Chapter 3
Its 5am and Buck looks at his phone as it vibrates, it's time to get up and head to work for a long shift, he was kind of glad he wasn't out on calls today as he didn't think he would last the shift with the pain he was in with his leg and chest and back that and the lack of sleep he had gotten these last few nights, he got ready trying to be as quiet as possible and not to wake up Aaron, he went and started the shower and got sorted covering the burn with the burn cream and dressing it up so it was well protected, then as he looked up in the mirror he noticed the outline of two hand prints on his chest he turned to look at his back and saw the mark on his back he could feel tears building looking at his bruises he flinched when he heard a voice behind him
"Im sorry again" Aaron said from behind as he walked up to Buck and held him in a hug pulling him tight, Buck did not saying anything as Aaron presses on his bruised chest and back
"I told you its ok, just got out of hand last night and mistakes were made by both of us let's just move on" Buck replied as he turned to kiss him on the lips
"You got time for a bit of fun" Aaron questioned
"No Hen is picking me to take me in to work" Buck replied
"When did you arrange that? What's up with your car?" Aaron asked
"I messaged her after well you know the accident and said my car wasn't working and that my leg was playing up so could I get a lift in" Buck replied
"You didn't tell her why you couldn't use your leg did you?" Aaron questioned
"No it's between us" Buck replied even though he did want talk to someone but with everything going on and the words of Eddie in his head that he was selfish and everyone else has problems he didn't want to say anything.
"Well message me when you're close to finishing and I'll come pick you up" Aaron said
"Ok cool maybe we can go out for a meal after depending on the time "Buck asked
"Yeh we will see what time it is after all it is Halloween" Aaron stated as he walked out and left Buck to get ready, once Buck was done and headed down the stairs he was greeted by Aaron and a cup of coffee to take with him, he handed Buck the drink and rubbed his hand
"Have a good day Babe" Aaron said as he kissed Buck and went upstairs Buck left the apartment and headed down to meet Hen who was waiting for him in her car, as he walked to the car he could feel her watching him walk and knew she wondering about his leg as he was walking funny due to the pain of the burn, once in the car he sat in the seat and didn't show that the seat on his back was hurting the bruise he had.
"You sure you should be working if your leg isn't good?" She asked
"I'm sure plus I have no doubt Bobby will have me doing so meaningless task just to amuse himself" Buck replied
"Give him time Buck you know how Bobby is deep down he cares for you as a son and doesn't want you to be at risk just enjoy the quiet time while you can you'll be soon there with us and the chaos it brings" she says to him
'Even now they still think I'm useless, there never going forgive me'
Once they got there buck headed in to the locker room hoping no one was there so he could get changed and no one would see the bruises or burn so he wouldn't have make up a lie of where they came from, Hen went upstairs and looked for Bobby who had watched them both come in
"Hey Bobby" Hen said as she walked up to him
"Hi Hen, how is he today?" Bobby asks as he points to Buck as they watch him go in to the locker room
"He's ok be better if you spoke to him yourself I bet" Hen replied
"You know I got to stick to my guns on this, in my eyes he is not ready to be working" he says
"I get that I do Bobby, but you can still talk to him he looks up to you and he seems so sad" she says
The rest of the team start walking in
"Hey Chim" says buck
"Hey Buck" chim replies
"Hey Eddie" Buck says
Eddie just looks at him and gets changed without a single word to Buck, as Buck watches Eddie he notices the bruises on his arms and knuckles and wants to ask but doesn't want cause another scene. Eddie just gives the occasional glare of pour hate when he looks at Buck but once he's done he picks up his jacket and walks out the locker room where once the door closes he was out he let a sigh out, he knows he needed to talk to him but every time he saw Buck he felt the hurt of the lawsuit and the hurt of being in love with him and unable to do anything and then the hurt he caused his son which was the worst of it all, but before he can think anymore he walks off to check supplies in the trucks to keep him busy
"Just give him time Buck" Chim says as he laces up his boots
"But how much time do I need give him Chim I miss having my best friend" Buck replies
"Look Buck you got remember some people won't forgive you so quick for what you did, me and Hen understand why you did it but some people don't" Chim states
"I get that it's just argh never mind , but where he get the bruises from on his arms and knuckles I didn't know you had any serious call outs last few days" Buck questions
"I hadn't noticed maybe I'll ask later when we get five" Chim replied
'If I was a better friend I would know if something was wrong with Eddie, I'm useless and selfish just like he said I was'
"Ok people here's your tasks for today, Buck you're staying here handing out candy to the kids and fire alarms to the adults" Bobby stated
"But Bobby im ready be out there with you" Buck states and everyone turns to look at Buck who just looks at Bobby willing him to say yes join the call he wants show them he can do it
'I know I'm not ready and in so much pain but I got man up and show im willing to do the work'
"No Buck my house my rules" Bobby says as he walks off and everyone gets to work the next few hours are long and tiring with the kids and parents coming in all dressed up for the occasion, normally Buck would love spending time with kids and talking to them and making silly jokes but with everything that was going on and the pain he was in he couldn't be bothered he just wanted to get them in and out as quick as possible and get the shift over and done with, as the night drew close he was packing up the table and candy and the left over smoke detectors
"Buck once you're done with that you can go" Bobby says
"Why I got ages left on my shift" Buck replies
"Well if you're going be out on call with us tomorrow I need you at your best which means a good night's sleep" Bobby said with a smile
Bucks face lit up he was so happy and couldn't wait for tomorrow and he packed up the table, he then text Aaron to say he would be done soon as he been able finish earlier than planned as we was going out on calls tomorrow and to come over to collect him, as he put his phone down Eddie walked past and just glared at Buck and it finally got to the point where Buck couldn't hold it in.
