appreciate it and I know everyone else will too ❤️

Buck🔥: Sorry for all the calls and messages but I finally messaged Marwani and she told me you were injured on the call and are in the hospital in a coma 💔 I wish I could be there, stupid covid restrictions 😔

Buck🔥: So if your team is anything like mine they’re driving the hospital staff nuts so I sent them all some coffee and pastries from the place you told me you love, along with some for the staff. Hope that’s ok 😬

Firefox🦊🚒: Thanks for the coffee and treats 🙏🏻 we all really needed it and the staff especially appreciated it 😅

FireBuck🔥: No thanks needed, it’s literally the least I can do from here ❤️

Buck🔥: I hope you wake up soon, I really miss you TK

Buck🔥: so they’re finally increasing restrictions to the point where since we’re exposing anyone we live with Chim, Hen and Eddie have decided to quarantine at my place 😬 not sure why my LOFT apartment was the best place for 4 grown adults to stay in for who knows how long but that’s what’s happening - like I did offer but I didn’t think they would take me up on it!

Buck🔥: I would prefer to have company but like I also like boundaries, privacy and walls which I know I won’t get

Buck🔥: Swapping with someone who has a bigger house like Maddie and Chim or Bobby and Athena would make more sense but whatever

Buck🔥: OMG they drew straws to see who gets the bed because apparently that was up for grabs?!? And Eddie won so now I have to share with him - how is this my life, like for real

Buck🔥: I might just use your coma as an excuse so I can drive down there and have some quiet time 🫣

Incoming FaceTime TK🐝

Buck almost drops his phone, and he scrambles to answer so fast. He’s on shift and makes his way to the roof to get some privacy, not noticing the looks from the rest of his team.

“TK, hey,” he says with a huge smile and a little breathlessness, mostly from seeing his friend awake, but also a little from running up to the roof.

“Hey Buck,” TK smiles back, they just stare at each other for a few minutes, taking the other in. “So I got all your messages” TK says laughing a little when he sees Buck blushing.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” before Buck can say more, TK stops him. “No, don’t apologize! If anything, I should apologize for worrying you like that and not making sure someone would call you if something happened.”

“No TK, that’s not something I was expecting, it’s seriously fine! How are you feeling? What happened anyway, I didn’t ask Marwani for details”

“I’m in a lot of pain, and I don’t remember much, but from what my dad said, the call was a home invasion of an elderly couple and their grandson.”

“They had barricaded themselves in a room, and once the police had the guy, he had early dementia, mind you, it was his old house. Anyway, the grandpa had a heart attack, so we had to break down the door. I was the first one in, and apparently, the grandson shot me because he thought I was the bad guy.”

“Oh, wo,w TK, it’s probably a good thing you don’t remember that. Sucks the kid will though, do you know if he’s ok? I know you probably asked?”

“Yeah, I did ask, he’s getting help, but I don’t think he’s doing too well.”

TK tries to shift in bed, and Buck can see that he is in a lot of pain.

“Why don’t you call a nurse to give you more pain meds? I’ll stay on with you as long as I can or until you fall asleep”

TK looks a little unsure before sighing and then looking straight at Buck, “I’m not on pain meds, I’m an addict, so I wasn’t given anything other than anesthesia for my surgery so I wouldn’t break my sobriety.”

Buck’s smile never wavered. “Thank you for trusting me with that, and I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. I am always here to talk, you know that, judgment free zone” he winks

TK laughs and winces, “Yeah, I know, and I appreciate it. I will probably tell you the full relapse story once I’m out of here. I've been wanting to tell you about it for a while. And you know it goes both ways, right?”

“Yeah, I do, Ty.” Just then, the bell goes, and Buck starts running back inside and to the Truck.

“I will text you when I get back, promise.”

“Stay safe”

Chapter Text

Buck stretched out on his bed, laptop on his lap, waiting for the video call to connect. Enjoying the quiet of finally having the apartment to himself for the first time in he doesn’t even know how long.

Hen and Chim are both on an extended shift, and Eddie went on a run to burn off some extra energy.

Considering how much he hates being alone and always prefers having someone’s, anyone’s company, it’s a surprise to be so relieved to have his own space again. The loft has been feeling pretty cramped lately, and getting any privacy was out of the question. He should really look into getting an apartment with actual walls, at least for his bedroom.

The call connects, and a smiling but tired-looking TK appears on the screen.

“Hey, you look about as tired as I feel. Are you sure you don’t want to do this later?”

TK shakes his head, “nah, who knows when I’ll get any time to myself again today, and I don’t want to risk missing our daily chat completely.”

Buck can’t help the huge smile breaking on his face at that.

“Yeah, same, honestly couldn’t imagine a day without them now.”

“I know it’s usually the best part of my day, too. Wait, are you actually in your apartment? How did that miracle happen?!” A stunned TK asks.

Buck laughs at the question, but he can’t fault it either; he usually has their calls out in a park or his Jeep so as not to be overheard by all his current flatmates.

“Got lucky and everyone is out for once. So tell me about your day, anything interesting to share?”

“Ugh, don’t get me started, nothing interesting, just the usual having to hear my parents both fighting and having sex all day at home, and the usual work stuff at work.”

“I’m sorry, Ty, that’s rough. What about Carlos? He’s still against you staying with him, but won’t explain it?”

“Yeah, he.. I just don’t get it? He pursued me, I was on the fence, I have all these issues and didn’t want to be serious especially since I wasn’t even close to being one year sober but he kept pushing and now when I want to stay with him for a few days, it’s not like I want to move in! Suddenly, he’s the one who disappears and won’t even explain why.”

“So you’re thinking, why did he push so hard if he was just going to pull away when you were finally onboard. Yeah, I totally get you there. I just wish I had an answer for you. Well, I would say you’re always welcome here, but you’d probably get even less rest than at home.”

At that TK laughs.

“So how’s Buttercup?”

With that, TK brightens and they keep talking about whatever comes to mind until Eddie gets back from his run.

“Eddie’s back, so I guess that’s it until tomorrow.” Buck says sadly.

“Yeah, guess so, but text me later if you’re watching the game or just to talk, and we can see what time tomorrow works.”

“I will, bye for now.”

He closes his laptop and puts it on the floor by his bed. Then leans back against the headboard and closes his eyes, listening to Eddie downstairs before he knows it, he’s asleep.

Chapter Text

It’s been a couple of months, and though the pandemic is far from being over, the lockdown measures are starting to be lifted, so Hen and Eddie are finally going back home today.

Buck has been texting TK as much as he could throughout the day, but hasn’t had time for the daily call till now, when Hen and Eddie finally leave.

