Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was sometime after the lightning strike when Buck decided to apply to become a foster parent. The idea had been circling in his mind for a while, but it crystallized after a particularly tough call. A kid had lost both her parents in a head-on collision, and Buck, unable to leave her alone in the chaos of the aftermath, had stayed with her all night at the hospital. He held her hand, read her stories from an old book he found in the waiting room, and reassured her with quiet words, even though his heart was breaking.

By morning, they’d finally located an aunt who could take the girl in, and Buck handed her off with a bittersweet mix of relief and sadness. On the drive home, the empty streets stretching before him, Buck couldn’t shake the thought: I could do more. I should do more.

That morning, he filled out the application. His decision wasn’t impulsive—Buck had been through enough to know what it meant to be there for someone when they needed it most. He thought about his own life, his scars, and the people who had pulled him through the darkness. Maybe, he realized, he could be that person for someone else.

The process wasn’t easy. Background checks, training, interviews—it took months before he was officially approved. And then, nothing. No calls, no placements. For thirteen months, the approval sat there, gathering metaphorical dust, while Buck threw himself back into work and life, wondering if he’d made a mistake or if his chance to make a difference would ever come.

But Buck had always believed that things happened for a reason. And maybe, just maybe, his moment was still waiting for him. And the hardest part was that nobody knew. He’d done all of this on his own. 

There were plenty of times when he’d wanted to tell someone, Bobby or Eddie or Maddie. But he was just scared of what their reactions would be. What business did he have applying to be a foster parent, he didn’t have any qualifications. 

Except the state of California had said he had all the right qualifications, he just hasn’t been needed yet. Which is a good thing, he guesses. Because if he’s not been called, that means there’s less kids in need of a home and he should be happy about that. 

It comes to light during a particularly bad call—one of those chaotic nights that everyone would remember for years to come. The dispatch was for a five-alarm apartment fire, and from the moment they pulled up, the team knew it would be a long, grueling fight. The flames had already devoured most of the upper floors, and smoke poured out in thick, suffocating clouds.

They were the first to arrive on the scene, and as always, Bobby took command with calm efficiency.

“Hen and Chim, set up a triage in the parking lot over there,” Bobby instructed, pointing to a vacant lot a safe distance from the blaze. “Everyone else, start on the top floor and work your way down. Check every apartment to make sure it’s clear.”

Buck and Eddie nodded and bolted toward the building. They hit the stairs hard, taking them two at a time, the weight of their gear and the urgency of the moment driving them forward. The heat was suffocating even before they entered the structure, and Buck could feel the sweat starting to trickle down his back beneath his turnout gear.

They made it to the top floor and began kicking in doors, shouting to anyone inside to evacuate. Most of the apartments were empty, their occupants having fled as soon as the fire alarms blared. But as they reached the farthest apartment, Buck thought he heard something—a faint, high-pitched cry.

“Eddie, wait,” Buck said, holding up a hand. He pressed his ear to the door, straining to listen over the roar of the fire.

“Help!” The voice was muffled but unmistakable—a child.

Buck wasted no time, slamming his shoulder against the door until it burst open. Inside, the apartment was filled with smoke so thick it was almost impossible to see. They dropped low, crawling on their hands and knees, following the sound of the cries.

“In here!” Eddie called, motioning toward a corner of the living room.

Buck followed and found them—a little girl, maybe three years old, clutching a ragged stuffed bunny to her chest, and her mother, coughing violently, trying to shield her daughter from the smoke. The woman’s face was streaked with soot, and her eyes were wide with fear.

“It’s okay,” Buck said, his voice calm despite the chaos around them. “We’ve got you.”

Eddie moved to help the mother while Buck scooped up the little girl, who immediately clung to him, her tiny arms wrapping tightly around his neck. She was so light in his arms, a fragile bundle of warmth, and for a moment, Buck’s heart twisted at the thought of how close she’d come to not making it out.

“What’s your name sweetheart?” Buck asks, shielding her head as they walked through the building. 

“Amelia, but mommy calls me Mia.” She says. 

“Well, Mia, my name is Buck, and we’re going to get you out of here, how’s that sound?” 

“Good.” 

They made their way back down, shielding the mother and child as best they could from the heat and debris. When they finally emerged into the cool night air, the mother collapsed into a fit of coughing, and Chim and Hen rushed over to help her. Buck gently set the little girl down, but she refused to let go, her tiny fists clutching his jacket like a lifeline.

“Hey, you’re safe now,” Buck murmured, kneeling to her level. “See? Your mom’s right here. My friend Eddie got her out safe too.” 

Amelia didn’t respond, just buried her face in his neck, her small body trembling.

The night wore on as the fire was brought under control and the displaced families were accounted for. But it wasn’t until hours later, when the mother was being treated for smoke inhalation, that Buck overheard her speaking to Hen, Mia still tucked against his shoulder since she was cleared by Hen and Chim. She’d refused to go anywhere else, and Buck doesn’t blame her. He’d latch on to someone too if he was in the same situation. 

“Mia, she doesn’t have anyone else,” the mother said, her voice heavy with exhaustion and despair. “Her father…he’s not in the picture, and we don’t have any family nearby. What happens if something happens to me?”

Buck’s stomach dropped as the weight of her words settled over him. He’d been on enough calls to recognize when someone didn’t have much time left. The hollow tone in her voice, the desperate look in her eyes—it was all too familiar.

He glanced between Mia, clinging tightly to him, and her frail mother lying on the hospital bed. Then he turned to Hen, standing at his side. Finally, with a sigh, he met Katherine’s gaze. “She’d go into the foster system,” he said gently, trying to keep his voice steady. “But let’s not worry about that right now. Let’s focus on getting you better, okay?”

Katherine’s weak laugh turned into a fit of coughing, but when she recovered, her eyes were locked on him. “What about you? She likes you. She doesn’t like anybody. I’m shocked she’s let you hold her this long. Could you… take her?”

Buck froze, his mind racing. He looked over at Hen for backup, but her expression was clear: Don’t do this. He pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand, trying to think of how to respond.

“Technically,” he began slowly, “I do have my foster license.” Hen’s head snapped toward him, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“You what?”

“I haven’t fostered before,” he clarified, raising his hands defensively. “I’m just on the list. I had it done a while ago, you know, just in case. But I don’t get to choose who gets placed with me.”

Katherine’s voice wavered. “But if I said I wanted her with you… would that be allowed?”

Buck looked to Hen again, silently pleading for her guidance. She sighed and folded her arms. “Legally, yes. If Katherine requests you as a guardian and I document this conversation as a witness, I can advocate for Mia to be placed with you.”

Buck’s breath caught. The weight of Katherine’s words and Hen’s affirmation felt like an entire world being placed on his shoulders. “Me?” he asked, his voice cracking slightly. “Why me? You just met me. Why would you trust me with your kid?”

