Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Los Angeles 2019 Vermont Avenue.

 

The crowd was going wild and they were all cheering Eddie on as he dealt another blow to the guy he was fighting.

 

Since the tsunami and Buck losing Christopher in it Eddie has been struggling and when he found out Buck sued Bobby and the LAFD he wasn't allowed to see Buck and he was getting frustrated as he needed Buck's help with Christopher who was having nightmares but he was unable to speak to him and see him.

 

So one night Bosko introduced Eddie to street fighting and at first he would go and watch but after a while he stepped into the ring and he has been fighting since.

 

When Eddie would get asked about the bruises he would say him and Chris were rough housing and people believed him.

 

Eddie made sure to get someone to look after Chris when he was fighting and no one questioned him.

 

Eddie had just taken down his 4th opponent and he was still high from the adrenaline.

 

“WHO'S NEXT THEN. COME ON IF YOU THINK YOUR HARD ENOUGH" Eddie’s shouts at the crowd.

 

Before anyone can respond the doors burst open and S.W.A.T enter.

 

“LAPD STAY WHERE YOU ARE” An officer orders everyone.

 

Eddie stands there frozen and he knows he is in deep shit.

 

The place starts to swarm with LAPD officers and everyone looks to each other but no one knows what to say or do.

 

Eddie thinks that if he makes up an excuse or tries to use his position as a firefighter then maybe he will get away with it.

 

“You are all under arrest” A female voice shouts out and Eddie knows that voice and he sees that it's Athena and he thinks thank god as he knows she won't actually arrest him.

 

Athena was looking at the people that she was going to be handcuffing and she sees a familiar face and she is shocked as she did not expect to see Eddie Diaz taking part in an illegal underground street fighting group.

 

Athena walks over and she is angry and she will not hesitate to arrest Eddie.

 

“Eddie, what the hell are you doing here?’ Athena asks.

 

“Athena thank god I know this looks bad but please you can't arrest me” Eddie pleads with Athena.

 

“I am not breaking the law just for you” Athena says.

 

“Everything all right over here Sargent” A S.W.A.T officer asks.

 

“Yes this man is just turning around so I can handcuff him” Athena says and she pulls out her handcuffs.

 

“Athena please you can't do this I thought we were friends?” Eddie asks.

 

“That's Sargent Grant to you and I follow the law” Athena says and her voice leaves no room for an argument.

 

Eddie does as he is told and he is handcuffed and read his rights and Athena leads him to her police car and she puts him in it.

 

“Whatever happens Diaz you only have yourself to blame and no-one else so don't even try the poor me act” Athena says and she closes the door.

 

Athena asks another officer to drive back to the station with her and the officer looks shocked but Athena says she is friends with the guy she arrested but she has no problem making sure he is brought up on charges as she will not stand by and let someone break the law.

 

The officer has a lot of respect for Athena and they can tell that she means what she says.

 

Once Athena and the officer are in the car Athena starts it up and they head back to the station.

 

20 minutes and Athena pulls up at the station and she stops and turns the car off and gets out and gets Eddie out the car and she gives him a look that says I'm disappointed in you and you have only brought this on yourself.

 

The second officer joins them and both Athena and the officer walk Eddie into the station and Eddie can see people looking at him and he feels so much anger.

 

“Why don't you all take a fucking picture it will last longer” Eddie says.

 

Athena is shocked at hearing Eddie speak like that and she knows that he is a danger to himself and unfortunately to Christopher.

 

After getting Eddie booked and processed he is led to a cell and after the bars are locked Athena can see that he has been clearly doing this little hobby for a while.

 

“You know I am so angry at you Diaz I get you have gone through some trauma and you have been raised not to show weakness but I will not stand by while you take this moral high ground that you have no right to take” Athena says.

 

“And what's it got to do with you?” Eddie asks with a sneer

 

“How about the fact that you're best friend had a ladder truck fall on him and then had an embolism which by the was was not down to him pushing himself to hard it was down to the rods in his leg and lets not forget the tsunami that he was involved in and how he kept your son safe who you forced on him just because you had to work and he may have lost him but that man spent hours looking for Christopher and he even put his own health at risk but no you seem to have forgotten about Buck and now you and the 118 are going to regret it for the rest of your lives” Athena says and she walks away.