He’s just about to tell Chim he’s heading out for a run to get some privacy in the nearby park when there’s a knock on the door. He’s about to ask Eddie what he forgot, but ends up speechless because it isn’t Eddie on the other side of the door, but TK.

“Um.. surprise..” a sheepish and exhausted looking TK says.

Buck snaps out of his surprise and grabs TK in a hug.

“Hell yeah, I’m surprised, but like in the best way! But what are you doing here? How did you even get here with COVID restrictions?” He takes TK’s bag and brings him inside to sit at the kitchen island.

“Do you want some water or iced tea?”

TK smiles, he’s glad that Buck knows about his relapse and how he got to Texas. So he knows not to offer him anything stronger, even if he probably looks like he could use it about now.

“Iced tea would be great, actually, thanks. As for how I got here, when I got your text yesterday about most of your flatmates leaving today, I might have checked and bought the first and only flight out of Austin. It was a strange experience for sure, I was almost the only person on the plane.”

Both Buck and TK don’t look towards Chim, who is clearly on the couch eavesdropping, but do give each other a knowing look.

“Yeah, that sounds like quite a trip. Was your dad ok with giving you the time off so last minute? Especially so soon after your injury?”

TK groans and passes his hands through his hair.

“Well, considering he’s partially the reason I needed a break from Austin, he couldn’t exactly say no.”

“Hey, how about we put your stuff upstairs and go grab something to eat, or do you want to get some rest first?” Buck interrupts before TK can really get into the details, knowing Chim will have the entire firefam in the loop within seconds.

“Food sounds great, actually, but I’m not keeping you from anything, right? Like I know you don’t have a shift today, but you didn’t have any other plans or something?”

“No plans, actually, I was just about to go on my daily run when you showed up.” Buck says with a wink already half way up the stairs with TK’s bag.

TK laughs, knowing Buck was just about to call him for their daily chat.

“Well, in that case, it looks like my timing was perfect.”

They head to a 24/7 dinner that’s still working, doing takeout for first responders and hospital staff, mostly, that Buck started frequenting as much as he can when not cooking at home. They find a nice spot at the usual park he goes to for their daily calls.

“So this is your view when we chat, huh?” TK asks as he takes a bite from his food.

“Well, honestly, I usually look at your pretty face during the calls, but it’s not a bad view for before and after. Still need to get some running in for my alibi.”

They both laugh and continue eating in silence, enjoying the view and just being in each other’s presence.

“You know you don’t have to tell me, I’m honestly just happy to have you for as long as you’re here.”

“Yeah I know and I really appreciate that, it’s actually why when everything went down the only person I wanted to talk to was you and when I saw that Eddie and Hen where vacating the apartment I was like why not just go so yeah.”

“Honestly, we both know I would have probably done the same and maybe done it even if Eddie and Hen hadn’t left, so don’t worry about that.”

“You so would, I can totally see that. Anyway, so a few things happened all at once, and I kinda got overwhelmed and just needed out of the situation before I did something stupid.”

“Ok, that’s reasonable. You said your dad had something to do with part of it. Is your mom involved, or Carlos, with the rest?”

Tk bites his lower lip, then sighs.

“All of the above.”

“Oh fuck, what the hell happened?”

“Well you remember my parents were fucking first in secret then not in secret. Well, my mom’s pregnant. Which was great at first until the timing wasn’t lining up, and it might be my stepdad's.”

“Oh no, that’s soap opera level drama, and all this when you are in the same house with them.”

“Yup, and to top it off, my dad, who has been avoiding getting his cancer surgery for months now, called me to his office to sign forms for it because he’s suddenly getting it done asap. When I asked why now, you know what he said? Because I’m a father now. Not again, now!”

“Oh no TK” Buck puts a hand on his shoulder to comfort him.

“Which brings us to Carlos, who apparently is out to his parents but won’t introduce me as his boyfriend, so we broke up.”

“Ok, wow, that’s a lot all at once. Did you try to understand why he wouldn’t introduce you to them? Is it the whole Texas gay thing? Is that way he didn’t want you to stay over, too?”

“Yeah pretty much, a night here or there was fine but more than that apparently is too much I guess. He’s coming out was like fine, nothing dramatic, but he doesn’t feel comfortable talking about his relationship with them or introducing anyone. Which is fine if it’s not serious, but he made it seem like we were, so I don’t get it, and if it’s not going anywhere, then why did he bother you, know? I have enough shit on my plate right now I didn’t need his too.”

“Come here,” Buck says as he opens his arms and hugs TK in a tight embrace, which makes TK let everything out in a reckless sob. Buck just holds him through his sobbing until he calms back down almost falling asleep in his arms.

“Come on, let’s head back and go to sleep, we could both use it.”

“I could get a hotel or something since Chim is obviously still on your couch.”

“Nonsense, I still have the air mattress Hen used if you really insist, but I just thought we could share the bed.”

“Yeah, that would be nice, but I tend to cuddle with whoever I’m with, so be warned.”

“Same, so we can meet in the middle.”

When they get back to the apartment, they head upstairs, taking turns in the upstairs bathroom before getting into bed and cuddling together in the middle, both falling asleep faster than they have in a long time.

Chapter Text

In the morning, Buck woke up before TK. He was wrapped around the smaller man. Legs tangled, his arm under TK’s head, hugging him to his chest.

He hasn’t been this touch-starved in a long time. With the restrictions and everything, it’s been hard, and having TK to cuddle like this was heaven.

He and Eddie had been sharing his bed too, but since Ana entered the picture, they’re has been a new distance between them.

He really didn’t want to get up, but he could hear Chim downstairs already making noise, so he knew he should. Carefully so as not to wake TK, he gets out of bed and makes his way downstairs to see what Chim is up to.

Halfway down the stairs, he’s shocked to see packed bags by his front door. He gets the rest of the way down and joins Chim at the Kitchen island.

“Morning, what’s that about?”

“Well, I don’t know what’s going on with your surprise guest, but it sounds like he could use some space right now. And it’s about time I get back to Maddie.”

“Yes on both counts! I was starting to think I wouldn’t get rid of you even after the birth. Have you told Maddie yet?”

“No, I think I’ll just surprise her with her one allowed coffee a day from her favorite coffee shop and some treats.”

“Nice, well send her my love and FaceTime me later. I will miss hanging with you, but I appreciate you doing this, and Maddie does need you home.”

They hug, and Chim leaves, since TK is still fast asleep. Buck starts cleaning and then makes breakfast, which he ends up bringing up to bed for them both to enjoy.

