Reading Time: 91 Minutes

Title: My Way
Author: Duochanfan
Fandom: 9-1-1
Genre: Drama, Family, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Slash
Relationship(s): Evan Buckley/Eddie Diaz
Content Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Hate Crimes/Hate Speech, Violence – Graphic , Dark Themes, Discussions of Rape/Hate Crimes/Homophobia, Homophobia, Past Rape, Canon Typical Situations, Stalking, Home Invasion, Work Place Bullying, Character Bashing,
Author Note: Thank you HarleyJQuin for being my sounding board, cheer squad and keeping me on track on this one.
Beta: Greeneyesblye, HarleyJQuin
Word Count: 96,744
Summary: When Buck couldn’t find Christopher at the VA, he went back out into Santa Monica to continue his search. Hours later Eddie and the rest of the 118 find him and bring him back to where Christopher was waiting for them all ,after making sure they went out to search for ‘His Bucky’. When Christopher’s fear of being separated from Buck makes itself known, Buck goes with the Diaz’s home, instead of going back to his empty loft. The ripples from that day start to spread as Buck and Eddie learn something new about each other, a sweet kiss is shared and a meeting with Bobby starts to put everything into place for the two men, until the past crawls from under a rock and their future is put in jeopardy by someone unknown
Artist: Penumbria

---

---

Chapter Thirty Seven

Buck grinned as they pulled into the 118. The message had been sent to Isabel and Athena to get things ready. Now, everything was set. They were back at the station for at least the next two and a half hours. Their scheduled break started now. Getting out of the truck he glanced up at the loft, grinning widely as he saw Athena standing there.

“Hey,” Bobby smiled as he spotted her.

“I thought we should save you from having Chinese for Christmas dinner,” Athena smiled as she leaned against the railing and looked down at her husband.

“What?” he frowned, though there was still a smile on his face.

“I did ask for turkey,” Buck said as he walked past and headed towards the loft. The others already doing so.

“Dad! Papa!” came the joyful shout of Christopher as Eddie reached the top of the stairs.

“Chris?!” Eddie laughed brightly as he rushed over and swung Christopher up into his arms and held him tightly. “Abuela?” he puzzled.

“Your boy, he helped to get us together,” Isabel smiled softly, as she patted her grandson on the cheek, “Such a wonderful man,” she added looking at Buck.

“I couldn’t have pulled this off without all of your help,” he said as he looked from Isabel, to Athena, past her to where Karen was hugging her wife and son tightly.

“You did good Buckaroo,” Athena smiled at him from where she was leaning against Bobby, a happy and content smile on her face she watched her children head off with Denny to give out some of the gifts that they had brought for those from the children’s home that Karan had asked to invite.

Buck looked around, smiling and laughing as he held up the mistletoe he had grabbed, getting kissed on the cheek from Hen and Karren, and another from Athena. The children looked to be having fun as Christopher went over to join them after hugging Buck as tightly as he could.

Buck squeaked as he felt arms around him and someone turned him around and kissed him. When they broke to breathe, he laughed as Eddie smiled at him. “Hey,” he grinned.

“Evan,” Eddie began, his voice a quiet murmur as he smiled back, “Thank you, thank you for this, all of this. You… you made a lot of people happy.”

“I did it because I knew how upset everyone was at the thought of working through the holiday. That, and I really wanted turkey,” he tried to joke.

Eddie snorted and shook his head, “Thank you,” he said, leaning in and kissing him again.

“Welcome, always. I wanted to see him just as much, though he does look like he’s now having fun with friends,” Buck said as he turned slightly, leaning against Eddie as they watched Christopher joining the other kids for a bit as they shared out some of the gifts that had been brought to the station by Karren and some of the others.

“My grandsons,” Isabel said as she and Josephina walked over to the two of them, “come dinner will be served soon, we want to make sure you are all able to eat as much as possible before you end up on another call,” she added as she began to hustle the adults towards the main group of tables.

“Come on everyone,” Bobby announced as he started doing the same. Getting everyone to sit down and join the tables that had been set up for everyone. It was rather more crowded as Chimney and Maddie made their way up the stairs to join them. A woman that they had saved the life of joined her son upstairs as well.

Buck looked around as food was beginning to be served. Christopher sat between him and Eddie. With Josephina on one side of him and Isabel on Eddie’s other side.

“Well,” Bobby began as he looked around, “Merry Christmas to you all. And Buck, thank you, for getting everyone together.”

“Wasn’t just me Cap, had a lot of help from Athena and Isabel,” Buck said, glancing over at the two women.

“Abuela, Evanito,” Isabel admonished gently, “you are my family now, don’t forget that.”

“I won’t, Abuela,” he smiled back at her.

“Well, to all those that helped make this Christmas meal, thank you, from all of us that are now about to enjoy this wonderful food,” Bobby said, smiling at everyone as they began to tuck into their meal.

“Dad,” Christopher said as Eddie was putting some carrots on his plate.

“Yeah, mijo?” he asked him, smiling as he saw Buck putting potatoes on all three of their plates.

“Are you going to make papa an honest man yet?” he asked, a smirking grin on his face.

Eddie froze as Buck did the same, “Where… where did you hear that?” he asked him.

“Bisabuela and Tia Pepa said that you should make an honest man of papa,” Christopher said, looking innocent.

“Well…” Eddie trailed off.

“Be patient,” Buck squeaked, as he looked wide eyed at Eddie.

“Yes, be patient,” Eddie agreed as he turned to quickly glare at his grandmother.

Isabel looked perfectly happy as she smirked at him, “No esperes, nieto,” she told him before going back to filling her plate.

“I agree with mama on this one,” Josephine said to her nephew.

Eddie gave a roll of his eyes. It wasn’t like he was waiting around. He already had a ring ready. Part of him wished that he had brought it with him today, as it would have been perfect. With a sigh, he shook his head, “We’ll worry about that another time,” he said to Christopher who was still looking at him.

“Okay,” he nodded, “But you need to hurry,” he added, “We don’t want someone else to snap him up,” he said causing Buck to snort and Eddie to sigh and wonder what exactly his Grandmother and Aunt had been saying around his son.

XxXxX

Buck had left Eddie and Christopher at the park nearby. Letting the eight year old enjoy some time outside while he went to his apartment and packed up the last of his things. He had slowly been moving it over to Eddie’s place the last few weeks. Now, this would be the last time. He hadn’t had the chance with Christmas and organising things to stop and pack away the last of it. So he was doing that now. Unlocking his front door he walked in and froze.