Katherine’s gaze softened, though her face was still pale and drawn. “I’ve been watching you with her. She hasn’t let go of you since you saved us. She’s not like that with anyone—not even her preschool teachers. And you… you’re kind. I can see it. You care.” Her voice broke, and she had to pause before continuing. “I’m dying, aren’t I? Be honest.”

Buck swallowed hard, unable to meet her eyes. He didn’t have to say it; his silence said it all.

Katherine reached out, her trembling hand brushing against Mia’s tiny foot where it dangled from Buck’s arm. “She’s all I have. And I know I don’t have much time left. I need to know she’s safe. Promise me you’ll at least try.”

“I—” Buck started, then stopped. The enormity of her request was suffocating. He glanced down at Mia, her innocent eyes looking up at him with complete trust, and then back to Katherine. “I’ll do everything I can,” he said finally, his voice quiet but resolute.

Hen sighed beside him. “Well, Buck, looks like you’ve just signed yourself up for parenthood.”

“Yeah,” he murmured, adjusting Mia in his arms as she snuggled closer. “I guess I have.”

Katherine passed thirty minutes later, her voice soft and full of love as she told her daughter how much she loved her and promised she’d always be watching over her.

With their shift long over, Buck sat in a quiet family waiting room. Mia was fast asleep in his lap, her small face tucked into his chest, her tiny hands clutching his shirt. Hen sat beside him, leaning back in her chair, the weight of the day etched into her features. The room was dim, the faint hum of fluorescent lights the only sound as they waited for someone from social services to arrive.

“Hen, what just happened?” Buck’s voice broke the silence, raw and edged with disbelief. He hadn’t stopped replaying the events in his mind, the swirl of grief, responsibility, and an unspoken promise anchoring him in his seat. “Why did you let me do that?”

Hen turned her head, a knowing look softening the tired lines of her face. “Why did I let you? Why didn’t you tell anyone you’d gone through the foster parent process?”

Buck let out a long breath, sinking lower in his chair. He adjusted slightly, careful not to jostle Mia. “It was after that really bad two-car pileup… You remember? The one where I stayed at the hospital with Sophie all night.”

Hen’s eyebrows shot up. “That was over a year ago, Buck! And you didn’t think to mention it to any of us?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged, his eyes darting toward the door as if searching for an escape. “I guess I didn’t want anyone to talk me out of it.”

“Why on earth would we discourage you?” Hen asked, her voice rising with disbelief. “You know we’d support you in a heartbeat.”

Buck hesitated, his gaze dropping to Mia’s peaceful face. “I don’t know. Maybe I was worried someone would think I couldn’t handle it… that it was too much for me.”

Hen’s scoff cut through his self-doubt like a blade. “Now that’s a lie if I’ve ever heard one. Buck, you’re one of the most capable people I know. Hell, you’re practically holding the whole world together right now for that little girl.”

He shook his head, but her words lingered, their weight settling in his chest. “I don’t know if I can do this, Hen. She’s just… she’s been through so much already. What if I mess it up? What if I make it worse?”

Hen leaned forward, her tone softer now but no less firm. “You’re not going to mess this up. You’re exactly what she needs—someone who’s going to fight for her, show up for her, and love her no matter what. You’re already doing it, Buck. Look at her. She trusts you.”

Buck’s eyes dropped to Mia again, her steady breaths a quiet reassurance. He swallowed hard, his resolve wavering but growing stronger with every word Hen said.

“I didn’t think it would feel like this,” he admitted quietly.

Hen smiled, her hand resting briefly on his arm. “Parenthood isn’t something you think your way into, Buck. You just… show up. One day at a time.”

And for the first time since Katherine’s final words, Buck let himself believe that maybe, just maybe, he could.

The meeting with the social worker goes better than Buck expects. Tammy, the caseworker assigned to Amelia, has Hen’s written witness statement from Katherine and camera footage from the hospital room documenting Katherine’s wishes: that Amelia go to Buck if anything happened to her.

“Are you ready to take her home with you now, Mr. Buckley? I can follow you home to do an inspection today,” Tammy asks.

“Oh, uh, I’m not really—” Buck’s heart starts to race. “I wasn’t expecting this. I’m on the waitlist for a two-bedroom unit in my building, but right now I just live in a loft.” He takes a deep breath, panic creeping into his voice. “I’ve ruined this already, haven’t I?”

Hen, ever the supportive friend, steps in, rubbing his back. “You haven’t ruined anything, Buck.”

Tammy offers him a reassuring smile. “Why don’t we go to your apartment and see what we’re working with?”

Buck nods hesitantly, clutching Amelia tightly as they leave the hospital. She’s still fast asleep on his shoulder. As they reach the parking garage, Buck stops abruptly. “Wait—I don’t have a car seat. I don’t even have my car here.” He feels the familiar weight of being in over his head.

“One step ahead of you, Buck,” Hen says, pointing toward a car approaching them. She turns to Tammy. “My wife Karen is picking us up.”

Karen pulls up in the family car, and Tammy nods approvingly. “My car is right here. Once you’re all loaded up, I’ll follow you to Mr. Buckley’s apartment.”

“Uh, yeah. Sounds good,” Buck replies, stepping aside as Hen opens the back door.

“It’s the same car seat Jee uses,” Hen says, giving Buck a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “You’ve got this.”

Buck nods, carefully placing Amelia into the car seat. She stirs awake as he fastens the harness. “Mr. Buck?” she murmurs, rubbing her eyes.

“Yeah, sweet pea, it’s me,” Buck says softly. “We’re going to my house now, okay?”

“And no Mommy?” she asks, clutching her stuffed bunny tightly.

Buck’s throat tightens. He glances toward Hen and Karen, who give him encouraging nods. “No, Mia,” he says gently. “Mommy’s not coming.”

“Cause Mommy goed to heaven?” Amelia’s voice is small but steady, her big eyes looking up at him.

Buck swallows hard, nodding as he brushes a strand of hair from her face. “Yeah, sweet pea. Mommy went to heaven. But she wanted you to stay with me. And I’m going to keep you safe, okay?”

Amelia stares at him for a moment, her little hand clutching the bunny tighter. “You saved me,” she whispers, her voice filled with quiet certainty.

Buck’s heart aches as he smiles weakly. “Yeah, sweet pea. I saved you.”

For her, and now for himself, he knows he’ll figure out the rest.

—

Tammy leaves after inspecting the loft, which passed despite the lack of a second bedroom. She said that for now putting a bed and having a designated area for Amelia in his living room would be fine until he is able to move into a two bedroom unit, which he’d already called his landlord about. 

