Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

Three months, three months since he was aloud back at work. Three months since anyone at the firehouse had spoken to him in a friendly manner. Hen was the last when she offered him that cupcake and said something like she moved to the beat of her own drum not other people's. That only lasted an hour. Three months he hadn't been going on calls, all he's done is re-stock the engine's and ambulances, clean the vehicle's, stock room inventory and ordering as well as cleaning the bay, locker room, toilets, dishes on top of cleaning up after every meal even though he wasn't welcome to join any of those meals. Buck brings in his own meals, and if they haven't been thrown out he takes them up into the roof to eat. He sleeps when the rest of the team is on calls because they huff and carry on if he's in there when they are.

Normally all this 118 drama would have made him feel depressed, but he's got an amazing dinner planned for his boyfriend and his chosen family. Nothing could dampen his mood, no ridicule, no jokes aimed to hurt, no shoulder checks as he walks past someone and no Bobby yelling at him for no reason. Noting will ruin his mood. Though they try, Chimney's jokes are rather vicious, Anderson and Peters love dropping their shoulders into him as they walk past, Eddie blatantly ignores him like he doesn't exist, Hen watches him but when he looks back at her she quickly lowers her head and walks away and Bobby has yelled at him twice so far this shift for a stain in the bay area that has been there since before he started at the fire house over 3 years ago.

The team was out on a call to a three alarm fire in the early hours of the morning, as Buck had completed all tasks he decides to take a nap while everyone was out. The team gets back just after 0800. "This place is a fucking pigsty, where's Buckley" Bobby yelled "Buckley get your ass out here". Buck awakes to the sound of Bobby yelling in the engine bay and walks towards the noise. "I'm here Captain Nash, is there something you need done. All my chores have been completed" Buck stood at attention, Bobby walks around the bay "you haven't finished as this bay is fucking disgusting" Buck looks around "I'm sorry captain Nash I'm not seeing what you mean, can you show me so I can rectify the situation?" Bobby kicks one of the bins over "this fucking mess, you will not treat my fire house like a fucking sty. And because you can't do you job properly once you clean this up you should go home" "actually Captain I'm going to leave now, I think I should go and see HR I'm sure they would love to look at the footage from that camera" Buck points to the camera just above Bobby "and all the others, remember they record sound too" he said the last with a grin on his face, turned and walked to his locker and packed everything into his duffel bag including his photos of himself and Chris. Leaving every photo that had one of the members of the 118 in it, including those with him Chis and Eddie

Once Buck got to his Jeep he called LAFD head office to book an appointment with HR informing them it was a case of bullying that had continued and worsen over the last three months and most of it will be seen on the security cameras located around the firehouse. After hanging up he started the Jeep and heading out of the lot and towards LAFD's head office. Buck was heading along Wilsure listening to some music, when a large black SUV jumped the median strip. With no time to move or stop the SUV barrelled head on into him. Buck came too blood running down his face, the windshield in front of him was a spider web of broken glass the centre pushed outwards, highly possible his head hit the windshield so possible concussion with the cuts. The steering wheel pushed up against his stomach and lower ribs, definitely broken ribs possible internal injuries. His right leg looked ok he could move his toes, his left leg however he could see a bone sticking out. "Great, but whys it always this leg" he mumbled to himself. His left arm was sore but he could move it, his right hand bent back at a weird angle at the wrist. "Well this will be fun, at least I have a boyfriend for that" he laughed to himself as he heard the sirens in the distance. He started to feel drowsy, yep there's a concussion. He fought hard to stay awake, the last thing he saw was someone run up in a LAFD turnover coat.

The 118 was sitting in the emergency waiting, waiting to hear from the doctor about Buck. Maddie had shown up 10 min after the 118, having left dispatch as soon as she heard her brothers name over the radio. Athena walked in not long behind her, glad this was her day off so she wouldn't have been stuck at the accident site waiting to hear what was going on from Bobby. Eddie was pacing back and forth, Maddie's for was tapping, Bobby praying the rosary and Chimney trying to keep Maddie calm. Athena and Hen were the only one to notice the athletically built man with the red hair walk up to the charge nurse's desk with fear in his grey blue eyes, they couldn't hear what he said but Athena swears she could read the name Evan on his lips. 

Liam was at HQ of Beast Security Management when the Cedars-Sinai hospital called, "sorry Hell Beast" his boss John's old call sign "Evan's in the hospital something about a car crash, I gotta go" John just nodded his head, he was a man of very few words. Liam ran out to his car sending a message to Cam on the way, jumped in and drove as fast as he could without wrapping himself around a phone pole. Once he found a park he ran as fast as he could, his breathing laboured not by the excursion of running, but the pure fear rolling through his body. The last three times Evan was in hospital he almost died and Liam was overseas for work, will this be the time he doesn't survive? The thought running through his head over and over again. 

After giving his and Evan's name to the charge nurse he was directed to the waiting area. He noticed the group sitting together with one pacing back and forth, Liam knew exactly who they were. His rage grew taking over his fear. 

Around 45min after he arrived a doctor walked out from the doors to the emergency department and asked "the next of kin for Mr Evan Buckley", she wore a white coat with a name tag that had the word doctor in large red print and the surname Lazdon under it. Dr Lazdon looked calm, well composed Liam relaxed at seeing this his love not in any major danger. The 118 jumped to their feet Maddie scrambling to the front "that's me I'm his sister Maddie Buckley" "I'm sorry but you're not listed as next of kin" the Dr Lazdon apologised as she checked her records "than it should be me Robbery Nash, he may not have changed it since you've been back Maddie" "if not them than it would be me Edmundo Diaz" Eddie added. Liam sat back with an evil glint in his eye he knew none of them where listed, Buck had changed it all two months ago when he gave up on repairing things with the 118. "I'm sorry but none of you are listed, I'm looking for a Mr Liam Sullivan" Liam stood up at his name "I'm here mamm" "good please follow me to the private room so we can discuss Mr Buckley's treatment". Liam nodded his head and followed the her, he could feel Maddie and Eddie's eyes burning a hole in his back. 