Before Athena gets through the door she turns back and says “You reap what you sow Edmundo Diaz” and with that said Athena leaves.

 

Athena gets back to her desk and her Captain is at it waiting for her.

 

“So I hear one of your husband's firefighters is locked up?” Captain Maynard asks.

 

“Don't worry I did things by the book” Athena says.

 

“I know and I'm not worried I'm just checking on you” Captain Maynard says.

 

“Thank you. I'm going to call DCFS and as much as I hate doing it I know it needs to be done” Athena says.

 

“Good luck” Captain Maynard says and she walks away.

 

Athena phones DCFS and they say they will send someone down.

 

After getting off the phone Athena goes and finds that other officer and they both write up their report together.

 

An hour later someone from DCFS walks through the station and they go up to the desk and ask for a Sergeant Grant and the desk sergeant says give me one moment.

 

Athena gets a call to go down to the desk and she does and there she meets the person from DCFS.

 

Athena takes the person from DCFS to a private office and they take a seat.

 

“Thank you for getting in touch with us and I understand that you have arrested a firefighter who has a child” The DCFS person says.

 

“Yes his name is Edmundo ‘Eddie’ Diaz and he works for my husband who is the captain at the station he works at” Athena says.

 

“Right, can you tell me what station he works at?” The DCFS person asks.

 

“He works at station 118 and his Captain is Robert ‘Bobby’ Nash” Athena says.

 

“That is going to be a problem” The DCFS person says.

 

“How so?” Athena asks.

“Before I left I looked up foster parents that the child could go with and I had decided on two people who are certified and they are Karen and Henrietta Wilson but if my Diaz works with Mrs Wilson she would allow Mr Diaz to see his child and unfortunately we can't allow that so the boy will need to go into the system” The DCFS person says.

 

Athena can see the problem as Hen would do that as sometimes she does disregard people choices and boundaries and Athena wants to bring up Eddie’s grandmother but the woman is getting very old so she is out of the question and she knows Eddie’s aunt works full time so again she is out of the question.

 

“I may know someone who could take the son as he is a registered foster parent and he has left the 118 as he no longer trusts them and he has the money to take care of the child plus him and the child have a bond already” Athena says.

 

“Who is this person?” The DCFS person asks.

 

Athena tells them about Buck and what happened to him and how he was getting treated unfairly and how he sued her husband and the LAFD and he won and is now 15 million richer and he is moving to San Francisco as he has been offered a job there as he is very in demand.

 

The person from DCFS is impressed and she thinks that the guy Athena is talking about is very lucky and she sees no problem with him moving to San Francisco and the child could go with him so she makes up her mind.

 

“OK if you can get in touch with this person and request a meeting for tomorrow then once I have met them and spoken to them then I'll sign off on it” The DCFS person says.

 

“Will do” Athena says.

The DCFS person writes their number down and hands it to Athena and leaves the station.

 

Athena gets out her phone and calls Buck and hopefully he is up for meeting the person from DCFS.

 

“Hi Athena what's up?” Buck asks

 

“Buck, how long do you have until you move to San Francisco?” Athena asks.

 

“I move on Thursday, why?” Buck asks.

 

“Good because tomorrow me and you are going to be meeting with a person from DCFS and I'll tell you more tomorrow once I come to your place so be ready at 9 am” Athena says.

 

“Athena what's going on?” Buck asks.

 

“Don't worry mama will explain tomorrow but you may be taking an extra person with you” Athena says and with that said Athena hangs up.

 

Athena goes to Captain Maynard office and asks her if she can have 3 days off and her Captain looks at her and Athena says she has a meeting with DCFS and she is not the only one and Captain Maynard knows she got in touch with Buck so Captain Maynard agrees to it.

 

Athena leaves the office and clocks out and then gets changed and she goes home and she knows that tomorrow life for the 118 won't ever be the same.

Chapter Text

Captain Maynard had sent two police officers to go and get Chris and the person from DCFS met them at Eddie’s house and once all three adults were at the door one of the officers knocked on the door and they waited for someone to answer it.

 

The door opens and a coloured woman with a kind smile and kind eyes answers and she looks at them and wonders what's going on.

 

“Excuse me, I'm from DCFS and I have a court order to remove a child named Christopher Diaz from this house” The DCFS person says.