He sets the tray on the bedside table, then sits beside TK and gently starts to wake him.

“TK, come on sleepyhead, it’s time to wake up, made you breakfast and everything.”

TK stirs and looks around before sitting up.

“You seriously didn’t need to make me breakfast at all, let alone breakfast in bed! Not that I’m not very grateful, it looks amazing.”

Buck sits next to TK against the headboard and puts the tray on their laps so they can both reach it easily.

“It’s seriously not a problem I wanted to. Now dig in.”

“Fine, but I’m helping clean up.” TK says pointedly.

Buck just smiles at him and asks, “So did you sleep ok?”

“Yeah, it was actually the best sleep I’ve had in a long time. What about you?”

“Same, definitely needed that cuddle. Even though I was cooped up with everyone with zero privacy, I had no actual physical contact for months. Eddie and I used to be a lot more tactical, but since he started dating Ana, he’s been really distant.”

“I know what you mean, it’s been very strained with Carlos since lockdown started, so we haven’t been as cuddly as usual, especially recently. I needed that too for real.”

Buck moves closer and puts an arm around TK’s waist.

“Well, in that case, we can be cuddling buddies for as long as you’re staying.” He squeezes TKs waist to emphasize his words.

“Sounds perfect to me,” TK smiles at him.

“So what do you feel like doing today? It’s my last day off before I have a 24, and you’re left to your own devices.”

“It’s my first time in LA, but with restrictions, not sure what we can even see.”

“Well, if you like hiking, I know a few good spots. The beach is open, we can walk around and see the tourist stuff from the outside at least.”

“Are you sure you’re up for the beach?”

“Yeah, I’ve been working on it a lot - still not back to surfing but definitely getting there. I always loved the ocean, and I won’t let it be taken from me.”

“That’s amazing, honestly. How about we start with all the tourist spots and maybe a sunset hike, leave the beach for your next day off?”

“Awesome, sounds like we have a plan.”

They finish breakfast and head out for the day, having a blast, enjoying getting to spend unrestricted time together for once, and especially not through a screen.

When they reach the lookout point of the hike, they stop to rest and take in the view.

“Why can’t every day be like today?” TK sighs.

“You’d get bored in no time, but I get what you mean. It was the best day I've had in a long time. I’m really glad you came Ty.”

“Me too, best rash decision ever.” They both laugh.

Chapter Text

They go grocery shopping and get more takeout from the diner for dinner since they don’t feel like cooking, and get back to the loft.

Buck is setting plates on the island so they can eat as TK is putting the groceries away.

“Wait, where’s Chimney?”

“Oh, he left this morning, he decided to go back home to Maddie before the baby gets here.”

“That’s great, but did he also do it because of me?”

“I mean, yeah, he wanted to give us some space, which I appreciate. But come on, he was overdue to go home anyway.”

TK nods and they finish putting away the groceries, plating their food before washing their hands and eating.

“So have you heard from anyone yet?”

“Yeah, basically everyone other than Carlos has checked in, including my parents.”

“Your team is seriously awesome, I hope I get to meet them again soon under better circumstances.”

“Yeah, they really want you to come down to visit properly when the restrictions lift - you really won them over with those pastries”

“You guys really need to let that go, but I would love to visit. I’ve been reading up on Austin, and it sounds like such an awesome place with so much history.”

“Yeah, it really is, and with Judd and his wife Gracie, who grew up there to help us around, it’s been amazing getting to see it the way locals do.”

“I bet it has, maybe we can drive down together instead of you taking a flight back.”

“Are you serious? Can you take the time off?”

“Of course I’m serious, Ty, I would have come down when you were hurt if it wasn’t for the stupid restrictions. I was seriously considering doing it anyway, honestly. And I have an insane amount of days off banked since I never use them.”

“Then we should definitely do that! It’s a good thing I only booked a one-way ticket then.”

Buck, who was picking up their empty plates, stops to stare at TK. After a minute, he bursts out laughing and continues putting the plates in the sink to soak.

“What?! It’s not like you wouldn’t have done the same” TK sheepishly tries defending himself as he moves to the couch, only slightly pouting.

“That’s actually why I find it so funny, because all I could think was, yeah, I would absolutely have done that.” Which causes TK to join in the laughing.

Buck moves to the fridge, opens his freezer, gets out the ice cream they bought earlier, and gets two spoons. Still chuckling, he comes and sits next to TK on the couch, putting the ice cream and spoons down on the coffee table in front of them.

“So any idea how long you want to stay in LA before we make our way down to Austin?”

“Honestly, no, can we just take it easy for now, and I will let you know?”

He pulls TK to his side, keeping his arm at his waist so they can cuddle up like they had in the morning.

“Yeah, of course, Ty, there’s no pressure whenever you’re ready.” he smiles at TK, who smiles back and relaxes against him.

“So do you feel like watching something? Or just cuddling with our ice cream?”

TK grabs the fluffy blanket from the arm of the couch and puts it on their lap before leaning against and hugging Buck.

“I think just cuddling, maybe some music if you can put some on without getting up.”

“I think I can manage that.” he takes his phone out of his back pocket, connects it to his Bluetooth speakers, and starts playing a playlist he thinks TK will like.

He puts the phone down on the coffee table, grabs the ice cream and a spoon, and passes them to TK, before cuddling back against him and starting to run his fingers through his hair.

“You brought out the big guns, huh, chocolate chip cookie dough and Taylor Swift?”

“Are you complaining? Because I can get you some fruit sorbet and classical music or some smooth smooth jazz instead.” TK actually shudders at that which causes them both to crack up again.

Yeah, TK knew Buck would not only understand and listen but would be the most comforting person he could turn to; he’s so glad he trusted his instincts and came here, impulsive as it may be.

They end up just sharing the same spoon both for the ice cream and as a make-shift microphone as they sing along with the songs. TK ends up feeding Buck for the most part because switching the spoon off gets annoying, and he doesn’t like it when Buck stops running his fingers through his hair; this way, they don’t need to do either.

Singing TS is definitely therapeutic; they even get up and dance for some of the upbeat songs. It was exactly what TK needed. When it starts getting late they call it a night since Buck has to be up early for his shift, and move the cuddles back upstairs to bed, both falling asleep easily.

Buck wakes up from his alarm. He sighs and, detangling himself from TK as carefully as he can manage, turns it off. For the first time in a long time, he wishes he didn’t have to go to work. Unfortunately, he can’t take the day off, so last minute, especially if he plans on going to Austin. So, he gets out of bed and gets ready for work, showering and dressing. He checks his go bag one last time before going downstairs to eat a quick breakfast and leave a note for TK, along with the key to the loft.