"I'm sorry about that mamm, unfortunately it's a delicate situation between Evan and his firehouse" Liam apologised "nothing to worry about Mr Sullivan, the hospital will only inform you and the other two listed on Mr Buckley's records. On that we were able to reach Mr Kazansky but not Mr Mitchell, do you have a way to reach him?" "Mr Mitchell is Mr Kazansky's husband telling one tells both" Liam answered. The doctor smiled "fair enough, so to Mr Buckley he has sustained a grade 1 concussion, fractured left ulna, 4 fractured ribs 3 left 1 right, 2 broken ribs 1 either side, a dislocated wrist on his right side, broken left tibia which has punctured the skin, a fractured left femur and some minor scrapes, cuts and bruises" "shit" Liam whispered "with the Ulna break was that where the plates and screws are, and will it effect his ability to walk" he asked. The doctor smiled "I did see his records regarding his left leg, the break was located on the upper part if the tibia so won't effect the previously damaged area so with so rest and physical therapy I believe he won't have a single issue. But also talking about his records I see he's had a bad reaction to the screws and pins in his leg causing blood clotting, but his previous doctor didn't want to remove them till his leg had healed better. If you give the ok I believe his leg has healed enough so that I can remove the plates, screws and pins while we set the rest of his leg" "really, oh he would really love that. Be warned he's a hugger and you will have made his year" Liam was grinning from ear to ear "so there's nothing overly complicated, so you have nothing to worry about. We will keep him hear for a few nights after surgery but as long as he rests and has help getting around he will make a full recovery. But I will leave you to the drama out there and go fix Mr Buckley up" Dr Lazdon smiles at him "thanks doc, but I think I'd prefer going under the knife myself then dealing with out there" she laughs "as long as you don't make more work for me deal with that as you will" with that she turns and heads for the operating theatre. 

As soon as Liam steps back into the waiting area, the man he knows to be Eddie is right in his face "I'm Bucks best friend, who the fuck are you?" "Oh I know who you are, I know who all of you are. Henrietta Wilson, Howard "Chimney" Han, Robert Nash, Athena Grant, Maddie Buckley" Liam pointed to each in turn "and you Eddie Diaz father of Christopher Diaz. I know all there's is to know about you all. I'm Bucks partner" at that moment the elevator doors open and two men run over the stocky one speaks first "sarg?" Followed by his athletically built companion "Sully, how's Evan? Is he going to be OK?" Liam turned to the athletically built one "He's going to be ok, he'll be wearing few casts and be a pain in my ass for a few weeks but he will live" Liam had a quick glance around the room "Cam take Nick down the the cafeteria and get me a coffee please" Cameron with a puzzled look on his face questioned Liam "why what's going on? There's only a few reasons you wouldn't want us here right now" Cameron's eyes searched the room and it clicked why Liam wanted them gone "fuck" he knew these people would trigger Nick's what Cameron liked to call his mumma bear mode, and Nick's mumma bear mode could turn aggressive. Cameron turned to Nick "come on babe we'll get Sully his coffee and some snacks for us for while we wait", Nick searched the room before allowing Cameron to pull him away. 

Liam turned back to the 118 "as I was saying I'm Bucks partner Liam Sullivan" Liam turned to Athena as he saw her pull out her phone "I wouldn't bother with the background Sargent, most of it is redacted". Athena put her phone away "he called you sarg and you have a redacted file, your military aren't you?" She queried "ex-marine to be precise, those two" he pointed towards the elevator "the smaller just got discharged and the bigger is on leave. So no point looking them up either". "I don't give a fuck who you are jar head, you're not stopping me from seeing Buck" Eddie stepped up in front of Liam who smiled back at him "listen up Staff Sargent Edmundo Diaz, your job was to save lives mine was to take them" each member of the 118 gasped "If Buck decides he wants to talk to you only then will you get to see him, if he doesn't you will not be getting within 100 feet of him or I will put you down" Liam turned his back to Eddie and faces the rest of the 118 family "there's only one of you that I know Buck would be willing to talk to, Sargent that would be you" Athena's eyes lit up "the rest of you can leave unless Buck decides he wants to talk to you, I'm sure the Sargent will call you if that happens" " but I'm his sister, he needs me" Maddie screams, Liam's piercing grey blue eyes focus all their ire on Maddie "He needs a sister like you like he needs a hole in his head" Maddie gasps "you haven't been actively involved in his life for more then half of his almost 30 years, and you've managed to abandon him 3 times that I know of. Once when he was 9, once when he was 17 and than again 4 months ago. Each time was for a man" "he sued all of us" she cried "no he sued Bobby and the brass, none of this lot" he pointed to every one but Bobby "were named in the suit, they were just evidence to show Bobby's discriminatory behaviour towards Buck. But you were never part of it, you could have spoken to him at any time. You the person who knows what is like to be isolated, you who knows how isolated your parents made him feel, could have broken that isolation but chose to side with this buffoon" he pointed to Chimney "instead of her own brother. But what could he expect from someone who's lied to him his whole life" Liam raised an eyebrow staring Maddie down "I've never lied to him" she replied, Liam's eyes turned completely grey with fury not an ounce of blue in them "Daniel" Maddie suddenly dropped to the floor crying out and sobbing at that single name said in a voice full of rage.

Chimney tried to help Maddie up as Hen questioned "who the hell is Daniel and why would Buck have sued Bobby for discriminatory behaviour when it was the brass who wouldn't let him back" "on the first point I would ask that idiot" Liam pointed to Chimney "he has the look of someone who already knows, telling you boyfriend something you've hidden from your own brother, you really are a terrible sister. On the second these two can tell you" he moved his arm from Chimney to Athena and Bobby in a flourish like he was on a game show revealing prizes "though I think the Sargent could possibly answer both with her love of background checks". Both Bobby and Chimney hung their heads in shame as both Eddie's and Hen's eyes darted between the two. Athena sighed "Buck was cleared to come back to work a few months before he sued, he'd past all his clearances and his recertification" Liam interrupted "and broke a few records in the process" Athena nodded and continued "but even though the brass was willing to welcome Buck back, Bobby decided to say Buck was a liability and used the blood thinners as an excuse instead of admitting he was scared Buck was going to get hurt again, especially as he blames himself for the bombing. Maddie did you want me to say your part?" Athena questioned, Maddie nodded as she wrapped herself in Chimneys arms. "Buck was born for a reason, he wasn't the first Buckley son. Before Buck was born Daniel Buckley was diagnosed with leukaemia " Hen's hands shot to her mouth as she gasped, she understood what Athena was saying "no one in the family was a match, so the Buckley's made Buck to match Daniel perfectly. What I found showed Buck donated his umbilical blood, stem cells and went through two bone marrow transplants before Daniel passed when Buck was less than 18months old, he's a saviour baby" everyone was quiet for a moment. All anyone could hear was Maddie's sobs until it was broken by Eddie "holy fuck, holy fuck, holy fuck. Those are major surgeries that even adults struggle with let alone a fucking baby. Maddie is this why your patents treat him like shit, because he "failed" to save their child like he was made for?" Maddie nodded "Fuck, I understand why the made him but I hate it. If I was in their position with Chris I don't know what I'd do, but I'd never turn on the kid like it was their fault" "It explains Buck desire to help and save people regardless of his own well-being" Hen added.