“What the fuck,” Buck cursed as he looked around his apartment. The last of his plates and glasses and things were broken and strewn across the kitchen area. The clothing he had in the loft torn and left in tatters around the floor and stairs. He could see his furniture was ripped to pieces. And then, on the walls were words that cut Buck to the core.

Faggot.

Whore.

Deviant.

Seducer.

You should DIE.

Someone had taken the time to paint the words on the windows and walls of his apartment. Taken the time to turn the place over. Nothing was left untouched in any way. Buck was semi relieved that his more valuable and personal possessions were already at Eddie’s. All that was left was mostly kitchenware, the furniture and some clothes that he hadn’t gotten to sorting out and donating what he no longer wanted.

Buck’s hands were shaking as he fumbled for his phone. “Athena,” he said, still standing in the doorway, “Someone, someone has ransacked my apartment,” he stumbled through the words.

“Okay, I’ll head your way, I’ll radio in and make sure they know where I am and to send Romero as well,” she told him, her voice calm.

“I need, I should call Eddie, but he’s with Chris, I don’t want Chris here. He can’t be here,” Buck continued to ramble, his mind not wanting to make sense of what he was seeing.

“Don’t you worry about that baby,” she told him, “you stay on the line with me,” she added, “And can you get out of the apartment? I don’t want you in there.”

“I can leave,” he nodded as he stepped backwards, closing the door as he went. Not wanting to see what was in there anymore. “Athena,” he began, “I don’t… Why?” he just wanted to know who it was and why they were doing this to him.

“I wish I knew,” she said, her voice gentle and kind. “You just make sure you’re safe, and I’ll be there soon, okay Buck,” she added. Buck could hear the sirens in the background and knew she was speeding towards him.

Athena rushed out of her vehicle as soon as she pulled up outside Buck’s Apartment building. She could see Romero’s car also parking up. “Hey,” she called as soon as she saw Buck, standing stiffly outside of his apartment.

“‘Thena,” he said, giving her a weak and trembling smile.

Athena reached out for him, letting him fall into her arms. She could feel him shaking and wished she could do something to ease the panic and fear. “I got you, baby,” she murmured as Romero walked towards them.

“Buckley, Sergeant Grant,” Romero greeted the two of them.

Buck moved from Athena’s arms, wiping at his eyes quickly as he turned to the detective, “I came here to get the last of my things. I’m moving in with Eddie, and well…” he trailed off gesturing to his front door. “Go and take a look,” he said.

Romero nodded and walked into the apartment. Athena let go of Buck and followed the detective. Buck was hesitant but followed as well. He looked around, seeing the other two examining things.

“Buckley,” Romero said as he walked back over to him, “There is also a note here,” he added, putting gloves on as he picked it up carefully and unfolded it.

Buck read over his shoulder. “It’s the same handwriting as the letters Eddie got,” he shuddered. Whoever had sent it was trying to warn Buck away from Eddie, that he was bewitching him, corrupting him, “Reminds me a little of how Miss Canning talked, she’s one of the mothers at Christopher’s school. She… said something similar to this when telling Eddie off for allowing Chris to be around me,” he added, remembering the vile woman.

“We’ll look into that, and we’ll get someone down here to go through the place,” Romero told him.

“Thanks, and sorry,” Buck said, moving to leave, “I don’t… I don’t want to be in here.”

“That’s fine Buck,” Athena said, giving the young man a small tight smile, “You go and meet with Eddie.”

Buck handed over his key to Athena, “Just… do what needs to be done. I don’t think anything here is salvageable. Thankfully only a few old clothes and some of my older things are here; Everything else is already at Eddies.”

“Okay, you go to him now, we’ll talk more about this later,” Athena said, glancing at Romero, who just nodded in agreement. There wasn’t anything more that Buck could tell them, they would just have to examine the scene and hope they found something that could lead them to whoever it was that was behind it all.

“Thanks,” Buck gave her a nod as he left his apartment. He shuddered, as far as he was concerned he never wanted to step foot inside of it again.

Buck was quick to head to the park where Chris and Eddie were waiting for him. He gave Eddie a quick run down while Christopher was busy.

“At least you’re moving in with me,” Eddie said as he held him tightly.

Buck nodded against his shoulder, “I am. Don’t think I will be stepping inside that place again. If there is anything left, well, I’ll ask someone else to grab it for me.”

“Understandable,” he murmured, kissing Buck lightly on the cheek, “Let’s spend the day with Chris, and then watch some movies when we get home, put this behind us as best as we can. The new year is coming, and I know we both need that fresh start. This year has been…”

“Hell,” Buck snorted nodding and turning to watch Christopher.

“Agreed,” Eddie said, taking his hand and pulling him to lean against him, “Next year, next year will be better, we’ll make it so much better.”

Buck nodded and the two settled to wait for Christopher to get tired enough to want to go home.

Chapter Thirty Eight

Eddie went over to Bobby’s office and knocked on the door, “Hey Cap, can I talk to you about something?” he asked as he put his head around the door.

“Sure, you know my door is always open,” Bobby smiled as he looked up from his paperwork, glad to be able to take a small break from it.

“Thanks,” Eddie said as he walked in and closed the door behind him, “I want to propose to Buck. I’ve had the ring for around a month already.”

“So Christopher isn’t driving this after Christmas dinner?” Bobby said, smirking at the blush.

“No he isn’t. Though he has been hinting at doing so since before Buck and I got together. Wanted Buck with us all the time. Told me I should marry him not long after… after the bombing,” he said, hesitating slightly.

Bobby nodded, “Well, there is only a little bit of paperwork needed to change your status here,” he said, “But somehow I don’t think that’s going to be what you are after.”

“No, it isn’t,” he smiled, “I know you and Athena are planning a New Years Party. And I was hoping you would help me set it up so I can propose then. I think he would like it if his family is around him.”

“Right,” Bobby smiled, “I think Athena would love that, and so would I,” he agreed. “Just tell me what you have in mind?” he asked him, leaning forward as Eddie began to spill what he planned.

“And that’s it,” Eddie grinned, “What do you think?” he asked, hoping the older man would agree with it.

“I think it’s perfect,” Bobby told him, “I look forward to telling Athena, she’s going to be happy.”

“Well, to be honest with you Bobby, you and Athena are his parents. That’s what he thinks of you. He has only mentioned his parents to me once. And that was to say he hasn’t spoken to them since he was nineteen. He has the same number from then as well. And nothing, no contact whatsoever.”

