They arrive at the hospital and both are taken in to different areas Eddie straight to the theatre he was flat lining and Buck to x-rays to see what damage had been done, Maddie didn't know what to do as she stood in the lobby of the hospital, until a hand touched her shoulder and she turned around and saw Abuela.
"Maddie, what's wrong?" She asks concernedly.
Maddie didn't know how to answer the question. How does she explain that Eddie is in theatre and that Buck is also possibly heading the same way?
"Maddie, where's Eddie?" She asks, in the same concerned tone.
"I'm sorry, we found Buck and Eddie got shot twice, he's in theatre right now. I'm sorry its all a mess." Maddie says as she breaks down she didn't want say he was flat lining as they went into the hospital.
"It will all be ok, they are all in the best place. Here in hospital." Abuela says and takes her in a hug "Lets head to Chris's room and wait for some information." She continues.
As they head into Chris's room there is a nurse checking on Chris as she walks out Abuela stops her.
"My grandson Edmundo Diaz and his friend Evan Buckley have been taken in can you find out any information and let us know this is Evans sister." She says, then introducing Maddie to the nurse.
"Of course, as soon as I find out anything I will come and tell you." the nurse explains and heads out.
"Abuela." Chris says in a groggy tone as he slowly awoke.
"Chris your awake." Maddie says In a uplifted tone.
"Yeah, the swelling has subsided, and the doctor is happy with his improvement." Abuela says.
"Where's dad?" Chris asks
"He has had an accident while finding Buck, so he is with the doctors. He will visit when he's done, he will want you to rest." Abuela explains
"That mean Buck is ok?" Chris asks worriedly.
"That he is buddy, and he said to give you a hug from him and he will be in to see you once he's allowed to." Maddie says as she gives him a hug.
Chris starts to nod off again and Maddie sees Athena outside, she quietly gets up and heads out closely followed by Abuela.
"Hey, how is the little guy?" Athena asks.
"He's a fighter, the swelling has decreased and he's awake but resting at the moment. We have explained that both Eddie and Buck are in hospital and will visit later." Abuela says.
"Good, well Chase isn't talking and Aaron, well he's deadand even if Chase doesn't talk, we have the video evidence and witnesses so he's screwed, any news on the boys?" Athena asks.
"No, we told the nurse that we will be here if they have any information but nothing as yet."
"Okay, I need head back to the station; but I will need a statement from you soon, and I will call Bobby so he can pass on the news to the rest of the team. Take care and let me know when you know something okay?" Athena asks.
"Yes, we will do and thank you for finding him." Maddie says.
They hug and Athena heads off, Abuela and Maddie head back into the room. After a few hours the nurse finally comes in and signals for them to come outside so not to disturb Chris.
"How are they?" Maddie asks.
"Eddie was touch and go, but they stemmed the bleeding and removed the bullet, he lost a lot of blood but he's had a transfusion and is in intensive care and we will see how he will progress from there. Buck he's definitely been through it, we have stitched up the wounds, the burn on his leg we have done our best but it will scar but for now we have it covered. He has a few broken ribs and a lot of bruising, his ankle is now in a cast and he will need time to recover, we have given him a sedative just help calm him and so that he doesn't try do something rash." The nurse explains
"What you mean rash?" Maddie asks
"He woke up while we were x-raying him, screaming for Eddie and trying to get off the bed, when he wouldn't listen we didn't have much choice but to sedate him mainly to stop him from making his injuries worse." She explains
"Oh dear, what rooms are they in so we can go visit?" Abuela asks.
The nurse explains what rooms they were in but would be a day or two before either of them would likely wake up there was a lot of trauma and their bodies would need to recover.
"Hey, I'll go check in on Eddie before I head to see Buck and let you know how he is." Maddie says noticing Abuela's indecision.
"Are you sure?" Abuela replies.
"We both know Eddie would want you to stay with Chris." Maddie says smiling.
"That he would, thank you." She says giving a hug to her.
Maddie heads off up to the ICU wing, as she entered she spoke to a nurse and asked which room was Eddie's as she walked in she let out a gasp seeing him all tubed up and asleep the sound of the monitors indicating he was alive, she walked over and took his hand.