"So this is how it's going be you completely ignoring me" Buck says to Eddie
Eddie stops what he was doing and turns to Buck and looks at him
"No buck you don't get to play that card with me you're the one who screwed up and isolated yourself away from everyone with that stupid lawsuit and why because you wanted to be selfish, did you even think once what it would do to us having our personal problems been brought up in front of the hearing committee or having to relive it, or the fact that Christopher couldn't see you couldn't understand why yet again someone he cared for left him behind all because again you were been selfish" Eddie took a deep breath, Bobby heard the commotion and started to walk over but Hen stopped him
"They need to do this Bobby" Hen said and Bobby looked at her and agreed one way or another this needed to be hashed out and sorted and if it did get to out of hand he was ready to jump in but for now they both stood and watched
Buck was taken back at how Eddie was been so forward with how he felt towards Buck, he had put them through so much and it was unfair on them on Christopher but especially Eddie who he never wanted to hurt
'I have been so selfish I don't deserve all the kindness off the others, why have they been so nice to me when all I did was bring them hurt'
"Eddie I had no idea, im sorry I just wanted my job back and to be back with y.. I mean you guys as I missed you so much and you're all my family and we were strong together, I'll do whatever it takes to make this right but please Eddie forgive me" Buck pleaded
"Also what did your friend say to Chris to upset him so much that he won't tell me as he thinks you will hate him if he tells me" Eddie questions looking at Buck who is shocked at what Eddie has just said
"I don't know what you're on about Eddie I haven't seen Chris and which friend" Buck replies
"The one that was at the doctors yesterday with you when Chris came out he was there the nurse said he was saying stuff to Chris and then you both went" Eddie tells buck
"I have no idea Ed I was with you and he never said anything to me when we left and went to get coffee, but you know I'd never do anything to hurt Chris but I'll ask and find out what was said and put it all right with him I promise you know how much he means to me" Buck responded
"You always did wear your heart on your sleeve Buck and that's what I admire about you, I do forgive you but promise you won't do anything like this again" Eddie says
"Really" Buck says as he looks at Eddie with a smile on his face knowing he was getting his friend back
"Yes just don't let us down again" Eddie replies
"But what is with the bruises and don't say what ones I saw them earlier?" Buck asks
"Wrestling with Chris" Eddie states and before Buck can say anything back he walks up to him and gives Buck a big hug pulling him close but Eddie unknowingly brushes Bucks Bruises on his back and Buck held in the scream of pain he felt but enjoyed the hug as it was so familiar and he missed it.