“I did try and contact them after the bombing, but they never returned the call. I never even bothered with the embolism, didn’t think it was worth a try when they already showed they didn’t care” Bobby murmured.

“Yeah,” Eddie sighed, “At least he has you and Athena, and I know he thinks the world of the both of you. How he hovered earlier after the tunnel fire.”

“I had to give him my results to reassure him that I was fine,” Bobby sighed, shaking his head, a fond smile on his face.

Eddie laughed lightly, “He wanted to know for sure.”

“He-” the alarm rang, “Well, work,” he snorted as they darted out of the office and headed to the trucks.

XxXxX

It had been a long day, Eddie and Buck were finally heading home. Glad that they didn’t have to pick Christopher up as he was having a sleepover with Denny that night. Leaving the two of them to be able to head home and just sink into bed.

“Seriously what is up with people,” Buck complained as he slowly got out of Eddie’s truck. He had done a lot of the heavy lifting for the last few rescues. Eddie had been called in to help on the medical side of things. Iverson and Huang had been the two to help him out with them.

“Don’t know, but I think a nice long soak in the bath is in order,” Eddie nodded as he got out and headed towards the front door.

“Me first,” Buck said, waving a hand and following Eddie.

Eddie laughed, “Nope, me first, and then I’ll let you soak for as long as you want.”

“I’ll fall asleep before you’re done,” he warned him as yawned.

Eddie unlocked the door and walked inside. “You know,” he began, “We could just sleep first and bathe later?” he suggested.

Buck shook his head, “No way, that last one was icky,” he grunted, “I just want to be nice and clean before I sleep like the dead,” he muttered as he glanced over at Eddie.

“Fine, I think you’ve earned first bath. I’m going to shower instead. Go get it started,” he said as he pushed Buck towards the bathroom and then went past him to the bedroom.

Eddie froze in the doorway as he looked inside their bedroom.

“Hey Eddie,” Buck called out walking towards him, “What’s wrong?” he asked, as he placed a hand on Eddie’s shoulder.

Eddie jumped and turned, “I… call Romero,” he said as he let Buck look past him and towards the bedroom.

Buck froze just like Eddie had moments before. “Yeah,” he murmured as he glanced back at Eddie. The man already had his phone out and was calling Romero. Buck got his own phone out and called Athena. Asking her to come and that they had already called Romero had her hanging up before he could even say goodbye as she told him she would be there soon.

“Someone came into our home,” Eddie said as he walked into the bedroom and looked around properly.

“Eddie, you should stay out of there,” Buck advised him, staying where he was.

Eddie just looked at him for a moment and then back at the room. It was covered in rose petals. Strewn over the floor and bed. In the middle of it was a women’s lingerie set in bright red with black trim. There was a note on top of it. He didn’t even have to pick it up to read it. And when he did, he could feel his blood boil. “Buck, go and wait for Romero and Athena,” he told him, not touching anything even though the anger coursing through him wanted nothing more than to rip apart the clothing and the note that came with it.

“Yeah, yeah okay,” Buck nodded as he walked away.

Eddie remained there in the room for a moment longer before leaving and waited with Buck for Romero to arrive. It was Athena that pulled up first. Not in uniform as she walked over to them.

“Hey, ‘Thena,” Buck said weakly as she hugged him tightly.

“Stay with her,” Eddie said as he saw Romero pull up seconds later. “Hey,” he said “Someone must have broken in, but it really doesn’t look like it. The front door was locked,” he told him as soon as the man stood before him.

“Hello to you too,” Romero said but nodded, “So no break in detected when you got home?”

Eddie shook his head, “No, nothing. Like I said the front door was still locked. I walked in, nothing out of place that I could see, but then again we headed straight for the bedroom and bathroom. Shift was a hard one,” he sighed as he led the detective into the house. He looked at Buck, who wanted to join him and he shook his head, “Let me deal with this, I’ll see about grabbing some things as well. We’ll stay somewhere else tonight and get a locksmith out in the morning to change the locks,” he added as he reached out for Buck’s hand and squeezed it.

“Okay,” he nodded, staying with Athena. He didn’t want to believe that another home he had was broken into.

Eddie tried to smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes, but he did it for Buck. To reassure him that things would be fine. He then showed Romero into the house and towards his bedroom, “There is another reason why I don’t want Buck in here for this,” he said as he pointed towards the note.

Romero put on some gloves and took the note. “A ring?” he asked as he looked at the man.

“Yeah, one that I brought to propose to Buck. Going to get another one. She said that she tried it on, so no doubt you’ll want to take it. I don’t know if it’s in the same place.”

“Here put these on and show me. But don’t touch it,” Romero said as he handed over another pair of gloves for him to take.

Eddie was quick to put them on and then went over to one of the drawers on the dresser and pulled it out. Moving some of the clothing he pointed to the small velvet box that was settled below them. “This drawer has all our older clothes that need to be sorted. We put it off, so it was a good place to hide it,” he said as Romero moved closer.

“I’m going to have to take it into evidence, you know that,” Romero reminded him as he looked from it and then over at Eddie.

Eddie nodded, “Figured that out. And don’t worry, I don’t want that one to touch Buck at all. I… don’t like the thought that someone has come into our home and…” he trailed off gesturing to the room, “They were in here Romero, they touched our things, moved them around. Searched for things. Must have to have found that ring. I hid it,” he took a breath to try and calm himself down. “You have no idea how tempting it is at the moment to take all the bedding and the bed itself and burn the lot, the thought of someone else lying in it. It turns my stomach, I’m not going to lie,” Eddie hissed, clenching his fists at his sides as he stared at the bed.

“Wait until we’re done here at least,” Romero told him, shaking his head. Though he could understand where the younger man was coming from. This type of violation of security and of someone’s personal space could leave a person feeling unsafe in the one place that they should always be able to feel safe in.

“Yeah,” he sighed, “I’m going to grab a few things, hope you don’t mind. But Buck and I won’t be back tonight, or maybe not even tomorrow.”

“That’s fine,” Romero nodded as he watched Eddie do just that. Gathering clothing for himself and Buck.

Eddie headed out of the bedroom and to Christopher’s room, getting some of his things and then stopping back at the bathroom to grab some of their things from there too. He sighed as he closed the duffle bag. Making sure that he had any paperwork that they would need.