“Okay, and finally, here is one toddler bed!” Karen said carrying in the small sized bed frame that was somehow in the back of her car, Hen followed behind her with a mattress. 

Buck moves to take it from her and places it in the corner that he’d designated Amelia’s ‘room.’ Hen drops the mattress down on the frame and takes a seat on the couch in front of the bags they’d carried in earlier. 

“Okay, all of this is clean.” She grabs two pair of sheets. “Hey Amelia?” 

Amelia turns away from the TV to look at Hen shyly. “I’m Buck’s friend Hen. Which sheets do you want on your new bed? I’ve got Ariel or farm animals.” 

Amelia looks at Hen and then at the sheets and then back to Hen. “I like aminals.” 

“You know what, me too!” Hen beams and then pulls out two blankets. “Okay, now which blanket? The pink and purple or the yellow?” 

“You gots blue? I like blue.” 

Hen digs through the bag and pulls out a light blue blanket with clouds scattered in a pattern. “This work?” 

Amelia nods. “Yes ma’am.” 

“Wow! I love your manners.” Hen says, laying the blanket to the side. 

Buck is about to say something when there is a knock on the door. He furrowed his eyebrows, not expecting any one, before walking over to the door and opening it. 

“Eddie, hey.” He says, opening the door wider. 

“That was a rough call last night, I figured you could use some company.” 

“Well, actually-“ 

“Hen? Karen? What are you guys doing here?” Eddie looks a little deeper into the living room before turning towards Buck. 

“Is that the little girl from the call last night?” 

Buck feels his face heat up as Eddie’s eyes shift between him, Hen, Karen, and Amelia. It wasn’t that he wanted to hide what was happening—far from it—but the weight of Eddie’s gaze always had a way of making him feel exposed, like Eddie could see right through him.

“Yeah, uh, this is Amelia.” Buck steps aside to let Eddie in, his heart pounding slightly faster now. 

Eddie steps fully into the loft, his focus settling on Amelia, who is clutching the light blue blanket Hen picked out for her. She looks up at Eddie, curious but cautious. Eddie crouches slightly, softening his tone. “Hey there, Amelia. I’m Eddie. We met last night.” 

Amelia tilts her head, studying him for a moment before replying, “Yeah, I ‘member. You gots mommy out.” 

Buck panics for a second, worried this might happen. 

“Yeah, and I’m so very sorry about what happened.” Eddie crouched down in front of her and gave Amelia one of his comforting smiles. 

“It’s okay. You tried. The doctor said mommy was just too hurt.” Amelia hugs the blanket tighter and Buck is ready to jump in in case she starts crying. “Are you Mr. Buck’s friend?” 

Eddie’s lips twitch into a small smile. “Yeah, I’m Buck’s friend. A good friend.” He glances at Buck, who shifts awkwardly on his feet, his hands shoved into his pockets. “You settling in okay?”

Amelia nods, her shyness fading a little. “Ms. Hen said I gots manners.”

Eddie chuckles at that. “I bet you do.”

Karen stands, brushing her hands on her jeans. “Well, we were just finishing up here, Eddie. I think Buck’s got things handled now. Right, Hen?”

Hen rises from the couch, giving Buck a sly smile. “Handled. But call me if you need anything, Buckaroo. You too, Amelia. And remember—farm animals.” She winks at Amelia, who giggles in response.

Karen and Hen gather their things, giving Buck and Eddie parting pats on the shoulder before heading out. The door closes behind them, leaving the loft quieter but somehow heavier with just the three of them.

Eddie straightens, glancing at the toddler bed in the corner and the neatly organized bags. “So,” he starts, his voice careful, “you’re really doing this? I didn’t even realize you were registered as a foster parent.” 

Buck nods, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. “Yeah. Someone has to, and… I don’t know, I felt like I couldn’t just walk away. Her mom asked me to take care of her. Who am I to deny a dying woman’s wishes?” 

He glances down at Amelia who isn’t paying attention to their conversation, more on naming the animals on the sheet set Hen had laid out for her. 

Eddie’s gaze softens. He steps closer, his voice lowering. “That’s just who you are, Buck.”

Buck shrugs, suddenly feeling too vulnerable. “It’s no big deal.”

“It is.” Eddie’s words are firm, but there’s something deeper there, something unspoken. Their eyes meet, and for a moment, the air feels charged, like all the things they haven’t said are hanging in the space between them.

Amelia’s small voice cuts through the tension. “Mr. Buck? Can we watch more TV?”

Buck blinks, breaking the stare. “Uh, yeah, of course.” He moves toward the couch, grabbing the remote and handing it to her. She takes it eagerly, hopping onto the couch and curling up with her blanket.

Eddie watches the exchange, something warm flickering in his eyes. “She’s lucky to have you.”

Buck glances at him, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “I don’t know about that.”

Eddie steps closer, his voice quiet but weighted. “I do.”

Buck feels his heart skip, but before he can say anything, Eddie shifts his focus back to Amelia. “You mind if I stick around for a bit?”

Amelia glances at Buck, who nods. She grins and pats the couch. “Okay, but you gots to sit here.”

Eddie chuckles, sitting down beside her. Buck watches them, his chest tightening with a mix of emotions—fondness, longing, and the growing realization that maybe, just maybe, Eddie feels it too.

“Mr. Buck, I’m hungry,” Amelia says about thirty minutes later, growing bored of Bluey.

“Amelia, you can just call me Buck,” he replies, standing up from the couch and holding out his hand for her to take.

She nods and grabs his hand. “You too, Mr. Eddie.”

Eddie chuckles as he stands and takes her other hand.

“What are you hungry for?” Buck asks, lifting her onto one of the stools at his kitchen bar.

“You got sketti? I like sketti!”

Buck smiles and checks his cabinets, looking for a can of Chef Boyardee left over from Jee’s last visit. He finds one, pours it into a bowl, and pops it in the microwave, watching the timer count down from 45 seconds.

“Will I still go to school? I like school,” Amelia asks, swinging her legs.

“Yeah. Mrs. Tammy is supposed to send me all the information later today. But if you want to wait a few days, that’s okay too,” Buck answers.

He glances at Eddie, who nods in agreement. Buck takes a deep breath and carefully hands Amelia her bowl. “Careful, it’s hot.”

Amelia nods, dramatically blowing on the steaming spaghetti. Both Buck and Eddie laugh at her exaggerated effort.

Once Amelia is preoccupied, Buck motions for Eddie to join him near the sink. Lowering his voice, he asks, “Does she seem too… I don’t know… cheerful? I mean, it’s not even been 24 hours since her mom—and she’s just, happy.”

“I mean, she’s what, three? Four maybe?” Eddie shrugs. “Kids process things differently. You can’t really predict how they’re going to react.”