"Am I interrupting" a voice from the front came
Buck looked in shock there stood Aaron and he didn't look impressed, Buck just looked at him not knowing what to do especially as he was just hugging Eddie, who he knew Aaron already didn't like from when he would talk about him at home, Aaron started to walk in to the firehouse
"Can I help" Bobby shouts over
"Im here for Buck im his lift back" Aaron stated
At this point Buck was worried what will be said and what could happen as he sees Eddie walking over to Aaron, Aaron stands and Eddie gets close at this point there near the front and everyone else is at the back by the locker room so they can't hear what is going on, Buck is worried something bad will happen but doesn't know what to do for the best if he picks Aarons side everyone will hate him if he picks there side Aaron will hate him
'I have pick Aaron he's been there for me so much and cares for me, whereas my so called friends can drop me just as quick like the last time as they don't care for me like he does'
"What did you say to my son" Eddie questions looking Aaron up and down
"And who is your son" Aaron remarked back just staring at Eddie
"The one the nurse saw you talking to yesterday at the doctors" Eddie replied
"Oh him" Aaron says as he leans in to whisper in his ear "you mean the pathetic cripple boy who was been nosy so I told him some home truths" Aaron smirked
That was it Eddie launched himself and jumped at Aaron but Bobby and Chim ran to them and dragged him off and Buck looked in horror he couldn't believe his so called friend would attack his boyfriend even though they didn't know that's who he was to see Eddie just attack for no reason was worrying enough
'Look at what I cause I'm a mess and I bring all the violence and sadness it's all me'
"Are all first responders so violent" Aaron said getting off the floor and dusting his legs, Buck starts walking up to them dreading what will happen next
"Eddie what are you doing" Buck shouted looking at him in horror who is this man he use call his best mate he was just pure anger
"Go on say it again see what happens" Eddie said staring straight at Aaron and completely ignoring Buck
"I didn't even say anything and then you attacked me like some crazy mad man" Aaron replied
"Are you ok Aaron" Buck said looking at Aaron checking him to make sure he wasn't injured
"Is he ok are fucking joking Buck, what kind of people do you hang round with? " Eddie snarled at Buck
"Hen, Chim take Eddie upstairs" Bobby said to them with this instruction they both grab an arm of Eddie and basically drag him to the stairs and make him walk up them as he climbs the stairs he can feel so much anger he then stands at the top looking down at Aaron and Buck
"Im sorry about all of this, are you a friend of Bucks?" Bobby asked
And then words Buck was not wanting to hear came out of Aarons mouth "no im his boyfriend so I guess all partners get attacked when they pick up there other half's from here" Arron explained but loud enough for everyone to hear, Bobby just looked at Buck and Bucks heart fell he didn't know what to do or where to look he just wanted out as quick as possible
"I I I wanted to tell you when I was ready im so not prepared for this" Buck says as he walks off to the locker room and Aaron chases after him
"Buck wait" Aaron says as he catches up and stops Buck
"Why, why did you say it I wanted to do it on my own terms?" Buck started saying as tears formed in eyes knowing it was out there now which meant everything was going be weird with everyone in work
'Everyone will hate me again because I didn't tell them and there going judge me for what's happened I hate it all'
"Im sorry but you saw what he did, you saw him attack before I could say anything and when they questioned me it just came out im sorry" Aaron explained grabbing hold of Bucks hand and holding it tight before pulling him in for a quick hug which Buck ended quickly as he felt uncomfortable
"It's done now "Buck said as he turned round to get his stuff from his locker when they walked out the locker room Bobby was waiting
He didn't say anything at first he just grabbed hold of Buck and hugged him, pulling him close again Buck tried not wince in pain from his injuries, Bobby released the hug so talk to him
"it's ok Buck, go home and we will talk tomorrow" Bobby said and he hugged him again and again Buck was in pain from his injuries but kept quiet and enjoyed the hug as the hug ended Buck reached for Aarons hand and they walked out he saw Hen and Chim waiting by the exit they had come down now that Eddie was upstairs with some other responders Buck looked to see where Eddie was worrying he would start again
"Don't worry he's upstairs he won't come down he is with the other responders" Hen said noticing Buck was worried she embraced him as Chim shook Aarons hand
"Nice to meet you" Chim Said
"Shame it had be like this "Aaron replied
"go home and we will talk tomorrow" Hen said as she stopped hugging him so Chim could hug him and as they focused their attention on Buck, Aaron turned round to look at Eddie who was watching them leave from upstairs and just smiled and winked at him which made Eddie angry even more, they then walked out and headed back home.