“Eddie,” Buck said as soon as he walked out of the house. Eddie opened an arm and let the man hold him tightly. “Were you… Romero.”

“He’s going to investigate of course. It’ll be fine. We’ll get a hotel for a few days at the very least. Get the locks changed and redo our bedroom I think. Get rid of the bed and all that. I don’t…” Eddie trailed off.

“Agree, get rid of it,” Buck nodded, smiling slightly.

“And neither of you will be going to a hotel at all. I have a perfectly good guest room that both of you are welcome to use for a few days,” Athena told the two of them.

“Really we don’t want to-” Buck began only to cut himself off when Athena turned towards him and glared.

“Buck, you and Eddie will stay at mine. Harry would love to have a sleepover with Christopher. He’s already jealous that Chris is staying with Denny tonight,” she pointed out. She had been dealing with a pouty son for most of the day.

Eddie nodded, “Thank you Athena, if you are really sure,” he said, more happy with staying at the Grant-Nash house as it felt like it would be more secure.

Buck looked hesitant but then nodded, “Thanks Athena,” he smiled at her, his head still resting a little on Eddie’s shoulder.

“Let me talk to Romero for a moment and then I’ll see about getting you two away from here,” she said as she then headed to find the detective.

Chapter Thirty Nine

Eddie watched as the locks around the house were all changed. Not that he even felt the slightest bit of comfort at that. The ring he had bought would be sold, but for now, it was evidence and going through forensics. He had told Romero that he didn’t care if he got it back or not. He had already gone out and searched for another one. Letting his boys stay at Athena’s for the day as he went in search of the perfect ring for a second time, which he had found.

“There you go, Mr Diaz,” the man said as he finished checking the lock over and making sure that the keys worked. He held them out as he got up and walked over to him.

“Thank you,” Eddie said, mustering up a small smile as he took them and tucked them away. He didn’t know if he even wanted to go inside. He still felt violated at the thought of someone else being in their home, their bedroom. Looking through their things. He shuddered and made sure the front door was locked before heading to his truck and going to Bobby and Athena’s place. He wanted to be with his boys.

Arriving at the Grant-Nash house, he smiled as he could hear Christopher’s laughter coming from the other side of the house. He must be out in the garden. He heard Harry yelling and laughing as well. A soft smile appeared on his face as he knocked on the door. It swung open to Athena standing there, ushering him inside.

“Come on in, I thought I gave you a key to use?” she asked him, giving him that disappointed look.

“Sorry,” he grinned at her, she huffed a little and let him through.

“Bobby and Buck are cooking, the kids are outside with May watching,” she told him as she saw him glancing around, “locks all changed?”

“Yeah, I still don’t know if I want to go back there. Think… I think it might be time to search for somewhere else. We only went with that place because it met our needs at the time. With all three of us, it’s starting to feel a little small,” he said, walking with her and glancing at the kitchen where Buck and Bobby were laughing and talking. Making dinner for the two families.

“Thinking of expanding that little family of yours?” Athena smirked slightly as she went and picked up the glass of wine she had been slowly drinking.

“We haven’t said anything about it. But we have some time before we need to make that decision,” he told her, heading over to hang out at the counter.

“Hey,” Buck smiled happily as he leaned over the counter for a kiss.

“So sweet,” May said from the doorway that led to the patio.

“It’s gross, they do it all the time,” Christopher sighed heavily, as though it was a chore to see his two dads kissing all the time.

“Well,” Eddie said as he glanced at Buck, winking.

“We could always split up again. I could find a new place to live,” Buck added.

Christopher looked between the two of them horrified at the very thought, “No!” he yelled out, “you can’t leave!”

“Well, payment from you is you have to put up with us kissing and holding hands occasionally,” Eddie bargained with him.

“Ugh, fine, be all gross,” he pouted, “But Papa can’t go anywhere,” he demanded.

“Fine, I think I could stay for kisses,” Buck grinned as he motioned for Eddie to come closer.

Eddie, happy to comply with the order, leaned in and the two kissed again. Almost laughing as they heard Christopher make a noise of disgust again. The two knew he was only joking with them, they had worried at first about being too demonstrative in front of him, but it was all fine after a brief talk.

Eddie stuck with Buck most of the night, letting his son have his freedom. Going home was hard. Eddie and Buck were both hesitant. Christopher had no idea of what had happened, just that they had a large sleepover at the Grant-Nash house for the last two days. They didn’t want him to feel as disturbed as they did at the thought of someone breaking into their home.

“You know,” Buck said as Christopher was finally asleep all tucked up in his own bed.

“We should look for a new place,” Eddie said before Buck could say another word, “I know it’s so soon after you moved in. But I… I don’t know how much longer I could be here.”

“I feel the same, and I was going to suggest it after the New Year,” Buck told him honestly as they headed out to the living room. “It no longer feels like home,” he said mournfully. He had been so happy in the Diaz family home, but with this latest problem, it no longer felt inviting and welcoming. It was like a dark monster was now hanging around each corner of the house.

Eddie sunk down onto the couch, pulling Buck with him, as he wrapped his arms around him, and pulled him to his chest. “I know. We’ll start looking for a place, we can pool our resources, maybe even find something that could be our permanent home,” the words were casual but the meaning behind them was deeper. It meant forever for the two of them.

“Buy a house?” Buck glanced up slightly, shifting around so he was now laying down, legs hanging over the end of the couch and head in Eddie’s lap.

Eddie looked down at him, running fingers through blond curls, “Yeah, a house, that’s ours. Where we can live and grow old together. Maybe one day we could… we could think about adding an addition to the family,” he said hesitantly.

“A baby, a kid,” Buck smiled up at him, “I’d like that. And you know Chris would be a fantastic big brother,” he reminded him.

“I know,” Eddie laughed, “I think he would be great at it as well. He loves it when he’s in the park, he watches the younger children, to make sure they are okay a lot.”

“He gets that from you. You watch everyone around you, making sure they are safe. Not just us, but strangers as well. I’ve seen you do it. And Chris, yeah, he does it too,” Buck smiled, closing his eyes and enjoying the attention. “We’ll start the process, start looking,” he sighed.

“Yeah,” Eddie smiled as well, hearing the happy hum from his partner.

XxXxX

The Grant-Nash garden was twinkling with fairy lights. Laughter mingled with music as they celebrated New Year’s Eve. It had been a good morning. Buck going over early to help prepare food for the night. Eddie snuck into the garden with the aid of Athena. The smirk she had on her face as she helped him to set up was all-knowing.