Liam realised both Cam and Nick were back as Cam handed him his coffee "how long have you two been back" "a while" Cam spoke quietly trying not to disturb the 118's discussions. "What's going on Sully, what's going on with Evan?" Cam questioned concern obvious on his face, Liam pulled Cam into a one arm hug "he's in surgery, I'm waiting to hear more but they believe he will make a full recovery, don't stress corporal" Cam poked him in the side with a grin on his face "I'm out now asshole", "just like Nick still calls me sarg, you will always be corporal, just like Buck will always be Lieutenant Commander. It's just what happens" Liam says as Eddie's attention turns back to him "Buck's not a Lieutenant Commander, he never served" Liam with one arm holding his coffee around Cam's waist, he dragged his other hand down his face "Buck is a former SEAL, his file is more redacted than my own. It's just easier for him not to talk about it because there's not much he can say, especially with people who ask 5,000 questions but can't keep a secret" all eyes turn to Chimney. Hen shrugs her shoulders "fair", "he's right about Buck's file I looked into him after he helped with that B&E after the whole baby incident, most of it is blacked out until about a year before he joined the LAFD, but everything before he turned 18 was all there including his adoption" Maddie broke out of her despair "What adoption, Buck doesn't have any kids" "fuck you need to talk to your man about secrets sarg" Nick piped up "would you tell this lot all your secrets Nick. Sargent Grant is talking about Evan being adopted, Maddie after you left the first time your parents wanted nothing to do with him and sent him to a military academy. A visiting officer found him in a cleaning cupboard reading up on the different aircraft used by the navy, the officer was intrigued and looked into Buck and found everything about your patents. So he and his husband took him in. Buck's parents are both naval aviators" Nick nodded at Liam's words "well Mav is still an Aviator well more test pilot, but Ice is a 4 star Admiral now" Cam corrected, "wait, wait, wait. Are you saying Buck's father is Admiral Tom "Ice Man" Kazansky?" A further realisation hits Eddie "oh fuck that means his other father is Maverick, shit. I've heard stories no wonder he's the way he is" the rest of the 118 turn to Eddie "who" Bobby asked. Nick smiled as he stepped up next to Cam on the opposite side to Liam pulling him out of Liam's arm and positioning him in front so he could rest his chin on Cam's shoulder while he watched the 118 "Maverick or Commander Pete Mitchell, is one of if not the best aviators in the world. However he had a habit of causing trouble and breaking rules" "are you disparaging my husband corporal" a distinguished, finely dress man says. All three Marines and Eddie stand to attention "no sir he wasn't, he was explaining Mav and what we mean when we say he and Buck are very alike sir" Liam spoke, Ice sighed "yes may husband and son are very alike, dysfunctional birth families and isolation for the win" Ice jokes before continuing "Liam we've spoken about you not calling me sir, you've been with my son for over a year now and you've been a civilian for 10 years. That goes for your pseudo son and his husband and boyfriend. Plus none of us are on duty so at ease all of you" the the Marines relax "sorry Ice, you know I still work with a lot of military types. The ranks just carry over" "yes I know how "Hell Beast" runs his ship. So why were you lot needing to explain Pete and Buck" Tom's eyes widened with realisation "Evan has kept a lot quiet hasn't he?".

"Ummm, I'd say so. Hang on I'm confused on who everyone is and how are they relate to Buck" Chimney's gaze searching everyone's face. Eddie sighs "This is Admiral Kazansky he is one of the highest ranking people in the military, and from the sounds of things he's one of Buck's adopted fathers" "correct Staff Sargent, Evan's other father should be here in a few hours. He's riding here from Nevada. This is my sons partner for over a year now, former marine Sargent Liam Sullivan recon, current personal security operator. His pseudo son marine Corporal Cameron Cope recon and his husband marine Corporal Nicholas Slovacek Infantryman. Where's former marine Corporal Brandon Hicks Infantryman?" "On a job sir... sorry sir going to take a bit to break that habit" Cam replied "god help who ever is near that boy, sometimes I think he's worse than Pete and Evan combined" Liam laughed at Ice's words "not far from it on that one Ice"

Once Ice has finished the introductions the doors to the emergency ward swoosh open, the Dr Lazdon gets Liam's attention and directs him back to the room they used before "Ice we're needed over here" Liam turns to the doctor "this is Evan's father Tom Kazansky" she nods and the two of them follow her into the private room. "How's my son doc" Ice asks "Evan got through surgery as expected, he is currently sedated and probably won't wake up for a few more hours. He should be able to go home in a few days as long as someone stays with him so he doesn't aggravate any of his injuries. You're welcome to sit with him now, but we'll only allow 2 at a time. Is there any questions I can answer for you?" "None from me, you Liam?" "No none from me either, but I also don't want to leave Nick out there with that lot too long. He's been itching to put them in their place since he's heard everything they put Evan through" Liam responded. The two quickly thank the doctor and moved back into the waiting room, where they find all of the 118 family besides Athena had left. "What did you do Nick" Liam asked sternly "nothing, I promise. The Sargent spoiled my fun and sent them away" Nick replied with a grin on his face. "Thank you Athena, I don't need to bail this one out on top of everything plus I don't think I could handle more questions about Evan right now. So before you ask he's surgery went well and he's In the ICU we can visit him two at a time" Liam spoke as he plopped into one of those uncomfortable hospital chairs "no thanks needed after hearing about everything I'm not happy with them either so I thought it was best they left especially as I could see Eddie and your son getting into a fight" "my son isn't the one you need to worry about, he would knock them out with one shot. He's husband is the one to watch, he's pissed enough to want to cause pain the reason Nick was holding Cam in front of him was to stop himself. Just be glad their boyfriend Hicks isn't here, he's always had a screw loose but his heart is in the right place" "can I ask you some questions?" Liam nodded "why do you call Buck, Buck with us but Evan with everyone else?" "Buck is his work name, its a way he separates his work life from his personal" Athena was intrigued by his reply but moved to her next question "how did he became your son, there's probably only 10 years between you" Athena asked, Liam laughed "now that's a story, during basic down at Paris Island the three of them Cam, Nick and Hicks, where in the same platoon. One of their DI's got moved because he attacked a recruit, which I found out later was Cam's best friend. I took over for that DI, I knew Cam was gay as soon as soon as I laid eyes on him. He reminded me of myself back when I started at basic small, weak and everyone thought I didn't belong. So I was hard on him, either to make him quit or make him stronger. I thought I was saving his life, but I was kind of hard on him. I made a few mistakes, and at times was probably too hard on him. I was going through my own issues, with being under investigation for being gay myself. I almost walked away from the marines and running from the investigation. Cam stopped me from running and to face the charges, thanks to my Captain the charges were dropped but I lost my pride in the marines. Cam and I stayed in contact, I went into personal security, about a year later Cam and Nick started seeing each other, 6 months after that Hicks joined them until he had enough of the military and started working with me thankfully he's on a job right now. I meet Buck when Hicks busted up his leg, I'd take him to physical therapy a couple of times a week. Buck and I got chatting, I was attracted to his drive and the rest is history"

Athena smiled "should we head to to the ICU and work out a rotation" Liam nodded and lead everyone up stairs. Liam and Ice were the first in the room. Buck looked so small bundled up under the blankets, IV attached to his arm and leads going from his chest to the machine that showed his heart beat. Ice sat in the seat on Buck's left taking Buck's hand into both of his, raising them up to his lips. Liam could see Ice whispering words into Buck's hand but could only make out a few of them "....don't leave......son.......love you.........too much like your father..........always hurt.......love you....". Liam found Ice's whispers relaxing, he leant forward brushed Buck's hair back and kissed his forehead. He sat back in his own chair on Buck's right and placed his hand on the elbow running his thumb along the skin, the two of them sat there for almost an hour Liam listening to Ice whisper into Buck's hand. 