Buck frowns, glancing back at Amelia, who’s happily slurping her spaghetti. “I just… I want to make sure she’s okay, you know? That I’m not missing something. What if she’s bottling it all up?”

Eddie leans against the counter, crossing his arms. “It’s possible. But she might also not fully understand what happened yet. Kids that young don’t always grasp permanence. It might hit her later, or maybe not the way you’re expecting.”

“Should I, like, bring it up? Or just let her talk when she’s ready?”

“I’d say don’t push her,” Eddie advises. “But keep an eye on her. If you notice changes—nightmares, sudden outbursts, stuff like that—then you’ll know it’s catching up to her. For now, just… be there. Let her feel safe.”

Buck nods, his shoulders relaxing a little. “Okay. Yeah, that makes sense.”

“Hey, Mr. Buck!” Amelia calls out, holding up her empty bowl triumphantly. “I’m done! I ate it all!”

“Wow, that was fast!” Buck says, grinning as he takes her bowl. “You want more?”

Amelia shakes her head. “Nope. Can I have a cookie now?”

Eddie laughs. “She knows what she wants.”

Buck chuckles and ruffles her hair. “Alright, one cookie. But just one.”

“Deal!” Amelia grins, her legs kicking happily against the stool.

Eddie watches the interaction with a small smile. “You’re doing good, Buck. She’s lucky to have you.”

Buck glances at Amelia, who’s now humming a little tune to herself, and smiles softly. “I hope so, man. I really do.”

—

“Help!”

Buck jolts upright, his heart racing as he instinctively scans the room for the source of the cry.

“Help!” The scream echoes again, sharper, more desperate this time.

“Shit,” he mutters under his breath, throwing the covers off and rushing out of bed. His feet pound against the hardwood floor as he makes a beeline for Amelia’s room.

The sight that greets him twists his stomach into knots. Amelia is tangled in the sheets on her tiny bed, her blanket discarded on the floor. She’s thrashing, her small body wracked with distress. 

“Amelia!” Buck calls out, his voice soft but urgent. He kneels beside her, careful not to startle her. “Hey, sweetheart. I’m here. It’s okay.”

When she doesn’t wake, he carefully scoops her up, her warm, trembling body folding into his chest. Her cries don’t stop, though—they become muffled sobs against his t-shirt.

“Mommy!” she wails, her small hands clutching at his shirt. “I want my mommy!”

Buck’s chest tightens painfully. He’d been bracing himself for this moment all day—for the heartbreak, the questions, the aching need he knows he can’t fulfill.

“I know, baby girl,” he murmurs, his voice thick. “I know you want her.” He shifts her in his arms, rubbing slow circles on her back as he rocks her gently. “It’s okay to cry. Let it all out. I’m here.”

Her sobs grow louder, more desperate. “I. Want. My. Mommy!”

Buck squeezes his eyes shut, his throat constricting as he fights back his own tears. He has no idea how to do this—how to explain something so incomprehensible to a child so small. “Sweetheart,” he whispers, pressing his cheek against her hair. “Your mommy… she’s gone, Amelia. She can’t come back.”

Amelia pulls back just enough to look at him, her tear-streaked face full of confusion and pain. “Why? Where did she go?”

Buck feels the words catch in his throat. He wants to lie, to say something that will soothe her, but he knows he can’t. She deserves the truth, even if it hurts.

“She…” He hesitates, searching for the right words. “She had to go to heaven, sweetheart. She’s an angel now, and she’s watching over you every single day. She loves you so much, and she always will.”

Amelia’s bottom lip trembles, fresh tears spilling over. “But I need her here.”

“I know,” Buck says, his voice breaking. “I know you do. And she’d be here if she could. But you still have me, okay? Your mama wanted you to come with me. For some reason, she trusted me with you and I’m going to take care of you, no matter what. You’re not alone, I promise.”

He holds her tightly as she sobs into his chest, her small body shaking against him. He feels powerless, completely helpless in the face of her grief, but he doesn’t let go.

After what feels like hours, her cries soften into quiet hiccups, her grip on his shirt loosening. “Do you think she misses me?” she whispers, her voice fragile.

“More than anything,” Buck answers without hesitation. “She misses you so much. You’re her whole world, Amelia. You always will be.”

Amelia nods weakly, her head resting on his shoulder. “I miss her too,” she murmurs, her voice barely audible.

“I know, baby girl. I know.” He keeps rocking her, his hand still moving in soothing circles on her back. “And it’s okay to miss her. It’s okay to be sad. I’m here for you, okay? Always.”

Eventually, her breathing evens out, and her small frame goes limp in his arms. Buck presses a kiss to her forehead, his own tears finally slipping free.

As he lays her back down and pulls the blanket over her, he whispers, “You’re not alone, Amelia. I promise you that.”

And as he sits on the edge of the couch, keeping watch over her peaceful, tear-streaked face, Buck knows that this is only the beginning of a long, hard road—for both of them. But for her, he’d face anything.

—

When Buck wakes up again, it’s on the couch with Amelia still tucked in his arms. Looking at the clock on his wall, it’s just past 7am and he sighs, having a long list of things he needs to do today. 

He gently stands up and walks over to Amelia’s bed, laying her down so he can quickly go and take a shower and change clothes. 

It’s probably the shortest shower he’s taken in his life, not wanting Amelia to wake up alone. He throws on an old t-shirt and a pair of jeans before walking back downstairs. 

After a quick peek that Amelia is still asleep, he grabs his phone out of his pocket, knowing that about now, Bobby would be sitting down to have his morning coffee. 

He grabs his phone and walks into the kitchen, hitting ‘call’ on Bobby’s contact.

“Buck, I’ve been expecting your call.” Bobby says, answering the phone.  

“Uh yeah, hey Bobby.” Buck takes a seat at his kitchen table and sighs. “So, I’m going to need a week or two off work.” 

“Why did you tell any of us?” Bobby’s tone isn’t accusatory, just curious. “About getting your foster license?” 

“I- I don’t know.” He answers honestly. “I was going to, and then a lot of things happened at the same time, that I just never got around to it.” 

“You know none of us would have judged you for wanting to do this, right?” 

Buck is silent. He takes the notebook off the counter and grabs the pen to start writing down everything he needs to get done today. 

“Buck?” Bobby pushes. 

1. Talk to Amelia’s preschool 

“I know that now, but- I don’t know,” He sighs. “I think I bit off more than I can chew with this.” 

“Every new parent feels that way Buck, and that’s without all the added trauma of losing a parent in the way she did.” 

“Hen said the same thing.”

2. Call Maddie 

“Well, if anyone knows how to deal with a kid mourning a parent, it’s them or Eddie, you should lean on them when you need it.” Bobby says. “So, two weeks off?” 

“Yes please.” 