Meanwhile Eddie had gone to the fridge after watching them walk out feeling the anger of what Aaron said and then that cocky smirk and wink he wanted to bash his head in it then came back to him what Aaron had said he let out a angry scream and punched the fridge door leaving a dent and busting a knuckle open
"And what did the fridge do to you" Bobby asked looking at Eddie who was leaning against the fridge door
"Im sorry I know I need watch my temper it's just he got under my skin" Eddie said pushing off the fridge and looking at the blood coming from the cut on his knuckle
"What did he even do to you to get that kind of reaction off you from what I saw he said nothing? " Bobby quizzed walking towards the table
"He did he whispered it though, he's a clever prick I'll give him that" Eddie stated as he picked up a first aid kit form the cupboard
Bobby sat at the table and Eddie joined him so that Bobby could clean up the cut using the first aid kit
"So what did you think he said?" Bobby asked
"He called my son a pathetic cripple" Eddie said as he flinched when Bobby put some antiseptic cream over his cut before the bandage
"You sure" Hen said as she came up the stairs Chim following her up
"I wasn't close but it didn't even look like you gave him time answer before you jumped him, and Buck wouldn't be with someone who thought like that you know how much he loves Christopher he adores him" Hen explains as she fills a glass with water to get a drink
"Maybe your right" Eddie says looking down on the table, feeling embarrassed as he lost it in front of everyone but more importantly that he lost it like that in from of Buck
"Well let's get you home so you can get some stuff and you are staying with us tonight Eddie no arguments last thing I need is police telling me you went round to Bucks and cause more trouble that none of us want right now" Hen said
"What about Chris?" He asks worrying about his son
"He can have a sleepover with Denny and we can say you just fell asleep there so when he sees you in the morning he doesn't suspect anything and he doesn't need know what has happened" Hen says
"Ok I'll go get him from Carla and meet you at yours" Eddie says he goes down stairs to the locker room to get changed once he's changed he leaves to go get Chris driving through the roads gave him time think about what had happened and how he could have done things so much differently but it was too late and by the time he got to Carla's she was waiting for him at the front door and greets him with a poke to the stomach with her long nails
"What was that for" he says as he rubs his chest
"You're lucky it was a slap, what kind of idiot goes around attacking someone for no apparent reason but also in your place of work putting everything at risk, especially when that someone you attack is Buckaroos Boyfriend" She says
"You heard about what happened "He says as he looks down to the ground not wanting to look her in the eye
"Dam right I heard I was told to make sure you get to Hens so you don't get your ass in any more trouble, Chris is ready but he doesn't know anything just that he's staying at hens for the night and having a sleep over with Denny " Carla explains
"Thank you, I've blown it with him haven't I" Eddie says referring to Buck as he looks at Carla hoping she will make it all better by giving him some sage advice on how to fix everything
"All I know is you have a lot of grovelling to be a doing to Buck and Aaron, but how does this affect your feelings you know for how you feel for Buck?" Carla asks
"I am not grovelling to Aaron no way ill sort it with Buck but not him and it hasn't changed if anything it's made it worse as I feel like there's something wrong but I know for certain that Aaron is bad news " Eddie responds
"Or is it you don't like him because he has Buck and you don't" Carla said
"No I went for him before I knew who he was to Buck after he whispered about my pathetic cripple son" Eddie explains using air quotations
"so he was the guy from the Doctors, maybe I need have a word with Buckaroo and find out what is going on" Carla says
"He will deny it and I doubt Buck will say anything he seemed clueless when I questioned him and most likely will stick up for his boyfriend, anyway I best get to Hen before she comes looking for me" Eddie says laughing
With that he goes inside to go get his son who's sat there all ready and waiting to go
"Why am I having a sleep over at Denny's" Chris asks his farther he was a clever child and knew something wasn't right with his dad
"I just need sort some things out and Hen offered have you over for the night so I didn't worry about you" Eddie explained the thing is he did have things to sort just couldn't explain them to his son.
Eddie picks up his son and his backpack and leaves the house they both give Carla a hug and climb in to the truck and drive to Hens
In the car ride back Aaron tried speaking to Buck
"Im sorry it just come out" He tried to explain
"Its fine it was a weird situation I just don't understand why he would attack you like that, and what did you say to Chris yesterday at the doctors that's upset him so much?" Buck questioned
"I didn't say anything, you heard me say that when I told Eddie before he jumped me, don't you believe me?" Aaron said
"I do its just He wouldn't unintentionally attack someone, he's a kind and sweet guy" Buck says
"Oh so im not kind or sweet, I came to pick you up I get attacked and he's the kind and sweet one you always have his side don't you" Aaron looked at Buck
"No I was just saying" Buck replied
'Why did I say that I knew it would upset him, im useless'
They pull up at the apartments and head up to the apartment and walk in to the living room, where Buck falls on to the sofa just wanting to go sleep after a long day and with everything that has gone on tonight he doesn't want do anything he just wants go to sleep, he then feels a tap on his knee
"Come on time to cook food" Aaron says looking at him with a smile
"In a min im beat" Buck says unwillingly wanting to move off the sofa
"No! now after everything I've been through tonight it's the least you can do considering you caused it all as usual" and with that he grabs Buck by the arm and drags him up squeezing hard on Bucks forearm leaving a mark imprinted on his skin, but Buck doesn't say anything just walks over and starts cooking as Aaron receives a call on his phone and disappears upstairs to speak to whoever is on the phone whilst Buck cooks the food
'im so useless why can't I do anything right and make people happy, all I do is stupid things that anger people and make them hate me, no wonder he has to be so angry with me it's the only way he can get through to me and I deserve it'
After about 30 minutes Aaron walks down the stairs as Buck is finishing up cooking the food he made a quick curry with some rice as it was just a basic cook the meat add the sauce and made it easier on him not having to stand for so long.