Liam stepped out to allow Athena in but part way through talking with her the elevator opened to a man wearing a later jacket over a tight white shirt and a pair of jeans holding an open face helmet "Liam, where the fuck is my son? I need to see him" "Mav, we weren't expecting you for another hour" Liam said in shock "my son is hurt, fuck speed limits. I go mach V on the daily" Liam's eyes darted to Athena as she raised her hands "I didn't hear that" Liam turned back to Maverick "Ice is with him right now, I'll take you to the room" Maverick pulled Liam into a hug and thanked him before Liam lead him to the room where he found Ice in the same position whispering into Buck's hand. Half an hour later Liam hugged Cam and Nick and sent them home with the promise they can see Buck when he was awake tomorrow. He and Athena then snuck into Buck's room together. Maverick saw them enter smiled and gave Liam his seat and walked over to his husbands side and rested his hand on Bucks shoulder as Athena stood at the foot of the bed with her hand on his good leg. Everyone was quiet till Maverick asked "Liam, what's the damage?" Liam walked them through every injury but left the best till last "they've taken out the metal in his leg, he will be so happy plus in about a week or so no more blood thinners" "oh thank god, hear that Ice some good news for our boy" Maverick smiled. "So you're saying he comes off the blood thinners because the metal has been removed, did the metal cause the blood clots?" Ice for the first time since walking into Bucks room lifted his head "yes, he had a reaction to the cobalt screws and pins which caused the clots. They wouldn't take them out till he healed enough" his words were soft "everyone thought they were caused by him pushing himself" Athena was confused, before Ice could get riled up Liam jumped in, he knew this topic pissed Ice off "Buck wasn't pushing too hard, his physio's loved his progress they were always encouraging him not to slow him down and to use his progress to push himself further. But people were trying to push him into a desk job that could have killed him. Desk jobs are sedentary, lack of movement can cause blood clots. You'd think a nurse, an army medic, 2 paramedics and a fire captain would have that knowledge". As the information Liam had given her registered in Athena's head, Ice gasped and softly spoke "Evan I felt you finger move are you awake" Maverick ran his fingers through Buck's hair "son where here, open your eyes please" a gravelled "pop? dad?" softly escaped Buck's lips. Maverick leant forward kissed his son's head "we're here little bird" Buck hasn't been called by that nickname for well over a decade, Liam smiled the son of two aviators it just fit. Though Buck's eyes didn't open tears still ran down the side of his face. "Here's some water love, small sips" Liam held the straw to Buck's mouth while kissing the tear from the corner of his eye, Buck smiled as he took a sip leaning into Liam's kiss. Athena stepped out to tell the nurse, when she re-entered the lights were dim and Buck's eyes were open " 'Thena, mis'd you" "I missed you too baby, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you" Athena spoke with tears running down her face "you're here now" Buck said softly with a smile on his face. 

The doctor and a nurse entered, as Dr Lazdon entered she looked around the room and shook her head "I should have known" Liam smiled "hey we got rid of the rest if that helps" she smiled back "I'll let it go this time, Mr Buckley how are you feeling, are you in any pain?" "A little stiff but no pain, you must have me on the good shit" Buck and Maverick giggled, Ice glared at Maverick. The doctor shook her head still smiling, she then went through all of Buck's injuries and his treatment and follow ups. Liam was right when Buck heard about how the metal was removed from his leg he tried to jump up and hug her, it took both Liam and Maverick pushing Bucks shoulders back into the bed for him to stop. Once the doctor left Maverick spoke "its a pity about your hand, but I guess that's what Liam's for" Ice back handed his husband, Buck turned to his father "hey that's what I thought when I saw it in the Jeep" Liam's face went red as Ice sighed "way too much like your damn father, how did I end up with you two?" "Hey you took us both on of your own free will hun" Maverick smiled at his husband "guess I'm just a glutton for punishment then" Ice sighed with a smile on his face. "Talking about the Jeep how bad is its?" Buck asked as detective Lou Ransone walked through the open door "sorry Buckley it's a mess, you won't be seeing it again" Buck started to panic "no, no, no, no I need to get it there's something important" he started to hyperventilate, Liam jumped into action put Buck's good hand on his chest over his heart "feel my heart and match my breathing in for four, hold, then out for four" he continued walking Buck through the steps until he calmed down. Liam spoke softly "there's nothing more important than you, what ever it is we can replace it" "but it was for you I was planning a dinner for you and the boys" tears start running down Buck's face " Hick's is coming home early to surprise you and I wanted your the boys there for when I give it to you" Ice, Maverick and Athena share a look. Buck continued "it was a one of a kind that I designed" he took a deep breath eyes staring to water "I was going to ask you to marry me" Liam's started to cry with him "it's OK baby we'll sort all that out once you're all healed" Liam looked up at Maverick and Ice with a smile reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small box "but in the meantime why don't you wear this one and say yes as I ask you to marry me" Buck's eye lit up "Evan George Buckley-Kazansky-Mitchell will you do me the honour of sharing the rest of your life with me" Buck started to sob as he hugged his new finance with a "yes baby forever". The whole room was silent for a few moments everyone basking in the happiness before them, Lou broke the silence "I'm sorry to break things up here, I need to ask Evan a few questions..... ahh but first I found something that belongs to you, or maybe it belongs to you now" his eyes turned from Buck to Liam as he opened his hand, a ring made of three piece's of gold braided together each a strand a different colour of gold and layed over a platinum band inlayed with black diamonds. No one was quick enough to stop Buck reaching forward and pulling Lou into a bear hug, his body run out of tears as he continued to sob as he constantly thanked Lou. He took the ring from Lou's hand and turned to Liam holding it "can I?" He asked "yes baby" soon as Buck heard the yes he was sliding the ring on Liam's finger. 

Both Buck's fathers stood up hugged their son and future son in-law "we'll leave you in Liam's capable hands, we need to go find a hotel for a few nights" Maverick announced, Buck turned to his father "no you don't, babe hand me your loft key" Liam took the key to Buck's loft off his key ring and handed it over. Buck continued "you can stay at the loft, it might need some airing out I haven't been there for two weeks. But its clean, the bed has new sheets on it the only thing you'll have to do is get food" Maverick leant down kissed his son on the head and whispered "thanks little bird" Buck's face turned ten shades of read, he sounded like an embarrassed teenager "daaaaad". Athena gave Buck a hug congratulated the two men and stepped out with Buck's father's, leaving the boys with Lou as he questioned Buck about the accident. Athena found out later it was a police chase gone wrong, she was going to have words with the officers in that unmarked SUV.