"Eddie, I need you be strong, I need to say thank you when you wake up, you found my brother and he will need you now more than ever, plus you promised him a date, I'll send your Abuela up later." She says with a smile.
She lets go of his hand and heads out going back to Chris's room, she sees a text from Chimney she explains everything that the nurse said and asked if there was anyone who would help sit with them as they rotate. She then texted Athena to let her know what is going on. She enters Chris room and finds that he's still asleep with Abuela next to him.
"How is he?" Abuela asks.
"He Is sleeping, I've asked if someone from the 118 can come in, so we can rotate sitting with them that way you can see Eddie and someone will be here with Chris." Maddie explains.
"Thank you, you go see your brother." she says, waving Maddie away.
"I'll be back later, so you can go and see him too." Maddie says as she leaves.
Maddie walks down the corridor towards Buck's room, Chim had texted her back saying that Hen will come and sit with them and that he will take over later. She arrives at Buck's room she takes a deep breath and then walks in. Buck is asleep, his leg raised up and in a cast his face has a few stitches on the cheeks and forehead from cuts his arms also covered in bandages and the gown hid the rest of the damage. She sat down next to him and took his hand.
"Hey little brother, I know you are asleep but I just wanted to say you are safe and I'm so proud of you. You hung in there and survived I know it's a long road to recovery but just know were all here and we always will be." She says as she sits there with him.
A day passes and Buck wakes he sees day light and the smell of hospital hits him, he was free.
'it's a dream, I'm not free.'
"Hey sleepy head." Maddie says softly.
Buck looks to his side and sees Maddie sat there. He feels tears start to form, the realisation that it was not a dream sunk in then the memories came flooding back.
"Eddie, is he? Please tell me he is okay?" Buck panickly asks, looking at Maddie.
"He is fine, they managed stabilise him, he is in the ICU maybe he'll be there a while. Chris is also okay, but but let's focus on you for now." Maddie says.
Buck starts fidgeting but he looks down sees his leg in a cast and stops and stares at it, but then tries to sit up and move but Maddie jumps and sits on the side of the bed.
"Buck, stop just relax." Maddie says, putting her hands on him.
"No, I need see them, I need see them with my own eyes so I know it's true. Please, Maddie take me or I'm going on my own." Buck says giving Maddie the stubborn and determined look she knows oh so well.
"Fine, sit right there and I'll get a wheelchair, but the second you whimper in pain we come straight back, no ifs or buts." Maddie says, pointing at him.
"Ok, deal." Buck quickly says as he slowly turns to sit on the edge of the bed.
Maddie walks out the room and Buck sits there the pain killers were definitely helping him, but he could still feel the dull ache and knew once they wore off he would feel it all, but for now all he wanted do was go see Chris and then sit at Eddie's side
'I can't believe Eddie loves me, but why didn't he say sooner, or was it a ploy keep me going, I need answers.'
He was so wrapped up in his thoughts he didn't hear Maddie come back in with the wheelchair and a nurse.
"I advise against this but after the struggle we had when we first brought you in I agree to let you go, but if you start to be in pain I have told your sister to bring you back and if you act up we will sedate you again, you need to be resting." The nurse says with a smile.
"Don't worry he will behave, if not I'll drag him back screaming." Maddie says with a giggle.
"Scouts honour, I'll be good I just need see them with my own eyes that' they're okay." Buck says.
They help him off the bed and into the chair, making sure theIV drip was on the pole on the chair before they started their trip out.
"What day is it, Maddie?" Buck asks suddenly.
"It's Sunday, you were out for a day, mainly through the sedative and general exhaustion I guess." Maddie explains.
"Why did they sedate me, I have no memory of it?" Buck asks
"You passed out in the ambulance and woke in the x-ray room and started screaming for Eddie and wouldn't settle so they had no choice, they needed get you assessed and checked over properly." She explains.
"So, I caused a scene, great." Buck says flatly, looking down.
"You were injured and wanted know about your friend, everyone understood." Maddie says gently.
They roll down the corridor and arrive at Chris's room Buck signals to stop.