“I’m so glad that this year is over,” Hen said, looking over at Buck.

“You’re not the only one. It’s been a hard one. So much has happened and it seems like it was only a few days ago sometimes. I can… remember most of that night. I thought I was going to lose everything. That I wouldn’t have family, a job, anything. Because you are all my family. And I felt like I was going to be thrown away. No longer of any use,” he sighed, looking around the garden. All those that had been there at his welcome back party all those months ago, were there now.

“We were scared as well,” Hen told him, “You worried the hell out of us, Buck. We almost lost you three times this year.”

“It’s been hard, I scared myself. Tried to just bluster my way through everything. It didn’t work,” he snorted, “Therapy is helping a lot,” he told her, “Which I’m glad for. Even got Eddie to do so for a bit. He doesn’t like it, doesn’t feel like it’s helpful. But he went for almost two months. And it did help, no matter what he says,” he smirked.

“Good, seems to be helping the two of you,” Hen smiled as Karen approached the two of them.

“Hey,” she greeted the two of them.

“How are things?” he asked her, hearing about what had happened.

“Seeing how things go, and we’re looking into fostering,” Karen said, there was still some pain in her voice, but it was overshadowed a bit by the hope that was now present.

“That’s good, there are so many kids that need people like you two. You’ll be great at it,” Buck smiled encouragingly at the two of them.

“We’re hoping so. It’s a process, so we’ll have to see how it all goes. Signing up is the first thing we have to do,” Karen told him, sitting on the love seat beside Hen.

“Hope it goes smoothly,” he smiled at the two as Christopher and Denny headed over to them both, “You two behaving?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Christopher rolled his eyes, “Nothing to it, Papa,” he grinned.

“We’re just making the rounds,” Denny said, sounding so grown up.

“Well, carry on then,” Buck laughed at them, as he snuck in a quick hug. Hen and Karen doing the same with Denny before the two boys wandered off. His eyes met Eddie’s across the garden.

Eddie smiled at him, it was time. Time to put his plan into action. “Hey Buck, need your help a second,” he said just before the countdown could start.

Buck nodded, “Sure, what do you need?” he asked.

“Right, since this year hasn’t been the best, I thought we should do something fun. And you are going to start it all off,” he grinned. “Look,” he said as he pointed to a curled-up banner that was hung on the outside of the house.

“So what am I supposed to do?” he asked, as he was then handed a cord.

“When the clock strikes midnight, you pull that,” he told him, kissing him on the cheek.

Buck shrugged, “Okay,” he said, “Should have told me you were doing something like this, I could have helped out.”

“I know, but I thought I would do something really nice for my boyfriend, to make him and the others around us smile. This year has been so hard, and this will ring it in right I think,” he told him, “Now remember,” he said, as the countdown began. “Pull at midnight.”

Buck nodded as he turned to face the banner, the others doing the same. No one noticed a giggling Christopher, a grinning Athena and Bobby. Or even Eddie as he stood a few paces behind everyone getting ready.

“3”

“2”

“1”

“Happy New Year!” everyone yelled as Buck pulled hard on the cord. The banner unfurled and instead of something for everyone it was meant for just one person.

‘Buck, Will You Marry Me?’

Buck stared at it for a few seconds before turning around to find Eddie kneeling a few feet away, a little velvet box open and a ring within it, “Ed… Eddie?” he said, walking towards him.

“Evan Buckley, will you make me the happiest man on this planet? WIll you marry me?” he asked.

Buck nodded frantically, “Yes,” he laughed, a large smile appearing on his face as Eddie stood, and in one smooth motion, placed the ring on Buck’s hand.

“Congratulations,” Bobby said as the others all came over to do the same.

Eddie just smiled as Buck tried to stop crying.

“Why are you crying, Papa?” Christopher asked as he walked over to him.

“I’m just so happy, Superman,” Buck said as he looked down at the eight-year-old.

“Good, you’re ours, Papa,” Christopher told him, hugging him around the waist.

“Yeah, just like you’re both mine,” he murmured.

Eddie and Buck stayed close to each other as they went around and carried on celebrating the night. The two went home with a very sleepy Christopher in the back. The New Year would hopefully bring closure on some things, and a new beginning for the little family.

Chapter Forty

Three days after the New Year, Eddie and Buck were walking through the mall. Christopher a little in front of them, they were there to get Christopher some new clothes, he was beginning to grow out of what he had. The eight-year-old hadn’t been happy about it, but went along with them sighing heavily when he got there.

“Dad, Papa,” he called out as he looked at the toy store, he could see that there was another set of Lego that he would like to have. He had some Christmas money that he could use to get it. And he deserved a treat for having to go clothes shopping. It was pure torture to the eight-year-old.

“Yeah?” Buck asked as he followed what Christopher was looking at, “How about we go there after we get the clothes we need. It shouldn’t take too long,” he told him.

Christopher groans, “Fine,” he mumbled, rolling his eyes.

“I know you don’t like this, mijo, but it has to be done,” Eddie told him, ruffling his hair.

“Dad!” Christopher complained, trying to duck his head away, “Stop it, you’re so embarrassing!” he yelled out.

“That’s what dads are,” Buck grinned, laughing.

“Ugh, and I know, I have it doubled,” he muttered, pouting as the two men laughed.

“Come on, we know what we’re going for, so let’s get it done and then we can come back and you can pick something out,” Eddie said, smiling at him as he herded him away from the toy store.

“Just so you know, Dad, you are the worst to go with. You have no style,” Christopher told him, a grin forming on his face as he saw his dad splutter, eyes wide.

“He ain’t wrong,” Buck grinned, looking at his fiancé.

“You are both mean,” Eddie finally said, looking between the two of them, “I have plenty of style, it’s called dad style. Buck’s starting to head that way too.”

“I am not!” Buck protested as they carried on into the shop.

“Just a little, Papa,” Christopher laughed at the horrified look on Buck’s face.

“He’s your son,” Buck said, “Discipline him.”

“He’s yours too, you have to discipline him sometimes,” Eddie said, as he then grabbed Christopher and swung him up into the air, causing them to get a few looks as the eight-year-old squealed in delight.

Buck laughed as he watched father and son have a little fun, even with a few disapproving looks they were getting from other shoppers. Soon enough Christopher was back on terra firma and the family of three headed out to start shopping for the clothes that Christopher needed. They headed back towards the toy shop, Christopher going on about the Star Wars Lego sets that he wanted to get, to join what he had gotten for Christmas.

