Chapter 1: How Did We Get Here?
Eddie
Eddie returned to a silent house after his session with Frank. He set his keys down and made his way from the dark living room into the equally dark kitchen. He flipped the switch and looked around the room. It hadn't changed that much in the seven weeks since his whole world turned upside down. Sincehemade his whole world implode. Seven weeks without his son, his reason for living. In that time, he had only spoken to Christopher a handful of times; a series of stilted, mostly one-sided conversations, in which his son either didn't speak or gave one and two-word answers. But at least that was progress, Eddie reminded himself after each call. After all, he went two full weeks before Christopher would even agree to come to the phone.
Eddie sighed and went to the refrigerator. He opened it and pulled out a beer. After pausing for a moment, he pulled out a second bottle and an ice cube tray. He opened a disused cupboard and pulled out a hideous, wide-mouthed vase, which he rinsed, dried, emptied the ice cube tray into, and then placed the second bottle of beer. He opened the bottle of beer he still held and took a sip, pulling out his cell to read the text message again. He huffed a small breath and smiled. Tomorrow. Just a few hours, and he'd get another opportunity to speak with his son. He needed to tell someone. He was nearly bursting with energy now -
The back door, which was just off the kitchen opened, startling Eddie, who let out an undignified yelp.
Buck stood before him, a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry, Eddie. Am I late?"
Eddie shook his head in mock exasperation. "Why do you insist on using that door now? For six years you've either knocked on the front door or used your key. What's with the switch up?"
Ever since the Kim fiasco, Buck had taken to entering the house through the back door. Every time he asked though, Buck would just giggle like a little kid and repeat, "Back door."
Buck shrugged. "I don't know. I guess it just feels like a special thing now. Coming home and entering in through the kitchen." Buck's face flushed at the use of the word home; but what else should he have called it? He basically lived in the Diaz house now. Since Christopher absconded to Texas with Eddie's parents, Buck had spent more time there than he had at his own house. Or Tommy's for that matter - but Eddie tried not to think abouthimtoo much.
"How was your day off?" Eddie asked as Buck set his keys on the kitchen island. Buck took a short notice, but much-needed day off. Originally the intent was to set some of his personal matters in order and free himself from an unhealthy situation or two. However, Bobby and Athena had called him that morning and asked if he could swing by.
"Pretty good, actually," he responded, smiling even wider. "Bobby and Athena have narrowed down their potential home purchase to three places. I went to two of them today." He then proceeded to launch into a detailed analysis of the two properties he had seen, complete with photos he'd snapped on his phone.
"This one is large, bright, and airy. The kitchen ismassive.Bobby was already planning their first dinner party as he gave me a tour of the house." Buck's bright blue eyes widened comically as he described the formal dining room, the two spare bedrooms, and the beautiful, but frankly too small patio just off the living room at the back of the house.
"Don't get me wrong, The patio is pretty and cozy, but if they want to continue to have 118 gatherings, the second house is a much better fit." That house wasn't quite as big or pretty, only had one guest room, and the kitchen wasn't much bigger than Eddie's own kitchen (which felt like a dig, since Eddie didn't find his kitchen to be all that small. It was the perfect size.)
"But this other place has ayard. It's fenced-in and private. They were in love with these two homes in particular; but they can't agree on which they love more." Buck paused for a moment and said, "Is that beer for me?" pointing at the improvised vase turned ice bucket on the island.
Eddie smiled and said, "Of course. I was wondering when you'd notice." Buck's brow furrowed and he gave Eddie a playful punch on the shoulder. Eddie winced, less out of actual pain than just pure fatigue at the end of a long shift, but smiled at Buck.
Buck whipped out the bottle opener he had on his keychain and with a flourish, opened the bottle and took a sip. Then let out a god damnedmoanof pleasure. Eddie chuckled.
"Do you and your drink need a moment alone?" He asked. Buck squinted at him for a moment, before tilting his head and giving him a mischievous smile.
"Mmmm…maybe wedoneed a moment alone. But I think we'll take it to the shower. It has been a long day, after all." Eddie motioned for him to feel free, and took another sip of his own beer.