"What is up?" Maddie asks confusedly.
"I don't know if I should go in, last time I saw him he was on the floor, what if he hates me?" Buck asks.
"He doesn't hate you; he keeps asking after you and his Dad, he wants see you are okay so lets go in." Maddie says
"Okay." Buck replies
She turns the chair round and starts going in backwards so she can open the door and wheel Buck in as they enter the room and she turns the chair Buck is greeted by the bright smile on Chris's face.
"Bucky!" Chris shouts delighted.
"Hey, Superman." Buck replies in the same tone.
Maddie wheels him over, once by the side of the bed Buck tries to stand and Maddie helps him up and helps him sit on the edge of the bed, as soon as he is on Chris leans over and gives him a hug. Buck rests his face on top of Chris's head gently and holds him tight.
"You're okay." Chris says happily.
"I am because of your Dad and our friends and your okay too, I'm sorry this happened to you." Buck says holding back the tears.
"Its not your fault the bad men did this, not you." Chris says
Buck looks at Chris head it still bandaged up and he looks round to see Abuela and mouths I'm sorry.
"Don't be sorry, Chris is fine and so is Eddie and you're now safe that's all that matters." She says.
"I know but if I had been stronger, it wouldn't have happened." He says.
"We can't play the what if game, it happened so now we move on and make a better future for all of us." She says with a smile.
They spend the next thirty minutes just talking about mundane things and the whole time Chris doesn't let go of Buck nor Buck lets go of Chris, until he feels Chris start nodding off so he lies him down and kisses his forehead before he climbs off the bed and Maddie helps him back in to the wheelchair.
"We will leave you, going go see Eddie now." Maddie says looking at Abuela.
"Okay, see you both later." she says.
They leave the room and head to the lift and head up to the ICU department once they got there and head in through the doors of the long hall way filled with sounds of machines beeping and moving and keeping people alive. They start towards Eddie's bed, Buck could feel his stomach start turning what was he going say to Eddie when got there, he needed to process everything that happened to him these last few months but he needed answers about what Eddie had said, but if Eddie wasn't awake how could he get answers. They arrive at the room and he starts to panic and feel the nerves come up and then thoughts start rushing through his head.
'Remember he said you were exhausting and selfish, why would he love you when he thinks that, it was to keep you alive so you can live a lonely life, remember no one wants you only just to use you.'
Maddie could see that Buck was starting to panic so she stopped in the hallway, they could see Eddie's room in front of them, she moves round and leans in front of Buck taking his hand.
"Buck he is fine, tell me what's going on in that head of yours." Maddie says smiling
"It is nothing I promise." Buck says
"Evan, I know you. If anything with all that's happened, we should talk more, I'm guessing its to do with what Eddie said before he got shot." Maddie asks
"You mean when he saved my worthless life." Buck starts but is cut off by Maddie.
"It's not worthless, I know you've been told that over and over, but you worth it." she said with confidence.
"Even Eddie said I was exhausting and selfish, so why now does he say he loves me is it another game?" Buck says with a tear forming
"He told you so you would hang in there, I spent the day with him. He broke down when they sent that horrible video, he blamed himself for not protecting you and when he said that the whole team were angry with the whole lawsuit, I thought you sorted that out?" She asks
"We did but with everything that's happened, I think I'm second guessing everything." Buck explains
"Want some sisterly advice?" She says with a smile.
"At the moment I think it's the only advice I want." Buck says.
"Someone once told Chim tomorrow is never promised, so grab each day as it could be your last. You do not have to jump into another relationship if you don't want to, but just know he has waited for you already and will wait till your ready." She says smiling at him
"When did you become so wise?" Buck chuckles.
"I've always been wise, you just don't listen. So how about we head in there and you say what you need to say to him?" Maddie says giving him a look.
"Okay, let's do this." Buck says.
They start their way back down the hall and to the door of the room Buck takes a deep breath which hurt and looked at Maddie and nods, so Maddie wheels him in and he sees Eddie lying there, with tubes going in and out of him, his chest moving to the beat of the heart monitor, he then see's Bobby and smiles.
"Buck, glad to see your up and about." Bobby says with a smile, as he walks over and hugs Buck.