For the next few days Buck had an endless rotation of Athena, his father's and Liam's boys Cam, Nick and Hicks but Liam was always by his side. Each member of the 118 tried to see Buck each day until Athena yelled at them once she heard everything that had happened. Chief Alonzo visited Buck apologising about how everything was handled from the bombing until now and offered him a transfer to any house of his choice or a glowing reference if he decided to move on. He also told Buck he would receive a rather large bonus for his service both on and off duty, reminding Buck over and over is not a bribe or hush hush money, it's something he earned and is owed. Both Carla and Karen called and asked if they could bring the kids around once they both found out from Athena what was really going on. Buck was worried Eddie wouldn't let Chris come see him until he saw his favourite Diaz walk through the door with Carla a few steps behind "Bucky" Chris yelled and ran to Buck as quick as he's legs could go, he was quickly followed by Denny as Karen walked through the door. Both boys tried to hug him all the adults Karen, Carla and Athena had to slow the boys down and remind them Buck's very sore so soft hugs only. The boys stood on either side of Buck layed an arm over his stomach and rested their heads in his chest. "We missed you Bucky, you've been gone forever" Chris spoke softly into Buck's chest "I know superman but I'm here now" Buck ran his good hand through Chris's hair while the one with the cast was wrapped around Denny. "I heard aunty 'Thena tell momma everyone was mean to you" Denny whispered, Buck's eyes shot to Karen and Athena before quickly trying to distract the boys "hey I've got some people for you two to meet" he pointed at each as he introduced them "Chris and Denny these are my dad's you can call them Iceman and Maverick, this is my partner Liam and his boys Cameron, Nick and Brendon" Buck turned to his military family "everyone this is also Karen Denny's momma, and the is Carla the best in home care nurse in the world she helps look after Chris" everyone says a simple hi. The distraction works on the boys as they turn to Maverick and Ice Denny speaking first "your names are funny" Maverick feigns shock "really I kinda like them, but if you don't like them you could can me Pete or him Tom" Chris seems to mull it over "Nah that's too boring, I like Iceman and Maverick it sounds cool" everyone enjoys their time visiting Buck until it's time to go Karen and Denny being the first to leave Karen whispering "I'm so sorry for what they did to you, please keep in touch you're always welcome in my home and with Denny" he thanked before she left. As the time for Chris to leave came nearer, the boy started to get surly. Buck saw glimpses of Chris as a teenager "you were gone for so long, you can't go away again" Chris cries, Buck's heart breaks "I know buddy and I will do everything I can to see you again" Buck wonders if Eddie will let him see Chris again, or if he can communicate through Carla. He looks up at her she's always been able to read him like a book, she shrugs her shoulders just enough Buck can tell she had no clue what's going to happen. Buck turns to Hicks who's sitting behind Chris "get a hand?" Hicks jumps up and sits Chris on Buck's good leg "do you know why I call you superman " he says as he wraps his arms around the young boy "because I like superheroes?" Chris sniffles out, "well there is that, but no matter what happens to superman he always fights to go home and protect the little people. He has his weaknesses like kryptonite but he fights through and is always a good person just like you. People see your CP as your kryptonite but you always fight through, remember the skateboard" Chris nodded "and no matter what happens you are always a bright happy smart little man. Plus you're indestructible we survived a tsunami together, we can survive anything and just like in the tsunami I will always fight my way back to you". Chris snuggled in closer to Buck "I love you daddy Bucky" there's not a dry eye in the room as Buck ignores the pain in his ribs from Chris's squeeze and replies "I love you too superman". After Chris gets down with a hand from Hicks, Carla wraps her arms around Buck and whispers in his ear "I'll do everything I can Buckaroo, you can always call me hun. I love you just as much as Athena" she kisses the side of his head and leaves, Athena guiding her and Chris out. Buck holds as long as he can allowing Chris to be out of ear shot before he breaks down, both his parents and Liam wrap their arms around him as the sobs wrack his body. Hicks quickly moves over to his boyfriends as the three let the tears flow freely holding each other. Six strong military men turned to blubbering mess's, Ice knowing all 5 other men had issues from absent to abusive fathers, and here his son was showing a little boy the love that Evan struggled to accept for himself even now. 

Once everyone composed themselves Maverick looked over at Ice "dose that kid remind you of someone" a grin stretches across Ice's face before he replies "you mean a 9 year old Evan". Athena laughs as she walks back into the room ignoring all the red rimmed eyes int the room "that does not surprise me" she turns her gaze to Buck light shining in her eyes "other than the last four months he's helped raise that boy for over two years, he's got Buck's thirst for knowledge and his checky sass" she smiled at him, "what sass?" Buck called out. Athena smiled "do I need to remind you the of the first time we meet?" Buck hung his head "fuck" Athena dived into her story of a baby stuck in a pipe in an apartment block wall, a young girl too young to make decisions about herself let alone the baby she birthed and a young probationary fire fighter who yelled at a police Sargent. "After I looked at his file I understood why he was so protective of the baby and had such distaste for the mother, but at the time I just wanted to slap him senseless" everyone laughed as there was a knock at the door as a nurse walked into the room. He stands at the foot of the bed "I'm sorry Mr Buckley, I believe I already know the answer to this" the nurse takes a breath "have you changed your mind about your sister visiting, she's in the waiting room again and she's being rather aggressive and vocal" the look on Bucks face quickly changed from joyous to dejected "this is like 8th time in 3 days, no I didn't change my mind" Buck turns to Athena "is there something we can do to make her stay away, like an avo?" "An avo or restraining order isn't an option till she threatens you or does actual harm, I can give her an order to move on that will give you 24hours of peace" Hicks stood up "I can make her go away" everyone in the room turned their heads to him a solid "NO" in unison, Maverick followed up with "we want her to leave him alone not go missing for three days" Athena's eyes shot to Maverick before he continued "let the Sargent do what she does best" "I was only going to scare her like I did the bitch across the hall at home" Hicks scuffed the floor with his boot, Liam shook his head "look I know I sold you guys the apartment in my building but Hicks stop scaring my residents with fluffy and tickles, talk me me next time someone's being a homophobic bitch" Hicks hung his head "yes sir". Buck saw Athena mouth the words "fluffy and tickles" Buck smiled and told her "fluffy is a 10 foot long reticulated python and tickles is a milk snake, which looks like the venomous ....." "I know they resemble a coral snake Buck" Athena shakes her head and leaves with the nurse to deal with Maddie. Buck turns to Hicks "please tell me tickles isn't in your pocket" Hicks smiles at Buck "ok future step daddy tickles isn't in my pocket" Liam sighs "if I see tickles or any snakes in this hospital I'll curb stomp it like what happened to that one on Paris Island then I'll curb stomp you, understand" "understood daddy sir" Hicks replied as he sat down his hand darting to his pocket to make sure it was still full and closed.