“Oh, Christopher,” came a female voice as someone started to walk towards them.

“Miss Flores,” Christopher smiled a little as he saw his teacher.

“Miss Flores,” Eddie and Buck greeted her, nodding. They didn’t like the teacher that much, especially after she had caused Christopher to panic by changing his flavored water to plain water. Even Christopher wasn’t that happy with her anymore. He had Carla with him in her classes now, which he was thankful for since he realized that Miss Flores wasn’t able to change his bottle at all as Carla stopped her from even getting close to him to try.

“Mr Buckley, Edmundo,” she smiled as she looked at Eddie.

“Please do not call me that again,” Eddie told her, “It’s very unprofessional of you,” he added, reprimanding her.

“Mr… Diaz,” she said, trying to smile. Her face looked upset at the words, “How has your holiday break been?” she asked as she looked slightly from Christopher up to Eddie, ignoring Buck once more.

“It was great,” Christopher grinned, looking at his two dads, “Dad and Papa got engaged, finally. I’ve been telling Dad to ask Buck for a while. He finally listened to me. Though they can be very very gross, they like to kiss. Dad and Papa said I would understand better when I’m older, but we’ll see,” he laughed as he felt Buck ruffle his hair.

“I… see, erm,” she hesitated for a moment before saying, “congratulations.”

“Yeah, it was a bit of a surprise,” Buck grinned, as he moved his hand a little, letting the multi-colored ring that looked like a galaxy was embedded within it, shine a little.

“That’s such a… nice ring,” Miss Flores said, looking at it and then at Eddie.

“Yeah,” Eddie said, sounding a little sad.

“He had another one chosen,” Buck said softly, as he took Eddie’s hand and kissed the back of it. “Something happened,” he carried on glancing at her, “And he couldn’t let me have it. I don’t mind, because this one is amazing,” he smiled at Eddie again.

Eddie smiled back, “Yeah, it was really hard to find the first. But when I saw this one, this one I knew was more Evan, he’s like a galaxy, he’s everywhere, in our hearts, bonded to our souls, a smile from him makes everything alright.”

Buck smiled sweetly, a bright smile that lit up his whole face, “Eds,” he moved closer, exchanging a gentle kiss, “I-” he said as they broke apart.

“Worth it, Buck,” he told him, before turning his attention back to Miss Flores.

“I see,” she smiled, though it was tight, “Congratulations,” she told the two of them again.

“Thank you,” Buck said once more.

“Dad, Papa, can we go? I want to try and get my new Lego, so I can play before we have to go and see Bisabuela and Tia Pepa?” he said looking up at the two men.

Buck looked at the time, “Yeah, we do need to get moving, nice to meet you again Miss Flores,” he said.

“Yes, you as well,” she smiled, looking at Eddie.

Eddie said nothing as he concentrated on Christopher, guiding him away. Buck followed the two of them.

XxXxX

It was three days later when Christopher was to go back to school. “Dad, do I really have to go? Can’t I stay home with you?” he begged, clinging to his dad.

“I thought you liked school?” Eddie frowned down at him, usually, he had to fight to get him to slow down enough in the morning to actually eat his breakfast.

“I do, but I like spending all my time with you and Papa,” Christopher pouted, he sighed as he let him go, “Dad,” he began.

“Yeah, mijo,” Eddie said, kneeling in front of him.

“I love you,” Christopher said as he wrapped his arms around his dad and held him tightly.

“Love you too, so much,” he smiled, sighing happily as he held his son just as tightly, “Is everything okay?” he asked him.

“Yeah,” he murmured, “I just like spending time with you. And I do like school. Just sometimes I want to be home, and watch things and play with you.”

“I love doing all those as well, that’s why it’s extra special when we get to spend time with each other. If we did it all the time, you would get bored and sick of it,” he reasoned as he let him go and stood up. “So going to school is a good thing,” he told him, ruffling his hair.

“Dad, it’s the first day. I have to look good. Papa says that first impressions have to be good!” he exclaimed as his hands went to his hair to try and sort it out.

“Come here Superman,” Buck said as he walked into the living room and saw that Christopher was having a hair crisis, thanks to his dad.

“Papa,” he muttered as he went over, hugging him, “Thank you.”

“Welcome always, now let’s get those curls all straightened out,” Buck grinned as Eddie groaned, “What?”

“You’ve got the dad jokes down,” Eddie told him, rolling his eyes.

Buck grinned, “I have a good joke,” he said as he looked at Christopher.

“Oh, tell, tell!” Christopher yelled as he got a little excited.

“What did the ocean say to the beach?” he asked, waiting for the two of them to look at him.

“What?” Christopher asked, sighing in contentment as Buck fixed up his hair.

“Nothing, it just waved,” Buck laughed as Christopher almost fell to the floor as he laughed.

“Really,” Eddie just stared at him, rolled his eyes, and walked out of the room.

“That was funny!” Buck called out after him.

“It really was, Papa,” Christopher grinned, his curls now under control again.

“I thought so too,” Buck smiled at him, hugging him, “Right, let’s get ready to go.”

Christopher nodded and stood up. The family of three headed out. Buck and Christopher sang along to the radio as they drove to Durand. Arriving, they joined the other parents as they walked their children into the school.

“Good morning, Christopher,” came the voice of Miss Flores as she approached the family.

“Morning, Miss Flores,” Christopher said dutifully, giving her a smile, “Dad, Papa, will you be picking me up?” he asked hopefully.

“We will be,” Buck said, kneeling and hugging him, “You have fun and work hard,” he told him before whispering in his ear, “Love you, buddy.”

“Love you too, Papa,” Christopher murmured.

Eddie quickly did the same, “See you tonight, we’ll have our usual first day back dinner,” he promised him.

“Awesome,” he laughed brightly as he said goodbye once more and walked into the school.

“I shall see you tonight, Ed… Mr. Diaz,” Miss Flores smiled at him.

Eddie ignored her and turned to Buck, “Let’s go, we have a few errands to run.”

Buck sighed and nodded, “Yeah,” he said, taking hold of Eddie’s hand as they walked away from the school.

“It would be polite to speak and at least say goodbye,” Miss Flores snapped out at Eddie.

“Miss Flores,” Eddie said as he turned to her, “Why would I want to acknowledge someone that has tried to force her opinions on someone else? Tried to say that I don’t know how to parent my own child. To even go against Christopher’s therapist. You have also tried to step over certain boundaries in other ways,” he finished, “I chose not to, as I didn’t want to say anything in front of the other parents or the children, but since you tried to call me out. Well… no choice,” he stared at her.