3. Call Amelia’s PCP, just to introduce myself and explain the situation 

“And you’re joining Athena and I for dinner tonight, you’re not allowed to say no.” 

“Bobby-“ 

“It takes a village Buck, let us be your village.” 

4. Get Amelia into a child psychologist 

“Okay. We’ll be there.” 

5. Introduce Amelia and Chris 

“I’ll make sure to set four extra places at the table.” 

“Uh, four?” 

“Oh I just figured you’ll probably bring Eddie and Chris along with you.” 

Buck looks around the room to see if there’s a hidden cameras, because there’s no way Bobby could have seen what his plans for the day were. 

“Just for that, I’m not going to invite them.” 

Bobby chuckles. “Yeah okay, I’ll see you all later.” 

Buck hangs up the phone and sighs, wanting coffee but not having enough energy to get up and make it to the coffee pot. There’s a light knock at the door and he groans, pushing himself away from the counter to walk over and open it. 

“Good morning,” Eddie is standing there, looking as gorgeous as ever, and that’s not just because he’s holding out a cup of coffee to Buck, with a bag from his favorite bakery on the other hand. Christopher is standing out to the side, looking half asleep and mad at the world in typical teenager fashion. 

“Eddie, Chris. Hey,” he sighs and takes the cup of coffee, opening the door wide enough for them both to come through. 

“We brought breakfast,” Chris grumbles, setting a bakery bag down on the kitchen table. “But he wouldn’t tell me why we had to be here so early.”

Buck glances at Eddie, who’s already rolling his eyes in silent exasperation at his son. Those three months in Texas have turned Chris into a master of teenager-level moodiness.

“Well, uh—” Buck starts, only to be interrupted by the soft sound of tiny footsteps approaching.

“Mr. Buck?” A small voice calls out. Amelia appears in the hallway, clutching her stuffed bunny, her hair an adorable mess.

“That’s not Jee,” Chris says, frowning and looking between his dad and Buck, confusion clear on his face.

“Good morning, Amelia,” Buck says, crossing the room to scoop her up. “How are you feeling today?”

“Sad,” she admits quietly, and Buck feels his heart twist, just as it does every time she speaks. “And I need to potty.”

Buck musters a weak smile and carries her to the bathroom, ensuring the small stool he keeps for Jee-Yun is in place.

“Alright, you’re good to go. Let me know when you’re done.”

A few moments later, the toilet flushes, and Amelia calls out, “I’m done!”

“Did you wash your hands?” Buck asks as she steps out.

Amelia nods solemnly, holding up her small, still-wet hands as proof.

“Good job,” Buck praises, grabbing a hand towel to dry them off. “Hey, Eddie is here, and he brought someone special with him. Do you feel like meeting a new friend today?”

Amelia nods, her grip tightening on her bunny as she follows Buck back into the kitchen. She climbs into a chair across from Chris, her wide eyes curious.

“Chris, this is Amelia. Amelia, this is Eddie’s son, Chris,” Buck says, introducing them gently.

“I live with Mr. Buck now,” Amelia explains solemnly, extending her tiny hand for Chris to shake. “’Cause my mommy went to heaven.”

Buck’s breath catches, and he stumbles back slightly, grateful when Eddie’s steady hand lands on his waist.

“That’s where my mom is too,” Chris says softly, his voice kind as he reaches into the bakery bag. He pulls out two donuts, handing one to Amelia. “But Buck is great. He’ll take care of you. He’s a good dad.”

Buck swallows hard, his chest tightening at the words.

Eddie pulls him back just a little further and turns him to face him. “Hey,” he says quietly, his tone grounding. “Don’t freak out.”

“I’m not freaking out,” Buck mumbles, though the quiver in his voice betrays him.

“You are,” Eddie says with a smirk, squeezing Buck’s hip reassuringly.

Eddie keeps his hand firmly on Buck’s hip, his thumb rubbing a soothing circle. “You’re definitely freaking out,” he says, voice low enough that Chris and Amelia, now engrossed in their donuts, don’t hear.

Buck exhales shakily, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not freaking out. I just—” He stops, glancing over at Amelia as she laughs softly at something Chris says. “She’s so little, Eddie. And so sad. What if I mess this up? What if I can’t—”

“You won’t,” Eddie interrupts, stepping closer. His tone is calm but firm. “You won’t mess this up. You’ve got the biggest heart of anyone I know, Buck. And she’s already looking at you like you’re her whole world.”

Buck glances at Amelia again, the weight of Eddie’s words settling over him. “Last night, she woke up screaming. It was an awful nightmare and she was thrashing and screaming. I got her calmed down and back to sleep, but what if I’m not enough?” 

“You are enough,” Eddie says, his hand moving from Buck’s hip to his shoulder. He squeezes lightly, grounding him. “You’ve been enough for me. For Chris. And now you’ll be enough for Amelia.”

Buck’s throat tightens, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. “This is so much, Eddie, but I can’t imagine walking away. I just… I don’t know how to do this.”

“You don’t have to know everything right now,” Eddie says softly. “Parenting isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, every day, even when it’s hard. You already know how to do that.”

Buck looks at him, the sincerity in Eddie’s expression hitting him like a wave. “Yeah?”

Eddie nods, his voice dropping even lower. “Yeah. And you’re not alone, Buck. I’m right here. Whatever you need, whenever you need it.”

Buck swallows hard, nodding as he tries to pull himself together. “Thanks,” he murmurs, his voice rough. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You won’t have to find out,” Eddie says, a small, reassuring smile tugging at his lips. He glances over at the kids, who are now chatting and giggling. “And look at them. You’re already doing something right.”

Buck lets out a shaky laugh, the tightness in his chest easing just slightly. “She really is something, isn’t she?”

“She is,” Eddie agrees, his eyes softening. “And so are you.”

Buck takes a deep breath, feeling steadier now. “Okay. One day at a time, right?”

“One day at a time,” Eddie echoes, his hand giving Buck’s shoulder one last squeeze before he steps back. “And hey, I’ll always be here to remind you to breathe.”

Buck smiles, glancing back at Amelia and Chris. “Good. Because I think I’m gonna need that.”

Eddie and Chris end up going with Buck and Amelia on all of their errands, Amelia talking Chris’ ear off the whole time. 

“Buck,” Amelia says from her car seat. “I’m going to school today?” 

“Not today, I just had to talk to them. You can go back on Monday.” Buck says, pulling out of the parking lot. 

“And when is that?” 

“In three days.” Eddie says, turning around in his seat to look at her. 

“Okay,” she nods after holding up three fingers and counting them. “Can we get some food?” 

“Yeah, we’re going to go to someone else’s house to eat, if that’s okay with you.” 