As Buck sauntered toward the bathroom, Eddie asked, "What do you want to eat? Pizza?"
Buck looked back over his shoulder and said, "Actually, I am really craving the new Thai place."
"On it." Eddie said, opening up the website as Buck headed off to his shower. After locating the phone number, Eddie called and placed their order; Almond chicken for him, and the vegetable curry for Buck. Since he was especially hungry, he added a couple appetizers for them to try. The lady taking his order informed him they were a bit busier than expected, so to expect an extra twenty minute wait. Eddie was fine with that. The food was good enough to be patient.
A few minutes later, the shower turned off, and Buck emerged wearing an old LAFD T-shirt, and a pair of plaid lounge pants. His hair was still a bit damp, curling slightly against his forehead in the most adorable way. Eddie smiled as he sipped his beer.
"What?" Buck said, coming around to Eddie's side of the island.
"What what?" Eddie responded, giving Buck that lopsided smile he always gave him when he found his partner to be especially amusing.
"Why are you looking at me like that," He said, brow furrowing.
"I don't know. Just am."
"You're infuriating." Buck sipped his beer and leaned against the counter. "How long until the food gets here?"
"She said that it was busy. We're looking at like, an hour." Eddie said. Buck's face dropped. He rolled his head forward and yawned.
"You ok?" Eddie asked. Buck just nodded. "Alright. Hey, I have some news that might bring you back around." Buck lifted his head and opened one eye to look at him. Eddie opened up his text from Christopher and handed him the phone.
Buck read the text, then lunged at Eddie, who barely had time to set his beer on the island before being wrapped in a patented Evan Buckley Bear hug.
"Okay, okay," Eddie wheezed, "put me down, I can't breathe." Buck kept the hug going for a few more seconds, before releasing Eddie, looking just a bit sheepish. But not much.
"Thank god," Buck said. "That boy better be talkative and beg to come back home. I miss that little pain in the ass."
Eddie smiled. "It would be nice, but I don't want to pressure him. He's only been speaking to me in full sentences the last couple of phone calls." Buck hands him back the phone, and he pockets it.
"Well, a guy can dream," Buck responded. He rolled his neck again and raised his arms over his head, revealing a patch of bare stomach as his shirt rode up. Eddie smiled again at the sight. "Did you want to lie down for a bit?" He asked Buck, who moaned and turned to him.
"I don't know. I'm not that tired. It was just a lot of time walking around or being crammed into the back seat of Athena's car." Eddie gave Buck his special smile again.
"Well, I'm not tired either," He said and stepped forward. "But we do have an hour to kill…and maybe you just need to stretch out for a bit." Buck's eyes widened and he bit his bottom lip in amusement.
Buck cleared his throat. "Well, it is an hour. And Icoulduse a stretch…"
Eddie reached out and took the beer bottle from Buck's hand. "Well, then, let's see what we can do about that."
Eddie led the way out of the kitchen, flicking the light off as they made their way out. He led Buck down the hallway as quickly as possible. After all, the food was going to be there in less than an hour. But that should still be plenty of time.
SIX WEEKS AGO
Eddie
Eddie slid out of the driver's seat of his truck in the parking lot of the 118. It had only been a week since his whole world fell apart; since Christopher left for Texas; since he was dumped by not one, but two women (thoroughly deserved, he was the first to admit); and since the revelation that not only had Bobby technically given his notice as Captain, but Vincent Gerrard, the racist piece of shit former Captain of the 118, had been reinstated in his stead. It was almost too much to bear.
In that week, the newer members of the 118 had learned what Hen and Chimney already knew. Captain Gerrard was a tyrant. You didonlywhat he wanted when he wanted. To go against his commands led to punishments so monotonous and demeaning that you learned to just toe the line. Eddie learned the hard way. After disregarding orders and helping a young woman trapped in an overturned car, Gerrard put him on cleaning detail for the rest of the 24-hour shift.