 

“I'm sorry I don't understand what's going on?” Carla says.

 

“Can we ask who you are?” One of the officers asks.

 

“My name is Carla Price and I work for Mr Diaz as an In-Home Services Nurse” Carla says.

 

“Well Miss Price can you please collect Christopher for us?” The DCFS person asks.

 

Carla closed the door and she goes to Christopher's room and wakes him up and tells him what's going on and the boy is confused but he packs his suitcase and gets his jacket on and Carla tells him that everything is going to ok.

 

Carla opens the door and Chris looks at the three adults and he puts on a brave face as he walks away with the DCFS worker and the two LAPD officers.

 

The next morning Buck had woken up early and he made sure to get his apartment clean for Athena and the DCFS person and he wondered what's going on.

 

Buck has cleaned the kitchen,bathroom,living room and the hallway.

 

Buck is in the middle of cleaning his bedroom when the door goes and Buck looks at his watch and sees it's 9:00 am in the morning so he goes downstairs and opens the door and standing there is Athena and a woman he doesn't recognise but knows she works for DCFS.

 

Buck steps aside and he lets Athena and the woman into his loft.

 

“Evan “Buck” Buckley please meet Kat Slater” Athena says introducing Buck and Kat to each other.

 

“Very nice to meet you Mr Buckley” Kat says and she shakes Buck's hand.

 

Buck does the same and he smiles at the women from DCFS.

 

“Same here” Buck says and he shakes the woman's hand.

 

“Not to sound rude or anything but can you tell me what's going on?” Buck asks.

 

“Last night the LAPD was part of a raid on an underground street fighting ring and I was a part of the task force and when we busted the group there was an individual that was very familiar and that person is currently sitting in a jail cell at the moment” Athena says.

 

Buck knows who the person Athena is talking about and Buck doesn't feel any sympathy for them.

 

“What's happening with Chris?” Buck asks.

 

“That's why we are here” Athena says.

 

Kat tells Buck what's going to be happening and that she understands he is moving to San Francisco and she doesn't have an issue with that but she will need to phone Buck's new boss and get someone from San Francisco DCFS to inspect the house Buck is living in and then if all goes good and Eddie’s parents don't contest then Chris will leave with Buck.

 

Buck tells Kat that he is in contact with Eddie’s family as they all genuinely get on and Kat says that's good but she will still need to speak to them and Buck understands.

 

After speaking some more Kat leaves Buck's apartment and she says she will speak to Buck again.

 

Buck closes the door and he turns around and faces Athena.

 

“How much trouble is Eddie in?” Buck asks.

 

“I'm not going to lie to you. Eddie is facing some heavy charges and the fact that he is a first responder makes things more complicated” Athena says.

 

“Is Eddie looking at jail time or not?” Buck asks.

 

“I don't know sweetheart” Athena says.

 

“OK. I'll get him a lawyer but I don't want anyone to know” Buck says.

 

Athena looks at her son and she loves that he has a massive heart but Eddie needs to fix this himself and Buck shouldn't have to help.

 

“I don't think you should get him a lawyer,” Athena says.

 

“I know I don't have to but I don't want Eddie to get someone who has no idea what they're doing so I want to do this but that's all the help Eddie’s getting from me” Buck says.

 

Athena smiles at her son and she understands what he is saying so she keeps quiet.

 

Athena tells Buck that if he needs anything then to call her and she will be round and she leaves the building.

 

Buck goes over to the counter and he picks up his phone and he calls Abuelas house phone and waits for her to answer.

 

For the past few weeks Buck has been spending a lot of time with Abuela,Tia Peppa and even Helena and Ramon who are in Los Angeles for a few weeks.

 

“Hello Diaz Residence” Abuela says.

 

“Hello Abuela” Buck says.

 

“Even my sweet boy, how are you?” Abuela asks.

 

“I'm ok. Look, is there any chance you and the rest of the family can come over to mine as I need to tell you something?” Buck asks.

 

“Evan please tell me you're not hurt?” Abuela asks.

 

“I'm fine. It's something to do with Eddie and Chris” Buck says.

 

“OK. We are on our way over to yours. We will be there in 20 minutes” Abuela says.