“You know more people?” Amelia asks, wonder in her eyes. Eddie busts out laughing and Buck turns to glare at her. 

“She clocked you already,” Chris chuckles from his seat. 

“We’re going to Bobby and Athena’s house, they’re my-“ Buck comes up short, because he wants to say they’re his parents, because at some point that line had been drawn and stepped right over. But his parents were still around, and they were trying their best (which wasn’t saying much.) 

But introducing them as ‘my boss and his wife’ just didn’t seem like enough. 

“Are they your Buck?” She asks, tilting her head. 

“Yeah, sorta.” Buck says, because that’s the best way to explain it. Bobby had taken him under his wing when Buck needed it the most, just like Buck had taken in Amelia when she needed it. 

They pull into Bobby and Athena’s new driveway, surprised to find Maddie’s car and Hen’s SUV already there. 

“I thought you said it was just going to be us?” Eddie asks, unbuckling his seat belt and opening the door. 

“I thought it was, Bobby didn’t mention anyone else coming.” Buck answers as he opens Amelia’s door and undoes her car seat harness, helping her out of the car and holding her hand. 

Inside Bobby and Athena’s home, the sound of laughter and conversation greets them as soon as the door opens. Amelia hides slightly behind Buck’s leg, her tiny fingers clutching his hand as they step into the warm and welcoming space. Maddie is the first to notice them, her face lighting up as she stands from her spot on the couch.

“Buck!” Maddie exclaims, making her way over to them. Her eyes soften as she notices the small girl peeking out from behind him. “And who is this?”

“This is Amelia,” Buck says with a gentle smile, crouching down slightly to encourage Amelia forward. “Amelia, this is my sister, Maddie.”

Maddie kneels, her voice soft and inviting. “Hi, Amelia. It’s so nice to meet you.”

Amelia studies Maddie for a moment before offering a shy wave. “Hi.”

“And this,” Buck continues, gesturing to the group gathered in the living room, “is Chimney.”

Chim smiles, waving at Amelia. “Hey there, kiddo.”

“And that’s Jee-Yun,” Buck adds, pointing to the other four year old sitting on Hen’s lap, happily chatting away. “She’s Maddie and Chim’s daughter.”

“Hi!” Amelia says, her excitement breaking through her shyness. She glances up at Buck. “She’s little like me!”

“She is, you two are the same age,” Buck agrees with a chuckle. He continues introducing her to everyone. “And this is Bobby and Athena, the ones I told you about earlier.”

Athena smiles warmly. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Amelia. We’ve heard a lot about you.”

Which is nowhere near the truth, but Buck doesn’t point that out. 

Amelia clutches Buck’s hand tighter but offers another small wave. “Hi.”

“She’s doing great,” Eddie whispers to Buck, who nods, his chest swelling with pride.

“Come on in,” Bobby says, motioning toward the dining room. “We’ve got plenty of food. Amelia, I hope you’re hungry.”

Amelia looks up at Buck for confirmation, and he nods. “Go ahead, kiddo.”

“So, uh, this is a lot more people than just us.” Buck says, catching Bobby before he walks away. 

“Well you know how these things go. Athena mentioned to Hen that we we’re having you over, she took that as an invite, and then told Chimney. Boom, everyone is here.” 

Buck nods and follows Bobby further into the house, Eddie following behind him. 

As they settle into the dining room, Amelia seems to loosen up, her curiosity getting the best of her. She starts asking questions—mostly directed at Chris, who answers every single one patiently. It’s not long before she’s laughing at Chim’s silly faces and even sharing a cookie with Jee-Yun.

Maddie watches Buck from across the table, a mixture of pride and curiosity in her expression. When they both find a quiet moment, she pulls him aside.

“She’s adorable, Buck,” Maddie says softly. “And she’s so comfortable with you already.”

Buck rubs the back of his neck, a small smile tugging at his lips. “She’s… she’s been through a lot the last few days. But she’s tough. She just needs… someone to be there for her.”

“I want you to know I’m mad at you for not telling me about becoming a foster parent,” she says, smacking his chest lightly. “But I’m also ridiculously proud of you, too.” 

“I know, believe me, there were multiple times during the whole process that I wanted to call you for advice,” Buck sighs. “But then I just never got around to it, and then once I was approved and put on the list, I never got a call for a placement, so I didn’t feel like I needed to mention it.” 

“You’re doing a good job,” Maddie assures him, her hand resting on his arm. “Mom and Dad might not have gotten it right, but you’re giving her exactly what she needs.”

Buck’s throat tightens at her words, but before he can respond, Amelia tugs on his hand. “Buck, come look! Chris showed me how to build a tower with the blocks!”

“Be right there,” he says, giving Maddie a grateful smile before following Amelia back into the room.

Watching Amelia light up as she plays with the other kids, and even the reluctant Chris and Denny, Buck can’t help but feel that, for the first time in a long time, things are falling into place. 

Two weeks later 

Buck is going back to work today. Amelia, well, Buck has her on a schedule now, but he’s not sure how he’s going to handle him not being there when she gets home from school. 

Luckily, Buck is only working 12 hour shifts for the next month to give her time to get used to it, but he’s nervous. 

“Okay, remember what we talked about, Mia. I’m going back to work today so Kai is going to pick you up from school and watch you until I get home.” 

Kai was a godsend. Buck had found her through social services, and her qualifications were impeccable—a master’s degree in child psychology and an impressive list of certifications. But what really sealed the deal was her personality. Unlike the other applicants who either fawned over Amelia in a way that felt performative or flirted with Buck, Kai had been refreshingly professional and kind. She’d been happily married to her wife for five years, which was a bonus in Buck’s book—less awkwardness, more focus on Amelia.

Amelia nods before tugging Buck toward the door of the preschool, “I know! You keep telling me. Come on, it’s ice cream day.” 

Buck chuckles, letting her urgency pull him toward the building. Inside, he kneels to her level, brushing a stray curl out of her face. “You’re going to have a good day, right?”

“I always do!” she chirps before dashing off to the front desk.

Buck hands over a dollar for her ice cream, watching as she bounces back toward the classroom aide. “Okay, I’ll see you when I get home from work, sweet pea!”

“Yeah, yeah, bye Buck!” she calls, waving dismissively without looking back.

Buck’s chuckle lingers as he stands.

“She seems to be adjusting well,” Courtney, the preschool secretary, observes from behind the desk.

Buck nods, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, the nightmares haven’t been as bad the last couple of days. I think the play therapy is helping her a lot.”

Three sessions in, and the difference was already noticeable. Amelia wasn’t waking up crying nearly as often, and her moods had started to stabilize. Buck felt like they were both finding their footing.

Back in his car, Buck checks the time and exhales a steadying breath. He has just enough time to get to work without being late, but his mind keeps drifting.

