Chapter Text
The power was restored to L.A the day after Harry had been safely returned home following his rescue. Things finally seemed to have calmed down enough that the 118 could return to their normal routine. This meant that Buck’s shift was officially over and he could go back to his apartment.
Given the chaos caused by the blackout and having been bunked at the station for the duration, he suddenly felt overtaken with exhaustion. He wanted nothing more than to get into an actual bed and sleep for the next 12 hours straight. A small but insistent part of him wanted to drop in at the Diaz’s on his way to his apartment. With everything that had happened with Harry he felt that he needed to see Chris in person before he could get his mind to settle.
He’d showered at the station and was just finishing getting dressed in his normal clothes when he caught sight of Chimney and Hen heading out. Quickly, he pulled on his T-shirt, grabbed his bag and jogged over to meet them as they left the building.
“Chim, I’m sure there’s nothing to be worried about. Maddie will feel a lot better when your home safe with her and Jee.” Hen said as they walked out into the parking lot.
“I know, but with everything going on already I can’t help but think the blackout might have made things worse.” Chim replied, his voice heavily laced with concern. Buck couldn’t help but feel that he was missing something. What had been going on that could have gotten worse?
“What do you mean Chim. Everything’s okay with Maddie and Jee right?” His own concern was evident. Chim and Hen turned to him quickly, clearly only just realising he was there. They schooled their expressions but Buck suddenly felt like he’d heard something he wasn’t supposed to.
“Of course everything’s okay, I’d tell you if it wasn’t Buck.’ Chimney sounded off, like he had just been accused of something. His eyes darted between Buck and Hen, as if seeking some support from his partner.
“Chim just told me earlier that Maddie sounded off on the phone. I was just telling him that she was probably worried about him working with the blackout, what with the animals on the loose and everything. But like I just said, she’s going to feel a lot better when he gets home.” Hen explained as they all started walking towards their cars.
“Oh. That’s makes sense I guess.” Buck still felt that he wasn’t getting the full story but after everything with his parents, and the big family secret, he didn’t think they’d keep something important from him again. So he let it go, his own tiredness overcoming his curiosity. “Make sure to give them a big hug from me and tell Mads that she can call me if she needs anything.”
“Will do Buck.” Chimney said with a pat on his back. He pulled out his keys and parted ways towards his car. “I’ll catch you both on our next shift in 2 days. Get some rest Buckaroo. You look like shit.”
Buck simply flipped Chim off as Hen waved him off with a, “See you Chim”. They finished walking to their cars and came to a stop at the back of the two vehicles. Hen gave Buck a once over and said in that motherly tone that he always heard her use on Denny, “He’s right you know, you do look like shit. Have you been having trouble sleeping?”
He had been having trouble sleeping. It’s not like the cots in the station were comfortable. Given the number of people staying there while the city was in crisis and the alarm going off constantly, it was extremely hard to get a restful sleep.
However it wasn’t just that. Ever since Dr Salazar made that comment back at the hospital he had been extremely worried about Eddie. The fact that he didn’t immediately tell him what was going on didn’t help either. Then he’d finally got Eddie to open up, only to be told that he’d had a panic attack that was likely caused by Ana. He was surprised to hear that as he’d thought everything was going so well with them, Ana was introducing him to her family after all.
Then Eddie had made that comment about becoming a ready-made family which didn’t sit well with him. When he suggested sticking with the relationship just because of Chris, that really hit hard. He couldn’t believe that Eddie would intentionally lead someone on. He called him on it straight away, referring back on his own experience with Abby and how much that had hurt. He just hoped that Eddie would do the right thing.
“Buck, are you still with me?” His attention was brought back to the present at Hen’s words. He didn’t know how long he’d spaced out for but Hen was patient.
“Sorry, just tired. I feel like we’ve been going non-stop since the blackout, you know? I can’t wait to crash.”
“Okay. Just make sure that you’re awake enough to drive home or you’ll be crashing in a completely different way. We don’t want you ending up in hospital again.” She gave him a pointed look as she started getting in her car. Only when he gave her a nod did she fully settle into the car, giving him a quick wave as she pulled out of the parking lot.
It’s at that moment that Eddie appeared, hair still slightly damp from his own shower. “Hey Buck, do you mind doing me a favour?”
“Sure Eds. What is it?” Buck responded as he leaned against his jeep.
“I was hoping you could pick up Chris from Pepa’s and take him home. I just need to pop out for a bit and then was thinking we could have a movie night?” Eddie looked unsure of himself. Like Buck would say no. He must think that he’s still mad about their conversation about Ana.
Quick to quell any doubt in Eddie’s mind, Buck replied with an enthusiastic, “Of course. How long do you think you’ll be?”
“I’m not sure. I suppose it depends on how well the conversation goes. I can’t say I’ve ever broken up with someone before.” Oh, Eddie was going to break up with Ana.
Buck suddenly felt anxious for him and really proud. He knew Eddie was a good guy and knowing he wasn’t going to string Ana along just made him more resoundingly sure of his opinion. He couldn’t help the smile that spread on his face. “You’re doing the right thing Eddie.”
He reached out and placed his hand on Eddie’s shoulder. “She might not take it well but in the long run she’ll be better off. As someone whose been on the receiving end of a break up on a number of occasions, all I can suggest is to just be honest.”
“Thanks Buck. I really appreciate your advice and I’m sorry for brushing you off before. It’s just really hard. ” Eddie’s hazel eyes were locked on his own. He could see the sincerity in what he was saying, a sadness and something else that he couldn’t identify.
“No worries Eds. You know I’ll always have your back.” He gave Eddie’s shoulder a squeeze before dropping his hand back to his side. He flashed Eddie another smile and reached into his pocket to pull out his car keys. “Text me when you’re on your way home and I’ll order from the usual pizza place. If you’re half as tired as I am, I don’t think you’ll be wanting to cook when you get back.”
“Sure thing.” Eddie sounded more like his usual self at that. With a quick goodbye they were hopping in their own cars and heading in opposite directions.