He’s just putting his shoes at the door when he hears shuffling from upstairs and he looks up just in time to see a very sleep rumpled TK look over the railing.

“Go back to sleep, Ty, I left you breakfast in the oven and a key so you can keep exploring today.”

“No I don’t want to explore without you, how long is your shift I don’t remember.”

“You’re adorable, you know that? It’s a 24, so I will be back tomorrow morning.”

“Ughh, well in that case,” TK pushes off the railing and makes his way down to Buck and envelopes him in a hug, borrowing under his chin and against his chest. Buck laughs and hugs him back, and suddenly his speakers start up.

🎶 I watch superman fly away
You've got a busy day today
Go save the world, I'll be around
And I watch superman fly away
Come back, I'll be with you someday
I'll be right here on the ground
When you come back down 🎶

Buck burst out laughing and had to pull back from the hug, he’s laughing so hard. TK with a giant smile on his face, phone in hand, with the song now paused, just watching on in proud amusement.

“Oh my god, TK, that was brilliant, but now I will have that song stuck in my head all shift.”

“Good, that means you’ll be thinking of me all shift.” He winks at Buck exaggeratedly, which just makes Buck snort and roll his eyes.

“Yeah, like I don’t do that regardless. Ok text or call if you need anything!”

He gives TK another quick hug before heading out.

TK calls out “Stay safe!” Just as the door closes behind him.

Chapter Text

Buck keeps playing Taylor Swift all the way to the station, singing along, and as he parks, he gets his phone out so he can send a text to TK that he got to the station safely. When he gets the idea to change TK’s ringtone to the song from this morning, he can hear it every time TK calls. Just the thought of this morning making him smile and chuckle again.

He changes the ringtone and sends the text, making his way inside to start his shift. After putting his bag away and changing, he heads upstairs to see if Bobby has already started on breakfast, and when he doesn’t see him in the kitchen, he goes to check for him in his office.

Knocking on the open door, Bobby lifts his head and smiles at him. “Good morning Buck.”

“Morning, Cap, need me to start on breakfast?”

“That would be great, thanks, Buck. I will be right out to join you.”

Grinning happily and giving the door another knock, “happy to,” he makes his way to the kitchen, getting the ingredients needed for some frittatas and starting the prep work, humming to himself as he does. Eventually Bobby joins him and they work together to get breakfast ready as the rest of the team starts to file in.

“Hey, Cap, can I talk to you after breakfast about something?”

Bobby looks at him with a small furrow. “Of course, Buck, but is everything ok?”

“Yeah, everything is fine, it’s nothing bad,” he smiles at Bobby before plating the food and calling everyone to come eat.

Meanwhile, TK, back in the loft, has eaten the breakfast Buck left him and cleaned the mess they left last night. He appreciated that Buck had texted him that he had arrived at the station. He didn’t know why he was so anxious about that kind of thing, but he was glad his friend was good about humoring him about it. Carlos would do it, but he would forget a lot and would always make TK feel weird about it. It was lovely to have someone who not only remembered to do it but also wanted to, and always makes sure to return the gesture.

He was just getting comfortable on the couch, scrolling through movie choices, when his phone started ringing. He had left it in the kitchen, so he had to get up and get it. Sighing, he made his way over, but by the time he reached it, the call ended. When he checked to see who it was expecting, Buck or one of his parents, but instead saw that it was Carlos.

He honestly didn’t know what to do, he didn’t want to be an asshole and ignore him if he was finally reaching out but at the same time he really didn’t want to talk to him. For the first time in a long time, he was feeling good, and he didn’t want to ruin that.

He didn’t get much time to deliberate because the phone lit up with Carlos’s contact again, and after another small hesitation, he finally answered.

“TK? You there?”

“Hey Carlos, yeah, I’m here, just couldn’t find my phone.”

“Ok, where are you? I went to the station, and you aren’t on shift? Apparently, you took time off? So I went to your place, but you aren’t there either or aren’t opening the door.”

After a beat of silence, TK responds, “No, I’m not there, I’m actually not in Austin right now.”

“What do you mean, not in Austin? Did you and your mom go back to NYC? What about COVID? What about your work? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Sighing heavily and running a hand through his hair, TK tried to stay calm. “Why would I tell you we broke up?” He decided he would rather start there and leave the rest unanswered for now.

“I didn’t think you were serious about that, I thought you were just having another one of your freak-outs, and once you calmed down, we could talk about things more reasonably.”

TK just stares at his phone in disbelief, kind of wanting to hang up and throw it across the room, but that wouldn’t be reasonable now, would it? So he just rolls his eyes and scuffs to himself before taking a few large deep breaths.

“Hello? TK? Are you even listening?”

“Yeah, I heard you perfectly.” Very deliberately, calmly, he continues, “You want to be reasonable, ok, are you ever planning on us moving in together or introducing me to your parents as your boyfriend? Or are you just happy staying with one leg in the closet forever? That's fine and completely your choice, but I need to know so I can make a reasonable and informed decision if it’s the one I want to make for myself. If we’re on the subject, why did you even pressure me into a relationship in the first place when I was fine with just hooking up?”

There’s such a long silence that TK checks the call is still connected, he just waits Carlos out not saying anything more.

“I don’t know.”

“Ok, well, how about you think on that until you can give me an actual answer. In the meantime, consider us broken up for real.”

TK disconnects the call and grabs the blanket he and Buck cuddled in the night before to wrap himself in, then calls Buck.

“TK, is everything ok?”

He’s sniffling a little, not even noticing that he started to cry. “Not really, Carlos called.”

“I see. Well, as it happens, I was actually just talking to Bobby, my captain, about you coming to the station for lunch if we don’t have a call, but why don’t you come down here now and just hang out? We have a gaming console, a pinball machine, and a pool table, and if you’re really bored, you can help me do chores.”

TK was already smiling just from hearing Bucks' voice, but he actually managed to get him to laugh with that.

“In your dreams, Buckley, but that actually sounds awesome. Send me the address, and I’ll be there as soon as I can get an Uber. And thank Bobby for me!”

“Yeah, I will, Ty, if we’re out, just hang out and make yourself at home, seriously, captain’s orders!”

TK smiles at his phone as the call ends. He goes upstairs, takes a quick shower, changes to something that isn’t sweatpants, and grabs a few disposable masks and the loft key before calling an Uber.

Back at the fire station, Buck and Bobby are in the captain’s office, the team on the other side of the closed door, trying to listen in. Hen gives both Chim and Eddie looks because Eddie appears to know nothing about what’s going on with Buck, and Chim looks like he knows something, which is definitely not the natural order of things.