Athena gave them their 24 hour reprieve from Maddie, which worked perfectly as Buck was discharged later that night. Maverick and Ice helped settle their son into Liam's top floor apartment of his 12 story building. He was sitting on the couch snuggled into Liam in his sweet pants and loose basketball singlet watching a documentary on cuttlefish while eating popcorn. They both kissed him on the head before saying goodnight, they needed to hit the hardware store on the way home Evan needed a new lock and deadbolt for his door, Maddie and Eddie still had spare keys to the loft. 

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Eddie

He was frustrated nothing was going right, he was bruised and sore from his fights and the floaters assigned to him were of no help. Everything took twice as long if not longer to do without Buck. Their non-verbal shorthand always meant they could move as quick as possible with as little communication as needed, they could clear a ten story building in record time with the only words said to each other being "clear". Christ even the B shift probie thought they were married. He guessed now the probie would think they're divorced. Fuck why did it feel like they were divorced. 

He knows why, Buck did something stupid and dragged everyone down so Eddie got pissed. Truthfully Eddie was already pissed and Buck's stupidity made him the target. Like really his wife said she wanted a divorce and then died right in front of him a few days later on a call out, he couldn't get mad at her she's dead and he had Christopher to look after, yes Buck helped but it was his burden to carry. Then a ladder truck blew up crushing Bucks leg, and there was nothing he could do but watch his best friend scream out in pain slowly dying as they couldn't move to help him because some dumb kid had strapped explosives to himself demanding to see Bobby. Then at Bucks own welcome back party Buck started choking/drowning on his own blood that he was coughing up from a pulmonary embolism. Both times he had flash backs to a helo crash in Afghanistan, who could he be pissed at now? a stupid child grieving his father? After that he almost lost Buck and his own son to a tsunami with out him even knowing they were in danger, when he was the one who took his son to Buck and told them to get out of the house for a bit. He couldn't rage at the ocean and he couldn't rage at Buck for that, he did everything he could to save Christopher even looking for him for hours while he himself was slowly bleeding out. Then Chris was having nightmares, Buck helped but Eddie was terrified he didn't know what to do. To then be told by Bobby he couldn't contact Buck, the person who was supporting him because of a god damn lawsuit Buck filed. So yes he was pissed at Buck, he was enraged at Buck, he wanted Buck to feel as betrayed as he did.

Eddie was also ashamed, he was ashamed for needing Bucks support with Chris, ashamed that nothing he did was helping his son, ashamed that the name his son screamed out for in the middle of the night wasn't his own. The shame and rage fused together to create emotions he had no clue how to handle which came out in bursts. Him hitting that guy over a fucking parking spot, his almost hitting Buck as he raged at him at the grocery store, and subsequently each night he left his son in someone else's care to go fight complete strangers for money.

When Buck first came back Eddie was raging, How could Buck walk back into their lives after abandoning him and Christopher, after dragging all the fire families personal problems through the mud. He couldn't look at Buck without wanting to to knock him out, he never laid a hand on Buck. The gyms punching bag became his best friend, and the amount of time he spent with it was a good way to excuse the obvious bruising on his hands from fighting.

Buck kept apologizing to everyone every shift multiple times a shift. He would bring everyone's favorite coffee's from the best coffee place in LA, he would bring baked goods and sweets for everyone. But no one touched them, the coffee left to go cold, the baked goods and sweets left to stale. Eddie knew Hen wanted to talk to Buck after that first day, but she didn't know how with all the animosity surrounding him. Bobby on a tear away working out his anger by giving Buck the most menial tasks and then bending over backwards to find a reason to say Buck was terrible at his job and couldn't be trusted. Chimney's vicious puns and jokes making Buck out to be the worst person in the world. Still Eddie would see moments when Buck thought he was alone that he would see him looking at his phone with his face alight.

Eddie felt shame at not stopping the Bobby and Chimney hate train and for spying on Buck's what looked like personal moments, further feeding into that shame rage beast growing inside him. After the first month Buck stopped trying to apologize, Eddie would watch him come in do the chores take the abuse and leave looking like nothing effected him anymore. That fed the rage in Eddie, is Buck not sorry for everything he did. But shame at wanting Buck to apologize because that meant he still wanted them all in his life. The shameful rage beast growing with each interaction.

It was the early hours of the morning when they were called to a three alarm fire. Everything was a complete shit show Calven was the worst floater he's had yet. Not only was he shit at his job, he kept talking about everyone kicking the firehouse puppy and he wanted a turn. Took a few shifts to understand he meant Buck. The guy couldn't pay attention, you'd give him a job and he'd forget it half way there. He could see Bobby getting pissed at the guy too, none of the floaters they'd had over the last year or so since Buck got hurt have fit the team. After Eddie had threatened to drive his Halligan into Calven's head for the 5th time in as many hours Bobby had swapped him out with Hen. When the fire was contained the 118 was stood down and sent back to the station. Thankfully Calven rode in the Ambulance, Eddie guessed that was Hen's doing.

"Eddie please refrain from threatening your co-workers" Bobby spoke over the headsets,

Hen's voice rung through though her head was resting in her palms "I'm sorry Bobby but that guy deserved the Halligan to the head, he got off lightly with just Eddie's threats"

While driving the rig Davis added "Cap, none of these ring in's have worked. We need the old team, if it's still salvageable"

"we are the old team, we got rid of the dead weight before it bleed all over the floor" Chimney's words cut the air, Eddie and Hen glared at him.

"Isn't that your possible future brother in-law you're talking about there, as well as the person who helped nurse you back to health after your girlfriend left you when you got a piece of rebar in your head?" Davis asked

Chimney looked aghast "yeah well he didn't have to use that against me in the law suit now did he" Eddie could read the look in her eyes as she tried to communicate wordlessly to Chimney to shut up,

"didn't see you labeled as a defendant in that case Howard" Davis added calmly,

"you sue the 118 you sue me" Chimney threw out. The cab was quiet for a few beats a smile slowly building on Chimney's face,

But as they were pulling into the station Davis had one final thing to say "the 118 weren't defendants either were they Cap", Bobby's face filled with rage.

Eddie saw his Captain fly into an absolute rage at Buck which only dissipated when Buck pointed out the security camera's and the audio capability, turned and left mentioning HR as he cleaned out his locker and almost skipped to his Jeep. The 118 stood completely stunned as Bobby stormed into his office and slammed the door. Eddie walked into the locker room to find photo's dumped on the floor, Buck's photos that he kept in his locker. All his photo's of the fire family were her thrown on the ground, Eddie picked up his favorite one, It was himself, Christopher and Buck standing in front of the finding nemo tanks at the aquarium. They always joked that Marlin, Nemo and Dory was the three of them.