He took a deep breath, held it a beat, and then exhaled slowly, counting to ten as he did so. He repeated the exercise, attempting to will his mind and body to not collapse in panic. He was close to considering a transfer. But he couldn't do that to the team. He couldn't do that to his partner.
A hand landed on his shoulder and he whipped his head around, prepared to attack. Bobby stepped back, eyes wide. "Sorry about that Eddie. Just wanted to say good morning."
Eddie exhaled, smiled, and said, "Sorry about that Bobby. Things have been tense since you've been out." He paused. "Wait. You're here. Does that mean you're back?" Hope began to fill his chest, his eyes glistening with tears of joy.
Bobby shook his head. "Sadly, no. I'm still dealing with that. I have some evaluations I need to do. The chief said I am to complete a series of sessions with a therapist before I am let anywhere near a Captain position."
That little spark of hope died just as soon as it had formed. Eddie struggled to fight back the tears of sadness that were now forming. "I suppose it's a little bit too much to hope that it wouldn't be an ordeal to get you back." He sighed and Bobby pulled him into a hug.
"Don't worry Eddie. Soon enough I'll be back and all of this will seem like a bad dream.
"I hope you're right," Eddie said as he sniffed. If the last week was any indication, they were in for a rough time until further notice. Before Eddie could ask any further questions, a silver Dodge Ram pulled into the parking lot, and backed into a space near the exit.
Bobby eyed the truck suspiciously and said, "Who is that?" Eddie didn't have to answer, because the doors opened.
Tommy Kinard stepped out of the driver's side, a pair of sunglasses perched on top of his head (like a dick,Eddie thought to himself, glad that his snarkiest comments still remained confined to his inner monologue. For now.) Buck exited the passenger side and sauntered around to Tommy, who smiled and wrapped an arm around Buck's waist, pulling him in, and pressing their lips firmly together. "God, get a fucking room." Bobby turned around, a surprised look on his face, and Eddie realized that he just let his inner monologue out into the world.Well, shit.
Tommy realized that they had an audience, as he pulled away from Buck and waved over at them. "Hey Bobby, Hey Eddie. How are the two of you doing this fine morning?"
Bobby shouted back, "Doing just fine Tommy. It is a beautiful day, and I have a renewed sense of purpose in life. How are you?" Eddie grumbled something behind him, but Bobby couldn't quite make it out.
"Doing just fine. Had to make a quick stop to drop this one off," indicating Buck, "And now I'm off to work myself." Bobby nods and waves to Buck.
"Well, don't let us keep you!" Eddie said, trying to keep his tone light. He thinks he's nailed it, until he sees a strange look pass over Buck's face. Okay, maybe not so light. Damn.
"I suppose Eddie's correct," Buck said, enveloping his boyfriend in his arms for a last-minute hug. "Get to work. I'll see you tomorrow morning?"
Tommy laughed. "You know it, kid. After all, I'm your ride today. Who else is going to bring you back home?"
Eddie cringes at the wordkid. Jesus Christ, Buck is 32 years old. And he might be mistaken, but he thought he saw Buck tense a bit at the word. But it could have just been in his head. Because after a beat, Buck responded with, "I suppose if you weren't able to be my ride, I might be able to convince someone else to get me home." He tilted his head and smiled at Tommy. Classic Flirty Buck move. Bobby smiled. Eddie rolled his eyes.
Tommy smiled back and leaned in for a short, mostly chaste kiss on the lips. He pulled away and said, "I'll pick you up tomorrow morning, Evan. Have a wonderful day." He hopped back into his truck and started it up. He waited until Buck was safely out of the way before pulling out and driving away. Once the truck had disappeared from view, Buck turned toward his coworkers with a gigantic, lovestruck look on his face.
"Are we ready to face the day?" he asked. Bobby smiled and waved Buck over.
"We'll do our best, Buck. We've got to stick together to get through this. We'll be stronger than ever on the other side." Buck nodded happily, and fell in step with Bobby and Eddie.
Eddie tried not to groan as they entered the 118. But he had a feeling it was going to be a terrible day.
He wasn't wrong.