“I… have apologized for my actions, I had-”

“I know Eddie came to the school to tell Principal Summers about what you have been doing, and that she had let all of Christopher’s teachers know what he has been through and that we are slowly dealing with things. He is doing a lot better, able to drink water most of the time now, except when there are bad days, usually after a nightmare,” Buck said, shaking his head, “You were told the first time you called us, about your so-called worry for Christopher that he shouldn’t be pulled from swimming lessons. We even mentioned the flavored water at that meeting.”

“I was just trying to make sure that Christopher was getting what he needed. It was… hard to see such a change in his personality from when he was with us before the summer,” she said.

“Of course, there would be, he went through a massive trauma. I’m not the same as I was before that day either. I had been through several traumas at the time as well. I know I’ve changed from them, just like he has. Both of us were still reeling from that day. It had only been a few weeks,” Buck exclaimed, taking hold of Eddie’s hand to ground himself as he spoke quickly, “We are suffering from PTSD, we still are and we always will be because PTSD doesn’t just go away. It remains with us, all we can do is to control the triggers, and hope that those around us can help us. We learn coping mechanisms to try and get us through each day. To expose ourselves to our triggers to help, in the end, control how we respond to them. Neither of us are up for swimming. And a trip to the beach is out. This is why Christopher isn’t going on the field trip to the beach. He’s going to be staying home that day.”

“Come on Buck, we have things to do,” Eddie sighed, he had been hoping he would be able to keep Buck calm that morning. They had a meeting later with the District Attorney about the Dr. Wells case. They would be appearing in court soon about it.

Buck nodded and held his hand tightly as they headed for Eddie’s truck, ignoring the calls from Miss Flores as she tried to speak with them again.

Chapter Forty One

Finally they had four days off. They were going to be trying to cram it with looking at houses. Neither of them wanted to remain in the house they were in, and with their resources pulled together, they could afford the down payment for a house. Both of them were excited at the prospect of making a home for themselves. One that was truly theirs instead of rented. Before they could do that, the trial for Dr. Wells had started the day before, and now on day two, he was being called up to testify. Buck was nervous, holding Eddie’s hand before going inside.

Eddie walked into the courtroom so he could watch and reassure Buck that he was there. Eddie clenched his fists as he heard how Dr. Wells had friended him on Facebook. Making it feel like there was a connection. He told of how he felt like he had wanted it, but after he left he felt hollow, cold. Knew that something was wrong with what happened and it took him some time to think of it as rape, to think of it in any other terms that him wanting sex. As soon as the cross examination was over, Buck was let go. Eddie got up as another firefighter from a different station was called up. He met up with Buck outside.

“Eds,” he murmured, voice shaking as he sunk into Eddie’s arms.

Eddie held him tightly, “You did well, you did really well,” he murmured into his ear.

“That… that sucked,” he muttered, letting himself hide away in Eddie’s neck.

“I know, and it’s over with, all we have to wait for now is the verdict,” Eddie told him, holding him for a few more moments before he let him go, “Are we okay to go?” he asked.

Buck nodded, “Been told that I might be called back, but they shouldn’t need me again.”

“Then let’s go home, spend a bit of time relaxing and then pick Chris up from school,” Eddie suggested, hoping that would have Buck smiling a little.

Buck looked at him and nodded, “Sounds like a good plan,” he agreed.

Taking his hand, Eddie led him from the courthouse. “I think we should take Chris to that eat and play place. It would be a nice treat for him,” hoping that suggestion would help in taking Buck’s mind off what was going on.

“Sounds okay,” he agreed again, being pulled along the corridors and down the staircase. He just wanted out of there, he couldn’t really think, his mind still in the courtroom going over his words, wondering if he had done well, if his words held any weight in the proceedings. He may have been the first one to report her, but he wasn’t the first one she had singled out in such a way.

Eddie sighed as he realized that Buck wasn’t really listening to him. He remained quiet, just leading him away and into the truck. It wasn’t until they were home that Buck seemed to realize where he was. “You back with me now?” he asked, kneeling in front of him as Buck sat on the couch.

Buck blinked and looked around, eyes going wide in horror, “Ed’s I’m, I-”

“Shush,” Eddie cut him off, “it’s alright, we’re home, we’re safe. Nothing is wrong. Just wanting to know if you are okay?”

“I think, I think I will be. I’m glad it’s over with, I just want to know that she’ll never be able to do it to someone else. The thought of that, that’s what’s kept me up. That I should have reported it when it happened, instead of waiting so long. Maybe then some of the others would have been spared,” he mumbled, looking at his hands that were clasped in Eddie’s.

“Shower and change, I’ll make us a late lunch since you didn’t have breakfast this morning,” Eddie said, pulling him to his feet.

Buck nodded and walked away, still quiet. Eddie was worried, he just hoped that Buck’s session with his therapist tomorrow would help. For today, he’d be by his side and he knew that as soon as Christopher figured out he was having a bad day, the eight-year-old would be like a limpet and wouldn’t stray far from his side.

XxXxX

Buck looked at his phone. The Dr. Wells case had made the news, so he was reading one of the articles that had come up. So far no names of any of the firefighters had been released. A hand went over the screen and he glanced up. “Hey,” he said as Eddie stood before him.

“You know better than to go looking,” he told him gently, taking hold of the phone, “Now come on, we’re supposed to head out to meet the realtor now,” he reminded him, smiling as he got rid of the page. No doubt Buck would be able to find it again later, but for now, it was out of sight.

Buck smiled back, “Yeah,” he nodded, taking hold of the now offered hand and let himself be pulled to his feet.

The two headed out of the house and to the truck, this was the fifth day of searching. Their day off between shifts. And about the twentieth house they had looked at. Both of them were eager to get out of the home they were currently in. Neither of them felt welcomed there any more. Arriving at the first of four that they would be looking at that afternoon, with two more after lunch. Michael had agreed to help them should they find a place. To go over it and make sure that it’s structurally sound at the very least, and draw up any plans that they would need if anything needed changing.

The first and second place were ruled out quickly. Their realtor had been annoyed at them at how quickly they had been able to dismiss a place without a short look around. Buck and Eddie knew what they were after, and there was no point in continuing looking around if some of the boxes that they needed weren’t checked. The third held a little more promise at first. But again, it failed. The fourth house appeared perfect on the outside.