"Smells well nice Buck" Aaron says as he walks over and kisses him on the cheek and rubs his back
"Thanks "Buck says as he dishes up the food on to plates as he carries over the plates and sets one down for Aaron and starts walking he trips (Aaron had stuck his foot out just enough to throw Buck off walking) and drops the plate and it smashes and the food goes everywhere and goes everywhere
"Why you drop it" Aaron shouts
"I didn't I tripped and it fell out my hand, I didn't mean "Buck started before been cut off
"to do it, the same line all the time isn't it and what magical thing did you trip on I see nothing there or you just making excuses" Aaron says as he watches Buck pick up the food and starts on the plate shards as he picks them up holding them in his hand he notices that Aaron stands up and walks over to him and Buck looks up
"Are you going help me? " Buck asks
"You mess you clean it up, but you need be taught a lesson" Aaron says staring down at Buck
"What you mean" Buck questions and with that Aaron presses his foot on to Bucks hand which has shards in it
"Please Aaron I'm so.." before he could finish it Aaron presses harder
"if you finish that word Ill really hurt you I've told you before about always saying sorry, why are you so pathetic I thought you were going man up and show me how good you are, I'm only doing this because you keep doing things wrong and letting me down is that what you want do let me down like you let everyone else down? do things right first time and I won't have do this" Aaron says as he releases the pressure on Bucks hand Buck drops the shards on the floor and blood starts to come down all he can do is look down he doesn't dare look up in fear of what could happen next, he looks at the shards of the white plate scattered on the flood tainted with the colour of his blood there's also blood dripping on to the floor mixing with the bits of curry he hadn't sorted.
"You best get it all cleaned up down want you staining the floor and we don't live in a barn" Aaron says as he picks the other plate up and looks at the food and then at Buck on the ground and smiles as he tips the plate so that the food falls off and all over Bucks head and smashes the plate as close to Buck as he can get it smirking the whole time.
Aaron disappears and Buck stands up looking shocked at what had just happened he walks to the side by the sink and gets a towel and wraps it round his hand so he can start cleaning the food off himself and then starts cleaning the floor once making sure its spotless and no mess is anywhere to be seen once it's all done and tidy he heads upstairs and gets in the shower to clean himself up and breaks down and starts crying as he cleans himself not knowing what to do he is broken.
' I deserve it all like he said if I did things right I wouldn't get in trouble I won't learn, im selfish just like Eddie said, no can't think about Eddie I'll get in more trouble I just need to make sure I do everything right'
Once he had finished showering and cleaned up he bandaged his hand and sorted the burn on his leg he could see the bruise on his chest still showing strong and the one on his back going a darker purple, as he got dressed and opened the door Aaron was stood there with a smile on his face and arms crossed
"You done a good job cleaning up Buck im proud of you" Aaron says
'He is proud of me I've done good see I can do good things I just need to be taught if I do it wrong and learn from my mistakes'
"Im sorry I did what I did but I did it because I love you Evan I really love you" Aaron said as he reached for Buck hand and started rubbing his arm
"You love me?" Buck said confused
"Yes silly, all I want is the best for us and for us to be happy don't you want the same?" Aaron asks
"Of course and I love you to" Buck says
'Someone actually loves me and doesn't hate me, he wants me to be with him and I want to be with him, he loves me I can't mess this up'
They went down stairs and watched TV Buck cuddled up to Aaron and fell asleep in his lap the pain killers he had taken to help the pain had worked and he was comfy, as Buck lay there sleeping away Aaron looked down at him and smirked he got his phone out his pocket and sent a text to someone saying the plan was going better that expected it should be all in hand soon and sent and smiled as he looked back down to Buck knowing the fun was just beginning.