“Thanks, Bobby, sorry to spring this on you, I should have talked to you before breakfast, probably.”

“It’s ok, Buck, you know I’m happy to help, especially a fellow first responder.”

“I know, still. TK says thanks as well, and he’s on his way.” He shifts in his chair a little. “So as you know, TK and I stayed in touch after the wildfires down in Texas. What you probably aren't aware of is that we’ve become really close, and he’s going through a rough time right now and asked me for help.” On the word help, he pointedly looks at Bobby, hoping he would get his point across without actually breaching TK's trust, because without his explicit permission, he wouldn’t say anything to anyone unless it was a threat to his sobriety or life.

Bobby's eyes widen for a fraction before he nods. “You’re a good friend, Buck. How long is he staying with you?”

“Thanks, cap, that means a lot. Well, he just showed up out of the blue the other day, and he doesn’t have a return flight right now.” He rubs his hands over his face. “I actually thought of driving back down with him and visiting his team again under better circumstances. I reconnected with them recently when he was injured on a call, and boy was that a bonding experience.”

Bobby takes that in, “So any plans for while he’s still in town?”

“Yeah, that’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about, well, that and to give you a heads up about me finally taking some time off soon.”
Which gets Bobby to huff out a laugh. “I will believe it when I see it, kid, so what did you want to talk about?”

“TK is like me, he needs to keep busy, especially right now, with what he has going on, and with the lockdown measures, there really isn’t much to do right now other than stay at the loft all day. And I would rather not take extra time off if I don’t have to, also, I don’t want him to feel like he’s being babysat, you know? So any chance you could put a word in with the chiefs and see if he can be brought on temporarily to A shift? He’s dual certified as a firefighter paramedic, so it’s not like he’s not qualified.”

Bobby makes sure Buck doesn’t have anything else to add before picking up the phone and calling HQ.

“Hey, this is Captain Bobby Nash of the 118. Could you please pass me to Chief Alonzo or Williams if they are available? Yes, I’ll hold.”

Buck is on the edge of his seat, waiting as he listens to Bobby delicately explaining the situation to the Chief, and they even loop in Owen, who agrees this would be an excellent opportunity for TK. Temporary reassignment forms are sent for him to fill out, and he can start working once they are sent to HQ.

Once the call disconnects, Buck jumps and hugs Bobby with all he has, surprising the older firefighter, who just smiles and hugs him back.

By the time they separate and head out of the office, they find three very confused eavesdroppers straining at the bottom of the door.

“There was this really strange stain, but we got it out.” Chimney pipes in, before they all scatter.

“And it took all three of you to get rid of one stain at the bottom of my office door?”

Buck rolls his eyes and goes to start making lunch, since that will take some time to cook. He hums as he cooks, not noticing Eddie coming up beside him.

“You’ve been humming that all day, got stuck in your head,” Eddie says, hoping to get some answers out of Buck, maybe now that he has him mostly alone.

Before Buck can answer, TK beats him to it: “That would be my fault, I played it for him this morning, hoping it would get stuck in his head and he’d think of me all day. Glad to see my evil plan worked.” He smirks

“Ty you made it!” Buck rushes to hug him, but TK stops him before they make contact, “Let me wash my hands first, Superman.” Buck blushes a little at the new nickname ut quickly moves on.

“Ugh, I hate this stupid virus. Eddie, do you remember TK?”

Eddie looks over at TK, gives a half-hearted wave, “Yeah, hey, I’m gonna get started on my chores,” and heads downstairs as fast as he can without looking like he is running.

Buck looks to TK and shrugs. “Anyway, come on, let me introduce you to everyone, and I have a surprise for you in Bobby’s office.”

TK excitedly follows Buck around the firehouse, meeting everyone who didn’t come down to the wildfires, before being introduced properly to Chimney and Hen.

Chim, Hen, sorry to stop you in this oh-so-important task of playing Mario Kart, but I wanted to introduce you properly to TK Strand. He’s here visiting me.

“Hey TK, it’s good to see you again. How long are you in town for?”

“Hey TK, it's nice to meet you. Are you sure you want to stay with Buck? I know we can find you somewhere less annoying to stay.”

Hen smacks Chim, and Buck shakes his head.

“Nowhere else I’d rather be actually, and I don’t know how long I’m here for yet.”

The paramedics share a look, but Buck is already dragging TK towards Bobby’s office.

“Oh, do I finally get my surprise?” TK asks practically jumping on Buck

Buck laughs, “Yeah, after you meet Bobby, come on, Ty.” He knocks on the open door before walking in and closing it behind them.

“Hey, Cap, I would like to introduce you to TK Strand. TK, this is my Captain Bobby Nash.”

Bobby gets up to shake TK’s hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you, TK.”

“Same here, Captain, thanks for letting me hang around today.”

“Happy to TK, and Cap or Bobby is fine.” At this point, Buck is practically vibrating in his chair, causing TK to look over at him.

“What would you say about hanging around here for longer than just today?” Bobby asks as he hands TK the forms. TK gives him a confused puppy look that’s very similar to the one Buck often gives him. And he has to wonder what he just signed himself up for.

Taking the forms and starting to read through them, before looking up at Buck and Bobby, “I am definitely surprised, Buck, I don’t know what to say.”

“Look TK, Buck just said you were a lot like him and didn’t do well when you had downtime from work, with the lockdown there isn’t much to do right now while visiting and he thought this could be a good idea so you weren’t going crazy while he’s on shift and both me and your captain agreed.”

“Wait, my dad knows about this?”

“Yeah, Captain Strand was called because the temporary transfer needed to be approved by him; he thought it was a great opportunity for you.”

“Well, that’s one less phone call, I guess. Honestly, it sounds like exactly what I need.” He says as he signs the forms and hands them back to Bobby.

“Thank you so much for arranging this, Cap. I appreciate it.”

“It was all Bucks' idea, I just made a phone call. Go get changed because your first shift starts right now, and after Buck gives you the tour, you can help him with his chores for today.”

“Thanks, Cap.” They say in unison before laughing and leaving the office. He can hear Buck tell TK that he told him he’d end up helping with his chores. Bobby chuckles and shakes his head, texting Athena that they just got another stray.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Eddie has been avoiding him and TK the entire shift, which was now ending, so Buck, who was finishing up cleaning the Kitchen after their last team meal, was carefully watching and waiting for both TK and Eddie to come out of the locker room. He quickly finished up, went past Bobby to say bye, and just as he came out of the captain’s office, he saw Eddie make his way out of the building, so he swiftly bolted after him, hoping to catch up to him before he got to his car and drove off. Thankful for his very long legs, he made it just in time to cut Eddie off at his car and leaned against the driver’s door, making sure he couldn’t escape without pushing him out of the way.