As he merges into traffic, Buck’s phone buzzes. A quick glance reveals a message.

Kai: Got everything set up for today. Mia and I are going to bake cookies after school. Hope your first day back goes smoothly!

A small smile tugs at Buck’s lips. He’s still nervous about being away, but knowing Amelia will be in good hands softens the edges of his worry.

Today is a big step for both of them, and while Buck knows there will still be bumps along the way, he feels a flicker of optimism. They’re going to be okay.

Buck is the last one to arrive at work, pulling in at 7:58 with two minutes to spare. He has to give props to Eddie for doing this every day for years because Buck has only done this “working single dad” thing for a few hours, and he’s already exhausted.

“Here, I figured you’d need this today,” Eddie says, already waiting for him in the locker room with a travel mug full of coffee. “How’d it go?”

Buck thanks him and takes the coffee, basically inhaling it in one go. “It went fine. I think she understands that I’m not going to be there to pick her up, but we’ll see.”

Eddie hums, and Buck starts changing into his uniform.

“Do you and Little Bit have plans for dinner?” Eddie asks, leaning against the lockers.

“Probably just going to pick up a pizza on the way home from work.”

“Or you could join Christopher and me at Gino’s,” Eddie suggests, and Buck looks up at him. “He made a 100 on his biology test, so I promised him he could pick any restaurant he wanted.”

Buck’s heart is racing, and he isn’t sure if it’s from the coffee or from the idea of spending dinner with Eddie and Chris, like the four of them were a family. Buck wants them to be a family. Eddie and Chris and him and Amelia. One big happy family.

But that’s never going to happen.

Buck smiles, trying to shake the thought away before Eddie can read it on his face. “That sounds great, actually. Amelia loves Italian food, well spaghetti, and it’d be nice to celebrate with you guys.”

Eddie’s grin widens, his eyes lighting up in a way that makes Buck’s stomach flip. “Perfect. I’ll text Chris and let him know we’re adding two more to the party.”

As Eddie pulls out his phone, Buck finishes buttoning up his uniform, trying to focus on anything other than the warmth spreading through his chest. He tells himself it’s just because Eddie is a great friend—always looking out for him, always making things easier.

But deep down, Buck knows it’s more than that.

The truth is, he’s been in love with Eddie for a while now, but he’s never dared to admit it, not even to himself. The idea of ruining their friendship or confusing things keeps him silent, even as his heart aches with longing.

“Alright, let’s go before Bobby asks where we are.” Eddie chuckles and pats Buck on the shoulder, walking past him and out into the engine bay.

And if Buck sat and watched him walk away for just a bit, well, that’s between him and the glass walls.

Buck has been watching his phone for the last thirty minutes, waiting for a message from Kai. By now, she should have picked up Amelia and should be back at his place. He’d already texted her not to make dinner since they’d be going out later, and she responded that she’d only give Amelia a light snack after school. Buck hadn’t heard from her since then.

“Buck, you’ve got to stop worrying. Mia is fine,” Bobby says, handing Buck a clipboard with an inventory checklist on it.

“You’re giving me a clipboard?”

“Figured if you were terrorizing Eddie over inventory, you’d be less stressed about Mia’s first day with you at work,” Bobby says, chuckling as he walks away.

Buck motions for Eddie to follow him, and they take off toward the fire engines.

“All right, one thermal imaging camera?”

“Got it,” Eddie says, and Buck gives him a look. “Sorry, check.”

Buck nods and marks it off on the list. “One high-band portable radio?”

“Check,” Eddie says. “So, after dinner, why don’t you and Mia come over to the house?”

“It’ll be way past her bedtime at that point,” Buck shrugs. “We need one accountability board.”

“Check.” Eddie pauses and turns to face Buck. “So pack a bag and stay over.”

Buck falters. He thinks of the layout of Eddie’s house, knowing that Eddie doesn’t have enough room for both of them to sleep on a couch.

“Where are we supposed to sleep?” Buck asks before looking back down at the clipboard. “Two small stream lights and four large stream lights.”

“Check and check,” Eddie says. “Well, Mia can sleep on the pull-out couch, and I guess we can share my bed.”

Buck pauses. “Your couch isn’t a pull-out.”

“Uh, yes, it is,” Eddie says, looking at him with confusion lacing his face.

“I’ve slept on that thing a thousand times. I think I would know if it was a pull-out.”

Eddie starts to laugh. “Buck, I swear to you, it’s a pull-out couch.”

“Uh, six large cones?” Buck doesn’t know how to come back from this. “And sure, I guess Mia and I can crash on the couch since it’s apparently a whole bed I never knew about.”

“There’s eight cones,” Eddie says, closing the hatch. “And did you not hear me when I said you could just share with me? My bed’s big enough for both of us.”

Buck’s heart is racing again. He can’t share a bed with Eddie—that’s just a recipe for an awkward morning disaster.

“Uh, yeah. Okay, we’ll stay the night.”

Eddie smiles, and they continue to go through the checklist, finishing just as the tones sound to call them out for a pile-up.

They make it back just in time for their—Buck’s and Eddie’s—shift to end. Everyone else is staying on for 24.

“Why don’t we carpool? We can get your Jeep tomorrow.”

“What about Mia’s car seat?”

“Oh, I’ve got one,” Eddie says, snatching Buck’s keys from him and stuffing them in his pocket.

Buck stumbles over his feet, confused about what is going on. “You—you have a car seat? For my kid?”

Eddie shrugs, a teasing grin on his face. “Maybe I like to be prepared.”

Buck doesn’t argue, he just gets in the truck and watches as Eddie pulls away from the station. He looks down at his phone again, this time being greeted with a picture of Mia sleeping in her car seat. 

Kai: all good here, enjoy your date 😉

Buck turns in his seat to look at Eddie who is grinning from ear to ears 

“By the way, change of plans—Gino’s is actually a reservation for two. Kai is going to my house to watch Mia and Chris.” 

Buck can feel his heat in his throat. “What?”

Eddie turns to him, his expression softening. “It’s a date, Buck. Just you and me. I figured it was about time.”

Buck’s heart skips a beat, his face burning as he processes Eddie’s words. “You—this whole time?”

Eddie steps closer, his gaze unwavering. “Yeah. This whole time.”

“You’re…Eddie, you know I’m a guy right?” Buck is so confused. 

“Yes, I know you’re a guy.” Eddie chuckles and continues to drive after stopping at a stop sign. “It’d be pretty weird if you weren’t, considering I’m gay.” 

Buck is in shock. That’s got to be it, because there’s no way Eddie, the same Eddie that he’s been in love with for who knows how long, is sitting here telling him he’s gay and that he’s taking him on a date. 