"Are they his fire fam photo's?" Hen leaned over his shoulder

Eddie sighed holding the finding nemo one to his chest and spoke softly "yeah all except the ones with just him and Chris"

"oh" Hen said so quietly Eddie almost didn't hear it

The pair tidied up the photos quietly, neither commenting on the single tear on Hens cheek, or how red Eddies eyes were as he tried not to cry himself. As they stepped back from neatly stacking the photo's in Eddies locket, the tones rang out through the station. Hen and Eddie wiped their eyes and jumped back into the engine still in their turnouts.

"MVA on Wilsure, police chase gone wrong, rookie behind the wheel jumped into on coming traffic had head on with civilian vehicle" Bobby shares over the headsets "officers on scene can't get to the civilian though can say he's unresponsive, airbag didn't deploy but they have disconnected the battery. Hen and Eddie Saws and Jaws the civilian, Chim check the officer, Calven you're on gurney, what ever Hen says you do. Is everyone clear"

A chorus of "yes Cap" "yes Bobby" with a single "aye aye capin" thrown in by Calven

As the ladder truck pulled up to the incident Eddie was first alerted that there was something wrong when he heard Davis over the headset "oh fuck this.... shit" he heard the man hit the steering wheel on the last word.

Eddie didn't understand the issue when he jumped out it looked like a fairly clean MVA there were no civilians crowding around taking photo's, police had crowd control up and running, was nothing blocking access to the..... "Oh Fuck" faded blue Jeep wrangler that had the exact plates he remembered from all the forms he had to fill out to add Buck to Chris's approved pick up list.

Eddie grabbed the jaws and ran "BUCK, BUCK talk to me"

He reached through the busted window and checked for a pulse "there's a pulse, its thready. Calven C-collar and compression bandage now he's hit his head on the windscreen"

"Fuck, ok is that all Eddie?" Hen asks

"No, shit shit shit, his bad leg as a bone sticking out, his right wrist is at a weird angle possible dislocation and the steering column has him pinned. Where is that damn C-collar"

Hen turned at Eddies question, Looking at Calven standing there watching "Oh for Christ sake you useless git, fuck off and help Chim" she rips the C-collar out of his hand to hands to Eddie as she digs for a compression bandage to help stop the blood flow from the wound on Buck's head.

"Hen, can you put that on his head and soon as you're done I'll pop that door" Eddie directs as he moves to give Hen room and prepare the jaws "I'm putting in a formal complaint about Calven when this is all said and done"

Hen nodded her head indicating she agreed and called "clear, pop it when your ready"

Eddie jammed the jaws into the gab between the door and body of the jeep popping the door off in seconds "Hen check his abdomen for internal bleeding, I'll grab the saw to cut the steering column off once you give the go ahead"

As Hen was checking Buck for internal bleeding Bobby came over "why is Calven  bothering Chimney when he's meant to be over here helping you two"

Hen glared at Bobby and yelled "because I sent him away for being useless and not following direction from Eddie when we are trying to save our patient" she turned to Eddie and gave him the all clear before turning back to Bobby "we're both putting in formal complaints about him and I am this far from putting one in about you. Now we have a patient to look after if you cant do your job send Davis over, he seems to understand what's going on better than anyone else is" 

Bobby turned back to the ladder truck and walked away head hung. Hen turned back to Buck and Eddie, checked Buck still had a pulse then braced the steering column so Eddie could saw it off.

As Eddie lowered the saw he heard Davis call out "Cap said you guys need me, what can I do"

Eddie sighed "backboard"

Hen threw her head back "thank god, competence" all three chuckled

Eddie checked for a pulse in Bucks bad leg "ahhhhh Hen, I have no pulse down here"

"When did we check it last" Hen asked

"Fuck, we didn't Calven had us distracted"

"Backboard NOW" Hen directed Davis. The three of them got Buck's still form onto the backboard then moved to the gurney.

"Hen can you reset his leg, we need blood flow like yesterday" Eddie asked

"Gab his waist both of you" they both did as she directed "I'm sorry Buckaroo, for this and everything else.." Hen pulled on Buck's foot readjusting the bones in his lower leg.

An involuntary scream came from Buck's mouth as his leg bones moved into place. No one breathed as Hen checked the pulse in Buck's foot "it's there, lets go I'm still worried about the foot. It's cold and we don't know how long it was without blood flow considering how much trauma this leg has already been through. I'll brace that hand in the bus, Davis you drive Eddie in the back with me the other idiots can clean this up".

The three of them ran with the gurney towards the ambulance passing Calven and Bobby, "they're with me Captain" Hen called out as Eddie barked "Calven, clean up aisle 6"

Once their patient was secure and they were on the way to Cedars-Scinai Hen looked over the hand she was bracing at Eddie "why aisle 6"

Eddie laughed "I've already threatened him 5 times today, so that was number six" Hen raised an eyebrow, Eddie sighed "alright I was tying to be funny and quippy like Chimney"

"Don't it doesn't look good on you, hasn't looked good on him lately either. Like a Michael Jackson face lift" Davis interrupted 

Hen laid Buck's braced hand over his abdomen as Eddie checked his vitals "vitals are good Hen". Eddie ran his fingers through Buck's hair "what did we do Hen"

Hen replied "We fucked up Eddie, we all did" "some more than others" Davis interrupted as they pulled up to the emergency bay of the hospital. 

They unloaded Buck and gave them a breakdown of his injuries, known allergens and medications. "Come on Eddie we have paperwork to do if we still want to put in those official complaints" Hen guided Eddie back to the ambulance where Davis was waiting. If the drive back to the firehouse was quiet, the firehouse it's self was a vacuum of sound. Davis went back to the ladder truck to make sure it was ready for the next call out, as Hen and Eddie worked together to restock the ambulance both realizing neither of them had done this in months.

Hen whispered "we may not have done or said anything to Buck, but we're just as bad for not saying or doing anything to help Buck"

The shame filled rage bubbled over in Eddie once more "We have paper work to fill out" he managed to sound calm-ish.

An hour later the C team walked through the bay doors letting the A team leave early both Eddie and Hen finished their paperwork, had a shower, changed and headed to the hospital. Eddie ran up to the charge nurse who directed them to the seating area not long after the rest of the 118 family filed in. Eddie was pacing back and forth stuck in his own head until he heard someone asked "the next of kin for Mr Evan Buckley?"

Athena

Liam and Admiral Kazansky followed Dr Lazdon into a private room, leaving Athena reeling. All this new information scrambled in her brain mixing with what she already knew about her Buckaroo, pieced together from files, peoples statements, observations and her own intuition. Falling into police mode her brain filed all known information together, she knew there was a lot of information missing, redacted files were a pain in the ass for that reason but she's suspects that's not where the missing information can be found.

Athena's inner monolog 

Buck has a boyfriend, a very possessive ex-marine Sargent boyfriend named Liam Sullivan, who was in "recon?". Should probably ask Eddie about what recon is.