“Hey Ed’s, I feel like I didn’t get to see you all shift.”

Eddie doesn’t look at him, just stares over his shoulder and looks around anywhere but at Buck.

“Where is TK?” He deflects

Buck surges, “Getting changed and getting my go bag, should be out soon.”

Eddie squints, finally looking towards Buck, but looking away quickly. “You haven’t changed,” not a question, just a statement of fact, but Buck answers anyway.

“We’re going to the beach after shift, so I figured I’ll just change straight into my bathing suit and shower after, it’s actually why I stopped you, we wanted to know if you and Chris wanted to join us? If you don’t have other plans? I haven’t seen Chris not over a screen in forever, and I promised to take him with me next time I went to the beach.”

Eddie looked conflicted before he could give an excuse, Buck chimed in again.

“I’ve really missed you, you know, not just Chris.”

Eddie huffs out a laugh and shakes his head. “I’ve barely left the loft two days ago, and we just had a shift together.”

“Yeah, well, I barely saw you all shift, and even when you were at the loft, it hasn’t been the same recently, has it?” Eddie finally looks at him, but before he can reply, his phone rings, interrupting their conversation. He checks the caller ID before declining the call.

“It’s Ana, she probably wants to make plans with me for our next date.”

Buck does his best not to grimace. “Well, we can always take Chris while you go out with her if that’s what you feel like doing. I really do miss him.”

“I don’t know, I would rather be there if TK is with you.”

“Perfect than come with us! Though I have no idea what your deal is with TK, all of a sudden, you were completely fine with him when we were down in Texas.”

“What’s taking him so long? Did he get lost in the glass changing rooms?” Eddie snarks back instead of answering immediately, alerting Buck that he hit a sore subject.

“He probably saw us talking and didn’t want to interrupt, he’s considerate like that.” At that, Eddie rolls his eyes, which was the response Buck was aiming for. “Anyway, how about you think about it on the way home, and I'll text when we head out from the loft? It would be really great to have you both there, I might even try surfing for the first time again today.” He says with extra puppy eyes for effect.

“Fine, fine, I’ll think about it, just put those away, sheesh.”

“Wohoo, and I have no idea what you’re referring to.” Now, pulling his ‘innocent’ face, Buck finally steps back and lets Eddie have access to his Truck, which makes Eddie smirk back.

“Sure you don’t.” He gets in his car and starts to pull away. Buck waves at him as he goes. When he turns the car around and starts to head off, Buck turns towards his car and finds TK already in the passenger seat, waiting patiently for him. He gets in and sits down, turning towards TK.

“Sorry, Ty, that took longer than I thought it would. Thanks for waiting.” TK waves him off as Buck starts the car and heads back towards the loft.

“Well, even though I have the keys, it is your car, I’m not just going to steal it, no matter what the group chat has been implying.” TK pouts a little at his phone.

“I think that was specifically for Fire trucks, and when we are both involved.” Which makes TK snort.

“So, how did it go? Are they joining us?” TK looks at him, eager to hear how the conversation went.

“That is yet to be determined. We agreed that I’d text when I left for the beach, and in the meantime, he would think about it.”

“It’s my fault, isn’t it? It’s why he avoided you all shift too.”

“Well, I’m not going to lie to you, Ty, he deflected when I asked both about him avoiding us on shift and what his deal with you was because he didn’t seem to have any problems when we were in Texas. But it’s not just that Ana called while we’re talking, and he thinks she might want to go out on a date.” The grimace he had tried to keep in earlier comes out in full now.

“I don’t think I said this earlier, but thank you, thank you for being such a great friend, for not treating me differently or infantilizing me, letting me make my own decisions, not keeping things from me, thank you.” He put his hand over the top of Bucks on the gear shift and gave a squeeze.

“Ty, you can thank me for a lot of things, being a good friend to you is not one of them, it’s honestly my privilege.” He turns his hand around and interlaces their fingers together, squeezing TK’s hand back.

“So, before we both start crying, want to tell me what happened on the call with Carlos finally?”

“Thought you didn’t want me to cry.”

“That bad, huh? Has he tried calling again since?”

“I haven’t checked my phone since we started the shift. I let everyone know I was with you so they wouldn’t worry and just ignored it.”

“Yeah, that’s fair, maybe let them know shift is over and we’re on our way home, then to the beach, though, so they won’t worry, you can use my phone if you want, it’s in my back pocket.”

“Oh, I see how it is, now that I’m free and clear, you want me to feel you up? Is that what all this has been about, Buckley?” TK laughs as he grabs the phone from Bucks' pocket and proceeds to text everyone in the group chat.

Buck just shakes his head, he parks in his designated parking spot, and they head in. TK ends up borrowing a swimsuit because, in his haste to get out of Austin, he didn’t think to pack one.

“Seriously, who comes to California without one?” Buck asks and gets a face full of TK’s clothes, which causes both of them to burst out laughing. They get slathered in sunscreen, make a full picnic with extra snacks for the car in case of traffic, and text everyone from Bucks' phone that they are headed out, making sure to leave TKs in the apartment to deal with later.

“Any word from Eddie?”

“Nope, so he either fell asleep or he’s ignoring the message.”

“I’m sorry, B.”

“Hey, no, sorry, this isn’t on you; he was pulling away long before you came along. So, let’s just concentrate on having a fun beach day today, ok?”  TK smiles at him

“Sounds like a plan.”

TK grabs Bucks' phone, goes through his Spotify until he finds a POP playlist he sent him a while back, and puts it on. ‘Cupid’ comes on, and they both start to sway. “You never translated this song for me,” Buck points out. “I don’t know it that well, but I can try to later.” TK even sings along a little. The song changes to another upbeat tune, and they keep up their car dancing and singing along until they reach a secluded beach a couple of hours north of LA proper.

Buck sends Eddie the location just in case, even though he knows they probably won’t be coming at this point. He sees that the message is read, but doesn’t get a response. Putting away the phone, he helps TK unload the Jeep, and they pick a spot to set up for the day. They read, ate the picnic they had made, and Buck even taught TK to surf, and Buck ended up getting back on a board himself. They sent tons of photos in the 126 group chat, who were happy to see both guys enjoying themselves.