“Are you- are you going to be okay?” Eddie asks, reaching over and taking Buck’s hand, squeezing with enough pressure to start to calm Buck’s nervous system. 

“We’re going on a date?” Buck asks to clarify. “You want to date me?” 

“I want to do everything with you, Buck.” Eddie smiles at him, having pulled up to a red light. “I want to date you, I want to hold you at night, I want to raise our kids together. I want to marry you and I want to grow old with you. I want to have lazy morning sex with you and get caught in the storage closet making out with you, Buck. Everything, I want everything.” 

“I want everything with you too, Eddie.” Buck says, nearly breathless from trying to keep his tears at bay. 

The light turns green, but Eddie doesn’t move the car just yet. Instead, he glances at Buck, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “You okay?” he asks again, his voice quieter now, filled with so much care that Buck feels it settle deep in his chest.

Buck blinks, swallowing the lump in his throat before nodding. “Yeah,” he says, the word coming out steadier than he expected. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

Eddie nods, his smile widening as he finally presses the gas. As they drive, Buck’s nerves begin to settle, his heart now beating with excitement rather than anxiety. He glances at Eddie, who looks so calm and assured, his hand resting casually on the wheel, the other still firmly grasping Buck’s. 

The anticipation lingers in the air as they make their way through the city. When Eddie finally parks,  he steps out first, hurrying around the car to open Buck’s door. Buck raises an eyebrow at him as he climbs out. “Chivalry, huh?”

Eddie shrugs, his smile a little shy now. “What can I say? First date and all.”

Buck can’t help but laugh, his cheeks warming as they walk toward the entrance together. “It’s a little too late to try and impress me, I’ve seen you dance around in your underwear and socks.”

Eddie chuckles as his hand brushes against Buck’s, and for a moment, Buck debates whether to reach out and take it, despite having held it the entire drive here. But Eddie beats him to it, slipping his fingers through Buck’s in a way that already feels effortless. 

“Ready?” Eddie asks, pausing at the door.

Buck looks at him, his heart swelling at the sight of Eddie’s hopeful expression. He squeezes Eddie’s hand and nods. “Yeah. I’m ready.”

Buck thought he would be nervous. He is notoriously bad at first dates, and he does not want to mess this one up. Maybe that’s why Eddie didn’t tell him it was a date until the last second. 

“Can I start you two gentlemen off with a wine?” Their server, Sarah from the name tag, asks holding up the wine menu.

“We’ll take a bottle of red,” Eddie smiles and reaches across the table, taking Buck’s hand in his. 

Sarah smiles and nods, walking away to put in their drink order. 

“Okay, I’ve got to ask.” Buck says, breaking off a very tiny piece of bread from the basket. “What made you ask? I mean- why now?” 

“I was going to ask you a couple of weeks ago.” Eddie says, playing with the button on his shirt with his free hand. “The same night as the fire, when you-“ 

“When I started fostering Mia?” 

“Yeah, I was going to invite you over that morning for breakfast, and I was going to tell you everything. But then, you ended up staying all night at the hospital with her, so I figured I’d wait a little while longer.” Eddie takes a deep breath. “But, not having you by my side at work for two weeks was enough time for me to realize that I didn’t want to wait any longer, so here we are.” 

Eddie’s words hang in the air between them, and Buck feels a warmth bloom in his chest that he hasn’t felt in a long time. He’d both realized his feelings and convinced himself this was impossible in the days where Eddie was debating on moving to Texas. He was so sure that his feelings for Eddie were one-sided, that the life he’d imagined—them as a family, first with just the three of them and more recently, four —was nothing more than a dream.

But here they are.

Buck leans forward, his hand tightening slightly around Eddie’s. “Here we are,” he repeats softly, a smile tugging at his lips. “And for the record, I’m really glad you didn’t wait any longer, even if I’m a nervous mess right now over Mia and whether she’s okay.” 

Eddie’s grin widens, his eyes sparkling with relief and something else—something deeper. “Me too,” he says, his thumb brushing over the back of Buck’s hand. “I was starting to think I’d have to just pull you aside during a shift just to get the words out.”

Buck laughs, shaking his head. “Yeah, that probably wouldn’t have gone over well with Bobby.”

“Well, I’m glad I waited then. This—” Eddie gestures between them, the candlelight casting soft shadows on his face. “—this is better.”

Buck nods, his heart swelling. “Yeah, it is.”

Their server returns with the wine, pouring them each a glass before disappearing again, leaving them in their little bubble of warmth and laughter. As the night goes on, the conversation flows effortlessly—stories, jokes, plans for the future that feel less like “what ifs” and more like inevitabilities.

By the time they leave the restaurant, Buck’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much, and his chest feels light, free. Eddie holds his hand as they walk back to the truck, and Buck doesn’t even try to stop himself from leaning into him, their shoulders brushing with every step.

When they get back to Eddie’s house, the lights are dim, and the quiet hum of the TV filters through the living room window. Inside, Kai is curled up on the couch with Amelia, both of them fast asleep.

Eddie glances at Buck, a soft smile on his face. “See, you had nothing to worry about.” 

Buck nods,“Yeah, I guess you were right.” 

Buck shakes Kai awake gently, waking her up and thanking her for staying later than her contract hours. He watches to make sure she makes it to her car okay before shutting Eddie’s front door and locking it. 

“Let me grab the sheets and we can get Mia settled.” Eddie says, walking towards the linen closet and grabbing an extra blanket and pillow. 

“I think just the blanket and pillow will be fine, no need to try and move her to make up the bed.” Buck sighs, taking the blanket from Eddie and tucking it around Mia, making sure she would stay warm all night. “Which I’m still not convinced exists.” 

Eddie laughs and grabs Buck’s hand, pulling him down the hallway. 

Together, they stop in at Chris’ room, telling him he needs to turn the game off and go to bed. He grumbles but turns the game off, laying his headphones on his desk and walking toward his bed. 

“Goodnight!” Buck and Eddie chorus. 

“Yeah, yeah. Goodnight,” Chris sighs. 

When they finally retreat to Eddie’s room, Buck feels a wave of nervousness wash over him—not because he’s unsure of what’s happening, but because this feels so real, so important.

Eddie seems to sense it, stepping closer and cupping Buck’s face in his hands. “Hey,” he says softly, his voice grounding. “We’re in this together, okay? One step at a time.”

Buck swallows, his heart pounding as he nods. “Okay.”

Eddie smiles, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead, right next to his birthmark, before lightly pushing him onto the bed.

”Do you want sweat pants or short?” Eddie asks, moving over to his dresser to find something for them to change into. 

“Shorts please.” 

Buck and Eddie both get changed quickly, crawling into the bed like they’ve done it a million times before.

They fall asleep tangled together, the quiet promise of everything they’ve ever wanted settling over them like a blanket.