Chapter Text
Buck was doing well, he was finally at a place in his life where, he didn’t just feel happy, he felt safe. Content. He woke up everyday, knowing that he would have his friends and family by his side. This didn’t mean that the bad days were gone, but now he felt capable in taking care of himself; this time last year, he could barely function without the constant, overwhelming paranoia that consumed his life.
Today, he looked in the mirror, hair messy with sleep, aching muscles, and smiled. It was going to be a good day, a 12 hour shift, followed by the bi-weekly movie night with the Diazes. He stretched, a warm sigh escaping his mouth as he thought about what they could watch tonight. He got ready hastily, excited for the day to start, feeling fresh like the after-taste of his mint toothpaste. He ran down the stairs of his loft, chugging his luke-warm coffee and grabbing his keys from beside the door. Today is going to be a good day, he thinks to himself, before stepping out the door and making his way to the firehouse.
The drive in was uneventful, the usual LA traffic Buck had grown to love. The thought that milions of others, from all over the world were starting, or ending depending on their shifts, their day. He felt connected to each and every one of them. Maybe he was feeling extra philosophical due to the excitement he could hardly contain. His fingers drummed on the steering wheel to the song that hummed on the morning radio, as he parked his jeep and made his way inside the station.
The quiet chatter from above filled the empty locker room as Buck changed into his uniform. The warm voices of his team filled him with gratitude; 5 years ago, he never would have let himelf believe that he could get his family back after the lawsuit. But, here he was, surrounded by love and the comforting aroma of Bobby’s famous full English. His stomach rumbled, pulling him out of his reminiscant thoughts and telling him to hurry up and get ready. As he was about to slam the locker shut and make his way upstairs, a white envelope caught his eye. He picked it up, turning it over to inspect it closer. There was no address or stamp, only Buck’s name scrawled on the front in red ink. He opened it, curiosity taking over.
Buck was flattered, it wasn’t everyday he recieved a handwritten appreciation. He found it strange, considering it was left in his locker, meaning this person knew where he worked. But he brushed the thought off, it wasn’t creepy, it was a nice gesture. Maybe he should just take it for what it was. Someone thinking he looked nice enough to tell him, without needing anything in return. Buck traced the note one last time, then slid it back into his locker. He shut the door, a smile forming on his face. It really was a good day.
Buck bounced up to the loft, pracically radiating the joy he felt. As he saw his team waiting for him around the table, his heart skipped, they were waiting for him. It was the same as every morning, they never ate until the entire team was present. But today, it further showed how much love he had in his life. He smiled at them, greeting cheerfully.
“Well, you took your time today, Buckley,” Chimney teased, digging into his full plate, a warm glint in his eye as he looked at his younger brother-in-law.
Buck shook his head, a small chuckle at the sight of Chimney shovelling the food in his face, as though someone was going to take it from him. “Careful you don’t choke, Han.” Chim’s mouth dropped at his last name, still full of half-chewed slop. Buck’s face twisted with faux-disgust at the view. The rest of the team, groaned, laughing under their breaths.
‘Play nice, you two. And Chim, did you leave your table mammers at home with Jee-yun?” Bobby raised his eyebrow fondly, waiting until Chimney got the hint. After a few seconds of silence, his jaw snapped shut, whilst Buck, Eddie and Hen giggled like children.
“Sorry everyone,” He nodded, then continued to eat his food, slower than last time.
Usual chatter started, about the weather, family dramas and future plans. Buck looked around once more at his family, gratitude running through his body like electricity. He could never thank them enough; for making him the person he was, for looking out for him, for loving him regardless of his flaws and insecurities. As his reminisced on the love he had for each and every one of them, a firm knock on his knee pulled him from his thoughts.
He looked up, meeting Eddie’s warm, safe eyes. Those eyes reminded Buck of home, the way they creased when he smiled, and how Eddie could barely keep them open when he was tired (or drunk). Eddie’s eyes saw through all of Buck’s defences, he knew exactly what he needed, sometimes before Buck knew himself. Eddie was his safety net, his soft place to fall when the rest of the world went to shit.
“Hey.”
“Hi, Eds.” The rest of the firestation faded into a blur around them, as they stared at the other. This bubble they created was everything he would need, Buck thought. Eddie smiled, involuntarily, the way he always did when it came to Buck.
“Have you chose which movie we’re going to watch tonight?” Buck’s grin grew wider, if that was even possible, as he listed all the possibilities he couldn’t pick between. Eddie laughed, his real laugh, that was softer, lighter, than the one he forced when he was around others. It was like a symphony of Eddie to his ears.
The bell rang, ending their conversations and breakfast. They ran out, Buck and Eddie giving a look, that they weren’t finished with talking. They never would be. Buck held his fist, Eddie met it, returning the gesture. “Be safe,” went unsaid, as did, “I’ve got your back.”