After a beautiful beach sunset, they pack everything back up and head back to the apartment, singing along to more songs and trying to decide what they should make for dinner. They arrive and start to unpack, putting everything away, or in the sink to wash after dinner, when there’s a knock on the door. Perplexed, Buck goes to answer, shocked to see Chris on the other side, and checks the hallway, no Eddie in sight.

Chapter Text

“Chris? Come in, buddy. What are you doing here? How did you get here? Where is your dad?” He had about a hundred more questions, but he figured those were the most crucial ones to start with. He situates Chris at the sink so he can wash his hands, then leads him towards the couch, sitting across from him on the coffee table.

TK followed them from where he was sitting at the kitchen island, sharing a worried look with Buck. He leans against the staircase, trying to gauge if he's needed or if they'd prefer to be alone.

“I took an Uber using dad’s phone; he probably doesn’t even know I’m gone.” Is the response they get in a sullen tone from Chris.

“Ok, sit tight for sec, while I call your dad just to make sure he hasn’t had a heart attack by now.” He ruffles Chris’s hair as he gets up.

“Do you have to?” Chris whines and tries to give him the same puppy-eyed look he taught him, doing his best not to laugh.

“Yeah, you know I do Superman. But I will do my best to make sure he lets you at least stay the night since it’s late and you are already here, ok?” That at least finally gets him a small smile from the kid.

“Thanks, Buck.”

 He signals TK to go sit with Chris with his head before quickly making his way towards the island for his phone. Surprised when no missed calls show up, he calls Eddie and figures he’ll get his answers faster by just talking to him.

It rings for a while, but then gets sent to voicemail. he tries again, and this time it goes straight to voicemail, so he leaves both a voice message and sends a text message. He looks over and sees that TK is showing Chris something on his own finally retrieved cell, so he tries the landline too, but all he gets is the ‘beep, beep, beep’ sound of an off-the-hook phone.

He doesn’t know what’s going on with Eddie lately, but Chris is his priority right now, so he goes back to the living room and sits back down on the table next to TK and across from Chris. He does text Cap and Athena to give them a heads up, just in case Eddie checks with them before getting his messages or checking with him. The last thing anyone needs is a missing person’s report out for Chris.

“So kiddo, couldn’t get a hold of your dad, so you are definitely staying the night. Ah, ah, ah". He lifts a hand up and stops the celebration before it starts. “This isn’t a reward, Chris, and we will be talking about you going out by yourself after dark and taking an Uber without permission and without telling anyone where you are or where you were going.” Chris looks down at his feet at that, so he angles his head down a bi,t trying to catch his eyes and maintain eye contact.

“Chris, look at me, please.” He waits until he lifts his head a little before continuing. “I’m not mad, but this is important, and I need to know that you understand the severity of what you did and what could have gone wrong, ok?” Chris nods his head, Buck looks over at TK, who helplessly shrugged at him, out of his depth on this one.

“Well, let’s put a pin in that for now, we can talk about it more in the morning after we all get some rest. For now, before you tell us what happened, did you have dinner already?“

“No, I got mad and smashed the salad bowl.” Buck is sure that if this were a cartoon, his eyes would be the size of plates, and his mouth would be on the floor from the shock.

“Oh, um wow, ok... we will get to why you did that while you eat. How does that sound, Superman?” Chris sighs very dramatically, showing Buck just how much closer he is getting to his teen years.

“Fine, I guess.” They all move to the kitchen, TK and Chris sit at the table while Buck heats up some leftovers he knows Chris likes.

He’s glad that during the lockdown, when he was on shift and didn’t have much downtime to spare for calls, he had three-way calls with Chris and TK, so he wouldn’t have to choose between them, and they already know each other and get along great.

Putting the reheated food in front of Chris, along with a glass of juice, he sits next to him and lets him take a few bites.

“So, wanna fill us in? What happened today, kid? Smashing things, running away, that isn’t like you.”

He eats a few more bites before finally saying, “I just got so mad at dad.”

Buck watches as Chris starts pushing around the food. Before he can think of what to say, TK chimes in, “Hey, it's ok, you can be mad at your dad.” Chris gives them both such a disbelieving look, they would laugh if the situation weren’t so heartbreaking.

“Yeah, I’m serious, I actually just had a huge fight with my dad, and guess what I did?”

Chris looks at TK with wonder, “What did you do?”

“Well, I got on a plane and an Uber and came straight to Buck he chuckles. Couldn’t think of anywhere else I wanted to be or that I would feel better at.” After a second, he adds sheepishly, “Though I did tell people where I was going, and I did it during the day.”

Buck tries to hide a snort with a cough at that, TK looks over at him, squinting at him, making a face that Buck takes to mean he’ll be paying for that later.

He quickly hides his smile and the ‘cough’ by taking a swig from the water he left on the table earlier, not wanting to get into more trouble with TK.

“Yeah, Buck's the best,” Chris says, not noticing their exchange or just ignoring it.

“Thanks, Superman, right back at you.” He puts an arm around Chris’s shoulder and leans towards him in an awkward hug.

“Awww, adorable, though I feel left out,” TK says after a minute, adding an exaggerated pout for effect.

“Come here,” Buck tries to grab him with his other arm, eventually succeeding when TK moves closer and is practically sitting in his lap.

“Group hug!” they all burst out laughing, almost toppling off their chairs. After a few minutes to calm down, Buck detangles them from Chris so he can keep eating, but TK doesn’t seem in a hurry to move from his place on Buck's lap, where he ended up.

That is, until Chris pipes up with “Are you guys dating?” Then TK can’t get out of Buck’s lap fast enough. However, Buck is faster and catches him by the waist, holding him firmly in place, not letting him up. 

“No, Chris, we aren’t currently dating. Is our sitting like this bothering you? Or making you uncomfortable?” TK is completely tense against him. 

“It doesn’t bother me if you aren’t dating TK. Does that mean you could date my dad?” At this, TK relaxes back into Buck and tries his best not to laugh. 

“That’s not how that works, buddy. Anyway, I don’t think your dad is interested. Why are you even asking? You’ve never brought this up before?” Without looking, he can feel TK rolling his eyes and gives him a little pinch, making him jump.

“Because before everything was perfect, it was just us, and I didn’t have to worry about you or dad dating anyone! I didn’t even know that was something to worry about.”

“Then everything changed, the stupid lockdown happened, and I don’t see you both forever, Carla isn’t there, I can’t even hang out with my friends or do anything! And when he comes back, he’s acting weird, won’t say when we can see you.”

“Finally, this morning he got home from work and said he had a surprise for me, but before he could say what it was, there was a knock at the door. It was Ms. Flores they argued about, but I couldn’t hear what.” 

