The sounds of squeals and laughter floated through the crisp, cool evening. Huddling into his sweatshirt, he was relieved that he had thought to throw it on before hopping on the back of Jim's bike. The ride over hadn't been too bad, but as they got closer to the water, the air took on that extra chill.

Buck wasn't really sure how he had been talked into this double date. It wasn't that he minded the company, it had only been a few months since Jim proposed, and he loved the idea of going anywhere with his fiance by his side. He let out a small smile at that memory; he felt giddy every time he remembered Jim proposing. He also definitely didn't mind the other couple that was joining them for the evening. Eddie had finally asked Chris on a few dates, and this was their third date now if Buck remembered correctly.

And Buck was also in complete agreement with Eddie's reasoning behind the double date; he had commented something along the line that with the main Pride Parade being cancelled this year, that they should all take the opportunity and celebrate together.

It was the location that Buck was struggling with. As soon as Jim parked the bike, Buck couldn't help but freeze up as he took in the sight. They had rebuilt the pier exactly in the same location where it previously stood, the only difference being that the base had been reinforced with steel. The famous Ferris wheel had been replaced, towering over all the other rides as it was nestled back near the water, offering riders a beautiful view of the city and the water. The garish lights blared, highlighting the tiny waves as the breeze pushed the water into shore. The small sound that the water made against the wood, while quiet, became Buck's focus. It drowned out all other noises, even the carnival music that circled in the back.

Buck became lost in his thoughts, the lapping water like an alluring siren to the most horrible time of his life. The squeals of laughter and fun in the background turned into screams of fear and pain as the first wave hit the pier, and everyone fought to stay alive, to keep swimming, to stay afloat. Buck almost jumped two feet in the air when Jim placed his hand gently on his shoulder but looked at his fiance with gratitude for breaking the spell that he had been under.

"What can I do to help?" Jim asked, relieved that Buck appeared to be back with him, his eyes no longer having that dull look as he stared at the water. He had realized right away that Buck was experiencing a flashback, unfortunately being all too familiar with them himself.

Blinking back a couple of tears that he didn't realize had formed, Buck straightened up, lacing his fingers with Jim's. He appreciated Jim not asking him if he was okay because he definitely wasn't. But he could do this. "Let's make some happier memories," Buck said, squeezing Jim's hand. He knew he couldn't ever erase that feeling of panic when he lost Christopher, but maybe, just maybe, this night would help.

XXXXX

Buck smiled, his arm wrapped around Jim's shoulders as they sat on a bench and waited for Eddie and Chris to finish their Ferris wheel ride. Two ginormous teddy bears sat next to them, one for Christopher and one for Jee-Yun, both having been won in a very competitive Whac-A-Mole game between the couples.

Buck knew that Jim was a tad disappointed that he wasn't interested in going on the Ferris wheel but was able to distract him by offering to split a funnel cake. The two attempted to divide it as evenly as possible, but Jim was definitely stealing more of the ice cream, which was smothered in rainbow coloured sprinkles for Pride month.

The carnival had definitely jumped in with both feet into the Pride celebrations - rainbow patterned lights and decorations practically covered every game booth and ride. Along with adorning everything in multi-coloured streamers and glitter, they also had a great lineup of LGBTQ+ musical acts and shows throughout the week. Buck also noticed several same-sex couples and felt himself relax that much further when he took Jim's hand to pull him in different directions. He wasn't one to hide his physical affections in public, but the atmosphere only supported his comfort levels that much more.

Poking Jim excitedly, he nodded discretely towards the top of the Ferris wheel, where Eddie and Chris were exchanging a brief kiss. The 118 definitely liked their police officers, Buck thought with a brief smile. But all jokes aside, he was happy for Eddie and for Chris. Both of them were awesome people who deserved to have other awesome people in their lives.

Waving so that Eddie and Chris could see where they were sitting, Buck motioned Jim to scoot down so that there was a spot for the other couple. Chris took one look at the funnel cake that Jim was finishing off and declared that she needed one as well, pulling Eddie along with her to choose out flavours. When the two arrived back, they settled back on the bench and started inhaling their matching dessert. The two couples sat quietly, finishing their desserts and enjoying the sights. It had been a very fun-filled evening, but Buck figured they were probably going to head home soon, now that his stomach was stuffed with dessert.

"This was a good idea, Eddie; thanks for inviting us along," Buck said honestly, as he and Jim stood up to head out. It had taken him a while to get comfortable once they were out on the pier, but being there with friends who weren't expecting him to hide his emotions allowed him to slowly relax and enjoy their evening. And he had one more surprise up his sleeve, well, hiding in his sweatshirt, that he thought would make it a perfect evening.

Everyone exchanged their good-byes, and Buck and Jim headed for the motorcycle, with the promise that Buck would grab the ginormous bear for Jee-Yun the next morning.

Reaching out, Buck grabbed the cuff of Jim's sleeve, halting him in his tracks. "I got a little something for you," Buck said, pulling out a small, rainbow coloured teddy bear from his pocket. He had noticed Jim eyeing the teddy bears and was able to sneak off and win him one while Chris had him distracted with the water guns.

Buck noticed the slight shake in Jim's hand as he reached out for the bear, but his concerns were alleviated by the huge smile on Jim's face and the resulting kiss that he was dragged into. As the two of them stood there, locked into a kiss that maybe needed to be moved to a more private location soon, Buck realized that he was glad that Eddie had talked him into the double date; it had been one of Eddie's best ideas yet.