"Glad to be out, sorry for all the trouble I've caused again." Buck says with a sour tone.
"Nonsense! You couldn't have know what was going happen, they took advantage and used you. Lets just get you both better and back to work." Bobby says
"You want me to work at the station still?" Buck quizzed
"Why wouldn't I, like I said none of it was you, we will take it easy and no rushing back understand?" Bobby says
Buck smiles and pulls him in for another hug and then Maddie wheels him next to Eddie's bed again Buck stands up and sits on the edge of the bed, he looks at Maddie and she knows he wants some alone time so she takes Bobby out so that Buck and Eddie were alone. Once the door closed, it was silent apart from the beeps from the monitor Buck looked at Eddie laying there peacefully knowing it was his fault he was lying there like wipes the tears out of his eyes and takes hold of Eddie's hand, it feels so warm but also so right.
"Eddie, I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm here and I'm not moving until you wake up, I need to know why." Buck starts and moves a bit trying not let out a whimper knowing his sister would be in like a shot "Why did you say you love me? Was it real or just you trying get me through what was happening at the time and then the kiss was it just to convince me?, I wish you were awake so I could get the answers as my head is so messed up and I don't know what to think anymore." Buck continues to say
He sits there for a while just looking at Eddie and willing him to wake up, he decides to move and sit back in the chair. As he gets up, he feels the hand he's holding grip him and looks to see Eddie slowly opening his eyes.
"Eddie, don't move you have a breathing tube in." Buck says to Eddie
"Can we get help in here? He's awake." Buck shouts and sounds from outside could be heard and nurses and doctors come swarming in and they place Buck in his wheel chair and push him outside with Maddie and Bobby as they work on Eddie, after ten minuets the Doctors and nurses come out.
"Diaz family?" She asks.
"Yeah, that's us" Buck replies.
"He's awake and alert, we have removed the breathing tube, we want him to rest so we won't allow visitors to stay to long but as asked to see an Evan though." The doctor says.
"Okay, I'll push you in and then leave you there until you're ready." Maddie says looking at Evan
"Thanks." Buck says as he smiles as they go into the room.
Once in Maddie helps him up and sits him on the bed and takes her leave, Buck looks at Eddie who is looking back at him both have tears in their eyes, Buck feels Eddie's hand pressing against his and takes hold.
"I'm so glad you're okay" Buck starts "Well, you're not obviously okay, but you're here and Chris is okay too, that's all that matters and I'm sorry you both got hurt because of me, I promise I never meant for it to happen. If I knew what would happen I would have gone somewhere else." Buck says
"Don't." Eddie says gruffly and continued "No one could have seen this happening, so don't blame yourself." Eddie finishes.
"But look at everything, it's a mess." Buck says
Tears start to drip down Bucks cheek and down on to the bed Eddie raises his hand and wipes them away, Buck looks at Eddie and smiles.
"I need know something." Buck says
"Yes, I meant it, I wanted to tell you after you ended up in here and I did but you were asleep, but then I talked myself into not saying anything, as it wouldn't be fair on you and with everything you had been through and had so much to process." Eddie says
"You're not messing with me? I'm sorry to ask again, but my head is all over." Buck says looking away.
"Don't look away, look me in the eyes as I say this please." Eddie says and Buck turns to look at him "Evan Buckley I'm in love with you, if I had the balls to tell you this sooner we wouldn't be here but I didn't, and then I failed in protecting you. I promised myself when I found you I would tell you and when I had you on that ramp, I know it wasn't the best place but I had to say it. I also understand you may not feel the same way, and that it is too soon but I needed you to know someone does love you for you, and I will wait and when you are ready that magical date I promised will be waiting too." Eddie says with a smile.
"Thank you, it means so much and at the moment I don't know how I feel, I need process everything that has happened but knowing you are in my corner means the world, you and Chris are like my family and I nearly caused both of you to die. I know your both here but still it could have gone so wrong, I need to leave you for a bit so I can process everything." Buck says as he starts to climb off the bed
"Buck, please don't go." Eddie says holding on to his wrist.