 

Both Buck and Abuela hang up and Buck gets back to cleaning the apartment and by the time he has finished there is another knock at his door and Buck goes and answers it and he sees Tia Peppa,Abuela,Ramon and Helena standing there.

 

Buck lets the group in and he closes the door and he goes and makes everyone coffee.

 

Once the group are sitting at the table and they have their coffee they all wait for Buck to speak.

 

Buck takes a deep breath and he knows that this is something he can't keep to himself.

 

“So the reason I phoned was that over an hour ago Athena stopped by and she was with a women from DCFS and it turns out that Eddie has been arrested during the night as he was street fighting and Athena was part of a task force and she was the one to arrest him” Buck says.

 

“I thought you had a word with him about what we know,” Helena says to her husband.

 

“I did but he ignored what I was saying” Ramon says.

 

“We can deal with that later. Buck, what's happening with Chris?” Tia Peppa asks.

 

“As you guys know I'm a registered foster parent and the person from DCFS is happy to let me take in Chris but it's all up to Ramon and Helena and if they wish for Chris to be with them then he goes with them” Buck says.

 

“Buck we would be happy for Chris to go with you” Helena says.

 

“Helena is right and we know that you would take great care of him and love him unconditionally” Ramon says.

 

“I appreciate it guys but maybe you should take Chris,” Buck says.

 

“Evan we will stand by you no matter what so what's going on with you not wanting to take Chris in?” Ramon asks.

 

“I love Chris don't get me wrong but I'm moving to San Francisco in a few days” Buck says.

 

“And your point is what exactly?” Abuela asks.

 

“I don't want to uproot Chris after he has finally settled here” Buck says.

 

“Buck we understand that your worried but I honestly think that Chris moving to San Francisco for a little while will help him and it's not like you and him can't visit us or we can visit you so please do not worry” Ramon says.

 

“Can I ask how Eddie is doing or have you not been told?” Tia Peppa asks.

 

“He is going to be facing some serious charges but I'm going to get him a lawyer but that's the only thing I'm doing for him as truth is he has brought this on himself and he needs to face the consequences of his actions” Buck says.

 

“We understand and we stand by you” Abuela says.

 

The rest of their conversation revolves around what Buck will need to do to make sure Chris stays with Buck and it's going to be made a lot easier with Ramon and Helena supporting Buck.

 

Ramon's phone goes off and he looks at the number and he doesn't recognise the number but he knows it's an official number and Ramon knows its DCFS.

 

Ramon answers the call.

 

“Mr Ramon Diaz speaking,” Ramon says.

 

“Mr Diaz my name is Kat Slater and I'm a social worker with DCFS and I'm phoning you regarding your grandson Christopher” Kat says.

 

“Yes,me and my wife are fully aware what this call is about as we are currently speaking to Buck and we are in full support of him getting custody of Christopher” Ramon says.

 

“OK, that makes my job so much easier, thank you,” Kat says.

 

Ramon and Kat hang up and Buck is thankful for the support.

 

Kat puts the phone down and leaves her office and she goes into the next room.

 

“Hey Chris, are you ready to go live with your Bucky?” Kat asks.

 

“Yes I can't wait to live with my Bucky” Chris says.

 

“Well then let's go,” Kat says.

 

Both Kat and Chris leave the children's home and Kat drives Chris to Buck's and once she is parked outside the building she gets out the car and opens the car and picks Chris up and puts him down and she closes the car door.

 

After Chris and Kat enter the building and they take the elevator and they get out the elevator and once at Buck's door Chris knocks on the door and when it opens Buck greets him by pulling him into a massive hug.

Chapter Text

Buck and Chris hugged for what seemed like hours and they both cried a little bit but no one said anything.

 

After a few minutes both men pull apart and Buck leads Chris to the sofa.

 

Kat closes the door and she joins Buck and Chris in the living room.

 

Chris doesn't know why he is staying with his Bucky but he can't wait to have fun with him.

 

Buck knows that Chris is wondering what's going on so Buck is going to speak with him but he is only getting told certain information.

 

“Ok buddy I'm going to tell you what's going on but I can only tell you certain information as I don't know a lot and obviously you are still young so I don't want to tell you too much.” Buck says.

 

Buck looks at Kat and she gives him a nod.