“She ended up joining us for the day, ugh, she was so annoying, kept telling me what I could and couldn’t do, and dad just let her! When I was helping make dinner, he told me they are dating and have been for a few weeks, so I got mad at him.”

“After breaking the bowl, I was on my way to my room when I noticed my dad’s phone in her purse, so I took it. I saw the texts you sent all day, and even before, which made me even angrier because I could have been seeing you this whole time, and TK was here and.. and..”

“Was going to see you guys at the beach, my surprise, and she ruined it? Why is Dad letting her do whatever she wants? Is that dating because that sucks. So I ordered an Uber, put the phone back in her bag, and left.” 

Chris is crying by the end of his tirade. So, Buck and TK pull him into another group hug until he calms down. 

Brushing a hand through Chris’s curls, “Hey, you know what I could really do with right now? Some ice cream? I think I still have some double fudge somewhere. What do you say?” 

“Do you have any whipped cream?” Chris tries the puppy eyes again, arguably much more potent when red-rimmed after crying. 

“You got it, Superman? How about you go wash up, then make yourself comfortable on the couch. Will get the ice cream and meet you there.” 

Chris gives each of them another hug before going to the downstairs bathroom to wash his favorite. Meanwhile, TK clears the table, and Buck gets three bowls of ice cream ready. They exchange some worried glances as they work, but keep the talk they need to have for when Chris goes to bed.

They end up all cuddled together under the blanket, Chris squished between them, enjoying their ice creams. It’s getting late, and Buck sees that both Chris and TK are starting to nod off and decides to call it a night. 

They ask Chris if he would rather sleep upstairs with Buck or on the air mattress downstairs. After thinking about it, he decides he wants the air mattress. So they get it ready for him and scrounge up some old pajamas he left behind from the last time he slept over. 

They tuck Chris in, both kissing him on his head and reminding him he can come get them if he needs anything, before heading to bed themselves. They have a lot to discuss, but that will have to wait a little while longer as they’re both asleep as soon as they’re heads hit the pillows. 

Chapter Text

Buck is woken by an ungodly pounding on his front door. He checks his phone and sees it’s only six a.m. He screams into his pillow before quickly getting out of bed, making sure Chris is still out for the count, and then cautiously opens the door — unsurprised to see a ruffled Eddie on the other side.

Before Eddie can take a step inside, Buck pushes him backward and moves into the hallway, closing the door behind them.

“ ¿Qué chucha te pasa, carajo? Have you lost your goddamn mind?!” Buck whisper-shouts, completely fuming. He doesn’t let Eddie answer.

“I don’t know what the hell is going on with you recently, and I’ve tried giving you space to figure it the fuck out, but this stops now. No jodas — you don’t have the privilege to let your mess fuck with Chris. And it is, so now I’m making it my problem, like it or not.”

Eddie is stunned into silence, never having seen Buck this mad, let alone cursing to this degree. The fact that the cursing is in Spanish doesn’t even register. He tries to say something — anything—opening and closing his mouth, but nothing comes out.

“Say something, huevón ! Or are you just gonna stand there like an idiota , with nothing to say for yourself? How long did it even take you to notice he was missing, Eddie?! Because he’s been here for almost twelve hours now, conchudo — what in the world were you doing that was more important than checking on your upset son, who hadn’t even had dinner! This isn’t like you, so until you get your head out of your culo , Chris will be staying with me.”

That finally gets a reaction from Eddie. He starts to splutter — kind of like a car that won’t start — before finally getting a grip.

“What do you mean Chris will be staying with you? What gives you the right?”

He tries not to think about the fact that he literally gave Buck that right in his will, but Buck doesn’t know about that.

“Do you really want to go there? I’m not the one who managed to miss my kid running away for a whole night and taking an Uber while doing it. I’m not the one bringing strange people who make him uncomfortable back home — during a pandemic, no less — to the point he felt he had to run in the first place. No one could reach you all evening to tell you he was here! I tried your cell, the landline — everything, carajo !”

“So you want to fight me on this? Go right ahead. But don’t think I won’t get Athena, Abuela, and Pepa involved — y créeme , they’re on my side. Because between the two of us, the only one actually thinking about what’s best for Chris right now is me.”

“What about TK?” Eddie fires back. He doesn’t even know why he’s fighting Buck on this — if it’s what’s best for Chris, then there’s no question.

“What about him?” Buck asks in complete exasperation.

“He isn’t a complete stranger? He isn’t making Chris uncomfortable?”

“No, he isn’t making Chris uncomfortable. If he were, I’d have asked him to move to Cap and Athena’s for a while — because Chris comes first. And he isn’t a stranger.” Eddie scoffs.

“Maybe not to you, but I barely know him, so Chris surely doesn’t.” Buck rolls his eyes.

“Just because you have your head so far up your ass you can’t see what’s happening around you anymore doesn’t mean shit isn’t happening right in front of you, conchudo . TK isn’t a stranger to Chris — we’ve been FaceTiming, all three of us, for months. Unlike some people, I actually gave a damn and made sure they knew each other and got along before TK came to visit — though he ended up coming sooner than I thought he would.”

Eddie doesn’t really know what to say to that, so he blurts out the first thing that comes to him.

“So you’re just kicking me out of my son’s life?”

“No. But as long as that una maldita zorra is in your life, then he’ll be staying with me. I don’t get what you see in her, though I have my guesses. But think hard about whether that’s worth your relationship with your son.” Buck looks at him with sadness.

“Can I see him before I go?” Buck sighs before nodding.

“He’s still sleeping. He had a long day and a rough night with everything, so don’t wake him.”

Eddie nods and follows Buck into the loft.

He can see there’s someone asleep in Buck’s bed, but since he’s being led to the living room, he assumes it’s TK. Only a few days ago, that was him — even if he hadn’t let himself enjoy it fully. They round the corner, and he can finally take a full breath when he sees that Chris is okay, asleep on the air mattress, safe and sound.

Buck gives him a few minutes before leading him back out to the hall.

“Talk to someone. And I’d take your phone to Athena’s precinct to get checked out — porque esa puta had it all day yesterday, according to Chris, so who knows what esa maldita perra conchuda did to it. Or to you, for that matter. Maybe even get a blood test, just to be safe. Up to you.”

He starts to turn and go back into the apartment, but then turns back around to face Eddie.

“I still have your back. But if I hear you went anywhere near a fighting ring again — te juro que te saco la mierda y te pateo el culo hasta sacarte de ahí . Are we clear?”

As Buck leaves him out in the hallway, all Eddie can really think about is: where and when did Buck learn Spanish? And how had he not known about it?