"I don't want to Eddie, but I don't want ruin this moment" Buck says
"You can't ruin this moment, it's just you and me, I trust you, Buck you know that. You can trust me, tell me what's on your mind." Eddie says
Buck does not move for a while and Eddie has not let go of his grip finally Buck looks at Eddie tears dripping.
"Eddie I've loved you for ages, but then the lawsuit happened, and you hated me so much and then the whole rant at the shop got to me and I understand why you said it now, after we talked and sorted it all out, but I also had him in my ear saying you were all just saying the stuff I needed to hear to keep me sweet. I know now that it was all a lie, but I still can't shake it. My love for you never went away I just had to bury it deep down and keep it a secret, especially when he started - you know to hit me, as it would cause more problems especially if he saw you speaking to me or text me." Buck says looking at Eddie.
"Come here." Eddie says holding his arms up and signalling Buck to come in for a hug.
"Are you sure? I don't want hurt you." Buck says looking at him.
"I don't care if it hurts, I need hold you." Eddie says with a smile.
Buck bends down and feels the arms wrap round him and that's all it takes for him to let go and the tears to really fall and the sound of sobbing and crying fill the room. Eddie looks over at the window and can see Bobby and Maddie looking through obviously they can hear Buck, but they smile and turn round so there backs are facing them. He runs his hand through Buck's hair and feels Buck's arms close round him a bit tighter it starts to hurt, but he doesn't care he has hold of Buck and needs him to feel safe.
"It will all be okay now, just let it out." Eddie says.
"Thank you." Buck sobs.
They spend five minutes like this and are disturbed by the sound of the door opening and Maddie coming in.
"Hey, I don't want to intrude, but I need get Buck back to his room he needs rest too. I'll bring you back tomorrow." She promises the latter as she rubs Buck's back.
"I don't want to go." Buck says.
"I'll be here, I promise I won't go anywhere, not like I can even if I wanted to. Go get some sleep and you can come back tomorrow." Eddie says.
"Okay." Buck says as he starts to rise up from the bed.
As he rises, Eddie moves his hands to either side of Bucks face and leans up and kisses him tenderly on the lips and then lets Buck sit up and smiles to him.
"Until tomorrow." Eddie says with a smile on his face
"Until tomorrow." Buck replies agreeably with a smile.
"We will try bring Chris in as well, now you go sleep and rest up." Maddie says looking at Eddie.
"Thank you, it be great to see him if possible." Eddie says with a smile upon his face.
She wheels Buck out and heads back to his room where he climbs into his bed and falls asleep pretty quickly. Back in Eddie's room Bobby is sitting with Eddie.
"So, you finally told him, I'm guessing." Bobby says.
"Yeah, I know it's like the most inappropriate time to do it, but I couldn't hold it back any longer not after almost losing him." Eddie says
"I understand that. Just you know there's a long way to go, and that's for both of you." Bobby points out the latter.
"I'll be fine after a few weeks rest." Eddie says determinedly.
"No, I'm not having you rush back. Look what happened when Buck rushed back, so your both off until I say so, use this time to help each other through everything. He's going need you now, Eddie. More than before and the rest of the team as well." Bobby says
"I know, its going be hard for him, but I'm ready to show him that I'm here and I won't go anywhere, no matter how mad he gets with me." Eddie says
"There are going be some hard days, but with the help of everyone we will all make it through this I promise." Bobby says
"Thank you it means a lot, I just need sort out how I will look after both Buck and Chris once we get out, were all injured." Eddie says
"Well I think Maddie will be having Buck, and you have your Abuela and your sister is coming, Abuela called her." Bobby explains
"Oh great, as long as its just her and not my parents. I can't face the whole, this is why you should be in Texas with us speech." Eddie grumbles.
"Yeah just your sister, so you have the support at home." Bobby explains
"Thank you Cap." Eddie says with a smile and starts to yawn.
"I'm going leave you to get some rest, they will want move you tomorrow to another ward so rest up and I'll see you tomorrow." Bobby explains
Eddie just nods and watches as Bobby leaves the room, knowing everything was falling in to place but it would take time, he feels sleep come over him and he closes his eyes and drifts off to sleep.