 

“So last night unfortunately your dad was arrested as he did a bad thing and unfortunately he can't take care of you as he needs to get help as it's clear you dad is struggling so until he is better you're going to live with me.” Buck says.

 

Kat sees that Buck struggled with finding the right words to tell Chris but he did well and Kat can tell it was hard for Buck.

 

“Is dad going to be allowed to see me?.” Chris asks.

 

Buck looks at Kat and she gives him a reassuring smile so Buck takes a deep breath.

 

“At the moment he won't be able to see you but it's only until your dad gets better.” Buck says.

 

Chris looks at Buck and then at Kat and whatever is going on with his dad he knows that it's serious so he will stay strong and he knows Buck only has his best interests out for him.

 

Kat can see how much Buck cares about Chris and that he wants to try and protect the boy from the truth.

 

“So since you are staying with me for a little while there is something you need to know. We aren't going to be staying in Los Angeles as I'm moving to San Francisco and I have spoken with your grandparents and Abuela and Tia Peppa and they all agree that moving to San Francisco will be a good move as it will help you heal and you will get a change of scenery. Is that ok Chris?.” Buck asks.

 

Chris is shocked that Buck is moving to San Francisco but he is more shocked that he is moving with him and it would be nice to leave Los Angeles for some time as it's been hard for him.

 

“How long are we going to live there for?.” Chris asks.

 

“It's going to be permanent buddy as I got an offer from a firehouse there and they can't wait to have me.” Buck says.

 

“Will you tell dad where we are?.” Chris asks.

 

Buck doesn't know how to answer that question as he doesn't know what he is allowed to tell Chris.

 

“Unfortunately your Bucky won't be able to tell your dad where you guys have moved to as we need to make sure that he gets better and then once he has then he may not be allowed to see you.” Kat says.

 

“Chris I know this is hard and I'm sorry that you have had to go through this but your dad needs to get better first and I'm sure that once he has and then proved himself then maybe you can call him.” Buck says.

 

Chris hugs Buck and he knows that Buck is just trying to make him feel better.

 

Kat decides to leave and she tells Buck that she is just waiting on word back from San Francisco DCFS and once she gets the call and the paperwork then she can sign off on him leaving with Chris but she doesn't see there being any issues.

 

Buck escorts Kat out and once he closes the door he goes to Chris and tells him that he is going to make sure to put him first and that he only wants to protect him and Chris knows that Buck will always be there for him.

 

Buck decides to let Chris sleep in his bed for a few hours as he probably hasn't had a good night's sleep.

 

While Chris is sleeping Buck calls a lawyer and it's the lawyer that handled his lawsuit and thankfully it's not Chase Mackey.

 

Buck decided to go with a different lawyer when he chose to file a lawsuit against Bobby and the fire department as Buck made sure to do his research on Chase.

 

Los Angeles Police Department.

 

Eddie is sitting in the interview room and he feels like he is crawling out of his skin.

 

The door opens and two police officers step in and they look at Eddie and then they close the door.

 

Both officers take a seat and they start the recording.

 

Just as everyone has stated who they are, the door opens and a woman enters.

 

“Mr Diaz I'm Sonya Paxton and I've been appointed as your lawyer. My client is not going to answer any questions until I have spoken to him so leave the room and don't bother listening through the one way mirror.” Sonya says.

 

The two officers leave and they can tell that this is one lawyer you don't want to get on the wrong side of.

 

“I'm sorry but who hired you?.” Eddie asks.

 

“I have been hired by Even “Buck” Buckley as his previous lawyer recommended me. Now let's talk about the situation you have found yourself in and how stupid you have been.” Sonya says.

 

Eddie looks at the woman and she is clearly someone who says what she thinks.

 

Eddie tells her the whole story and how he never meant to get addicted and that at first it was only supposed to be one match but one match turned into two matches and then two turned into three and before Eddie knew it he was sneaking out and looking forward to the fights.

 

Sonya looks at Eddie and she thinks why the hell is she taking this case but since Buck asked her to do it and she knows what's happened to him she knows he doesn't want Diaz's son to suffer.

 

“Ok Mr Diaz I've heard enough. This is what's going to be happening.

 

When you are questioned by the two officers you will tell them everything and give them names and tell them who introduced you to the street fighting, you will also admit you need help and have been struggling since your wife died and how you were the firefighter/paramedic to respond and then when your son was involved in the tsunami that made things worse but you are willing to get help and to accept responsibility for what you did.