The boyfriend Liam has a son, well pseudo son. But there looks to be less than a 10 year gap between the two. Must be a story there

Pseudo son named Cameron Cope recent ex-marine Corporal also in recon. Really need to ask Eddie about that.

Cameron is married to the big guy Nicholas Slovacek current marine Corporal infantryman. Oh that one I know so recon must be a department or specialty, still need to ask Eddie.

Cameron and Nicholas have a shared boyfriend, oh it must be a throuple thing. Ok so their boyfriend is ex-marine corporal Brandon Hicks, who was an infantryman like Nicholas but now works with Liam, his boyfriends pseudo father. 

But what she didn't know was why so much animosity from Liam to the 118, three perfect strangers completely enraged at the sight of the 118. BUCK!!!!

Athena turned to the 118 and spoke stern and slow "What did you lot do to Buck?" she then focused in on Bobby "mainly you husband"

the 118 family couldn't look her in the eye, it was Cameron who spoke first "Nick babe can you go call B and let him know Evan's special dinner was cancelled so he doesn't need to rush home tonight to be his sous-chef"

Nicholas kissed his cheek "yes hun, but you know I hate it when you and sarg manage me like this"

Cameron smiled "we know and we do it cause we love you and we don't need the Russian bear right now" 

Nicholas sighed "I'm Czech not Russian, you know that"

Cameron turned his husband around pointing him towards the stairway and directed him away while giving his backside a soft tap "I do but Russian suits you better its meaner and hotter" 

After his husband was out of ear shot Cameron turned on the 118 "any of you going to speak for the nice Sargent, sounds like she might be missing some key information. Because if you don't I'll start singing and my voice might hurt your delicate ego's"

The boy looked like a cat that had been set on a bunch of mice, "Henrietta do you have something to say" Athena asked her best friend

Hen looked at her with tears in her eye's "Buck didn't come back to a friendly firehouse"

"Understatement" Cameron coughed

"Bobby told me it was an awkward adjustment, but things would have been fine after everyone apologized and moved forward" Athena suggested

Chimney stomped his foot "why would we need to apologies he sued us not the other way round"

"You were not named in the law suit Howard" Athena shot back

"That's what Davis said" Eddie looked puzzled

Cameron in a quiet voice "oh someone has caught on"

Chimney shot daggers at the boy "why are you acting all big and tough while you big doggy bodyguard is gone"

"He doesn't need a big doggy bodyguard to be big and tough" Eddie mouthed

"Oh.. Oh.. please tell me one of you morons read the actual legal documents" Athena queried

"Athena, Bobby told us not to worry about it he was looking after it" Hen replied confused

Athena's eyes turned dark and menacing "ROBERT..... WADE..... NASH....... if you have done what I think you've done you are in for a world of hurt"

Bobby sat back in his chair as Nicholas re-entered the waiting room. Athena got everyone's attention as she spoke "None of you except for Bozo over there was named in the law suit, Bobby was named as he was the only reason Buck was not back at the 118. Buck has passed all physicals, and psych evals to qualify for his re-certs" Nicholas interrupted "which he smashed" followed by Cameron "breaking records, both times". Athena shook her head at the two "can I continue without the peanut gallery please, But yes he did this before the embolism and a month or so after the embolism, and he did break majority of the records while doing so. Than when you add all the lives he saved singlehandedly off-duty during the tsunami. That boy was ready to come back"

Everyone was quiet contemplating Athena's words until Hen noticed Cameron looking at her quizzically "what are you looking at me like that for" she asked

"I'm sorry I'm just trying to work out which wicked character you are, like are you a tin man or cowardly the lion, you're not a Madam Moriable" Cameron replied

Hen was stumped "Huh?"

Cameron clarified "well he's a scarecrow" he pointed at Eddie, "she's Ga-linda" he pointed at Maddie, "he's Todo" pointing at Chimney, "she's Elphaba"

"Are you calling me the wicked witch of the west" Athena interrupted

Nick laughed "yes and no, but he's referencing wicked the stage musical not wizard of oz the movie. Elphaba in the musical is a smart misunderstood woman who wants to use her powers for good but is vilified, she's the heroin if you may"

"Yeah its Ga-linda who's the conceded evil bitch only in it for herself" Cameron added

"That's it you little Fucker" Chimney barked.

He tried to move forward but Eddie put a hand on his chest and shook his head "recon don't play with kid gloves, you won't survive him"

"Oh scarecrow does have a brain" Cameron chided

Nicholas put a hand on his husbands shoulder "babe leave Fiero alone, he's a ball of rage right now and I don't think Ev will be happy if you hurt him"

Now Nicholas has brought it up Athena can see the rage simmering just under Eddie's surface.

Completely oblivious to the situation Bobby stands up "which one am I then"

Nicholas, Cameron, Hen and Athena all at once say "The wizard" and burst out laughing

Thankfully that broke the tension in the room, she sent the 118 home warning them she would be visiting to find everything out.

Athena was happy Buck was relativly ok, he had both of his fathers and his new fiance by his side. But now she the rest of the family to deal with starting with her husband. With trepidation she opened the front door, took her shoes off and walked towards the kitchen. At the dinning room table sat Bobby with a bottle of Scotch and a half full highball glass. She continued moving into the kitchen "well are you drinking that or just making love to it with your eye's?"

Bobby didn't look up when he answered "I don't know"

Athena rolled her eye's "well Alice you either want to deal with your shit or follow the rabbit, or three monkeys in this case down the hole. Your choice, neither's going to be easy to deal with"

Bobby was quiet for a few seconds thinking before he answered "I want to deal, Athena I did bad. I wanted to protect him, but its me he needed protection from. History is repeating" tears streaming down Bobby's face "what am I going to do Athena, he's like my son. He's the kind of man I thought Robbie jr would have been"

Athena let Bobby cry for a bit before speaking "well what you could do is get yourself to a meeting right now, if you've had anything I can drive you. Then tomorrow you could go to church, go to confession, get some advice. You could speak to a therapist. But tomorrow night you and I will sit at this table while the kids are at Michael's and you will tell me everything, there are no if's, and's or but's. That one in non-negotiable"

Bobby jumped from the chair "I can drive I haven't had anything, I've just been looking at it since I got home. I'll do everything you just mentioned. I have to be better for you, the kids and the fire house" he grabbed his keys and ran out of the house passing May as she came in the front door.

"Mum are you here" she called out

"In the kitchen hun" Athena replied

as May walked towards the kitchen  she saw the alcohol on the table and the look on her mothers face "ahhhhh meeting, is it Buck? Is he going to be ok"

"Yes hun, it's Buck. He'll be fine, but I'm not sure about Bobby" Athena sighed as she moved to collect the class and bottle

"What about you mum" May asked

Athena took a drink from the glass as she poured the bottle down the sink "somewhere in the middle baby, but we'll get through"