 

Now I will get you a deal that helps you to stay out of prison and to hopefully not lose your son forever but I'm going to be honest if I were prosecuting you I would make sure you lost access to your son completely but that's not what I'm going to do as I've been hired to help you and I will help you.” Sonya says.

 

Eddie nods and he knows this is his last chance.

 

The two officers come back in and they get told that Eddie is ready to be interviewed but Sonya says she wants a deal and it to go on record as Eddie has lots of information.

 

The two officers check with their captain and the prosecutor and he tells them to agree to a deal.

 

When the two officers tell Sonya that a deal can be made, that's when Eddie tells them everything and he has so much to tell them that Sonya knows the deal won't include any jail time.

 

Eddie finishes telling the officers everything and they turn the tape off and tell Eddie he will be taken to his cell while the deal is being made.

 

Eddie gets taken to his cell and Sony meets with the prosecutor and he straight away says 2 years in prison and 4 years probation.

 

Sonya says no to that deal and she sees that the guy wants to play hardball but the information Eddie has given is going to put a lot of people away.

 

The lawyer says no prison time but Eddie needs to get help and see a therapist and he can no longer be a first responder and he loses access to his son for 4 years and is only allowed supervised visits and he doesn't get to choose who his son stays with.

 

Eddie also has to cut ties with anyone from the 118 as it is clear they are un-healthy people and Eddie can not be seen with them.

 

Sonya agreed to the deal and she knows that Eddie is getting a good deal as she would have made sure Eddie faced more consequences.

 

Athena comes into the room and she tells Sonya and the other lawyer that she has information on Christopher Diaz.

 

The lawyer asks Athena to tell them and Athena informs them that Buck has custody of Chris as it's in Eddie’s will and Eddie’s parents have agreed to let Buck take Chris.

 

Sonya informs Athena that Eddie will be getting told as she needs to inform him of the deal but he won't be able to decide who has Chris.

 

Sonya leaves the room and she goes to Eddie’s cell.

 

The officer opens it and Sonya steps in.

Eddie looks at his lawyer and he is ready for the consequences.

 

“This is the deal that me and the prosecutor have agreed on and they are non-negotiable.

 

There will be no prison time, you will be getting help and seeing a therapist.

You can no longer be a first responder or anything that is classed as a first responder.

You will lose access to your son for 4 years and are only allowed supervised visits and you can no longer have any say where your son goes and who he stays with but just to let you know Mr Buckley has taken in your son.

 

You will be cutting ties with anyone from the 118 as it is clear they are un-healthy people and you can not be seen with them.” Sonya says.

 

Eddie looks at his lawyer and he knows he is lucky that he is not serving prison time and he wants to be angry that Buck has custody of his son but he knows he can't.

 

Sonya leaves the cell and she knows that Eddie needs to spend the night and hopefully this is a wake up call.

 

Firehouse 118.

 

Bobby walks into the firehouse and he goes to his office and knows that he is going to have a lot of paperwork to do.

 

Ever since Buck was proved right that Bobby was holding him back things have been stressful and Bobby has constantly been dealing with the chiefs of not only the 118 but other chiefs from other firehouses as word spread that Buck was within his rights and Bobby has become public enemy number one.

 

Hen sees Bobby and she knows that he is struggling but she hopes that he isn't drinking.

 

“Morning Hen.” Bobby says.

 

“Are you doing ok?.” Hen asks.

 

“Yes I'm doing fine.” Bobby says.

 

A few other firefighters pass Bobby and Hen and they both get ignored.

 

Both adults look at each other and they know that they need to just push through what's happening.

 

Hen goes and walks to the loft and Bobby heads to his office.

 

Los Angeles Police Station.

Captain Maynard and Athena are in the office and Athena is getting told what she is allowed to access and she is taking a step back as she is personally involved in this and honestly she knows the suspect.

 

“Athena I know you want to work this case but you can not as it's against the rules and I'm sick of you disobeying orders so I'm suspending you for a month with pay.” Elaine says.

 

“I understand Elaine and I know that you have to make the hard choices.” Athena says.

 

Athena gets up and she nods to her boss and she goes and gets changed.