“This is a three bedroomed ground floor home,” the realtor began as she unlocked the door, “two bathrooms, and an ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom.”

Eddie walked inside, the flooring was carpeted for the most part. Turning to wood when it came to the dining room. The woman carried on talking to them about the house. Buck listened intently to what she was saying asking a few questions as they walked around. Eddie went off on his own, taking in what he could of the house. Turning to Buck as he walked into the third bedroom. He smiled at Eddie and walked over, reaching out his hand, Eddie took it and pulled him close, “This place, it has most of what we are looking for. A little more work on it and it would be perfect.”

Buck nodded, “Yeah.”

“We’ll look at the other two, tonight. But I’m thinking this might actually be the one. It will take a while to still get through the process of getting it, but yeah, I could see us in this place. The garden needs a bit of work, but I did Abuela’s so it shouldn’t be too hard to do that up and get it ready,” Eddie said, already able to picture them at the house and living in it. There was something about it, it needed a little work, some redecorating, but it looked good. They would have to get Michael and someone he trusted to go through it properly to make sure, but they could see it.

“Thank you,” Buck told the woman, “We’ll see the other two tonight, but we want more information about this one, and another viewing to have someone check it over for us. If that goes well, we may have an offer,” he smiled.

“That’s great, and I’ll make sure to bring the full file for you to have a look at. I’ll also set up that appointment as well,” she said, making a few notes in her ledger.

“Thanks for showing us around,” Eddie said as they began to walk out, checking his watch he noted the time. “We need to get going, Abuela wants us for a late lunch, remember,” he said, looking over at Buck.

“Yeah,” he nodded, they said goodbye to the realtor once more as they headed for the truck, “Abuela is up to something,” he murmured, “She’s been messaging me since new year,” he added, glancing at Eddie for a moment.

“I know,” Eddie snorted, “She’s been after us to come and see her since then, I can pretty much guess why.”

“Oh, engagement?” he asked, rolling his eyes as he realized why she wanted to see them. Eddie had only been able to stop by Isabel’s for a moment since New Year and when Eddie had proposed.

Eddie gave a quick nod as they turned onto Isabel’s street, “Yep,” he snorted, “She’s been wanting to see the both of us. Though we still have to tell my parents as well. Don’t know if I’m looking forward to that conversation.”

Buck frowned, “Have you even told them that we’ve been dating? I know it’s only been four months.”

Eddie parked outside of his grandmother’s home. “No I haven’t. Each time they call, all they go on about is coming down, or having me bring Christopher to them, or something along those lines. I haven’t been able to get a word in about what I’m doing,” he sighed.

“I can understand that,” he murmured, “But you’re going to have to talk to them sooner rather than later,” he reminded him as he got out.

Eddie sighed heavily, “I know that.” Getting out, he locked up the truck and the two of them went to the porch where Isabel was waiting for them.

“Oh, my nietos,” she smiled as she greeted them warmly, “come in, come in. I made lunch for us all,” she added as she guided them inside and to the dining table, where lunch had been set up.

“Abuela,” Eddie smiled, kissing her cheek and letting himself be guided. Buck did the same as he went inside as well.

Isabel looked at the two of them as they sat down and started to eat, “So, let me see,” she said, gesturing with her hands to look at Buck’s engagement ring. “Oh it is beautiful,” she smiled warmly.

“I think so too,” Buck grinned, “I can’t believe he proposed at the party like that.”

“Well, I did tell him he had to. You are such a bright soul Evanito,” she smiled at him, taking hold of his hand, “And one that belongs in this family.”

Buck smiled back, “Thanks, I love this family as well. You are all…” he sighed happily, “You’re all amazing.”

“As are you,” she told him, “Now,” she said as they began to eat again, “What are you going to be doing for the wedding?” she asked.

Buck and Eddie froze. “Well,” Buck began.

“We haven’t really thought about it much. We’ve still got to tell Mama and Papi yet,” Eddie sighed.

Isabel nodded, “You must tell them soon,” she told her grandson.

“I know Abuela,” Eddie muttered, “And I will. That’s only if I can get them to listen to me before they start telling me what I’m doing wrong in my life, what I should be doing and how I should be letting them have Christopher,” he rolled his eyes.

“If they don’t listen, then I’ll be telling them,” she told him, “Don’t you worry, they will listen or I will be making them,” she promised.

Eddie laughed, “I know you will Abuela, as for wedding plans, we’re thinking fall. Before school goes back,” he said as he looked at Buck.

“Fall sounds good, should be as hot as the summer,” Buck smiled back as the three of them began to make a few plans for what the two wanted.

Chapter Forty Two

Eddie smiled as he walked beside Christopher. “I don’t know mijo, it might be a question that you can ask your Papa,” he said as he ran his fingers through the curls that looked a lot like Buck’s when he didn’t gel his hair back.

“Okay Dad, Papa what do you think?” Christopher grinned up at him as he looked over at Buck who was walking a little behind Eddie, looking at his phone, a frown on his face.

Buck smiled as he looked up, “Well, I might have to research the answer to that one, so how about when we come and get you tomorrow I’ll try and have an answer ready for you?” he suggested, as he was unsure of what the answer would be.

Christopher paused for a moment before nodding. “Okay, Papa, you can tell me tomorrow,” he said as he moved towards him and hugged him tightly.

“Have a fun day at school, Superman,” Buck said, kissing his head before letting him go.

“You, have a good day at school, and Carla is going to be picking you up and staying with you,” he told him, kneeling so he could hug his son tightly before he could rush off towards his friends.

“Okay, Dad,” Christopher said, hugging back, “Be safe at work, love you Papa, be safe too. Make sure to watch each other’s back,” he grinned as he looked at his dad.

“We will, promise,” the two of them smiled, as Eddie let him go.

“Bye Dad, bye Papa,” Christopher called to them as he started to head away.

“Oh, Eddie, how good to see you again,” Miss Canning said as she walked over to them.

Eddie froze, reaching out and taking Buck’s hand in his. “Miss Canning,” he said looking at her, making sure that Buck was beside him and easily in view.

“Ah, I take it that you haven’t thought at all on what I told you last time,” she sighed, shaking her head, “Such a waste of a man, really,” she muttered, “always thinking they are right. Your son is going to have a hard time finding anyone that will want to be around him, what with his… disabilities,” she said with a pretentious smile on her face.

“I find that our son is very popular with those around him, he has a wide group of friends. And as for his CP, he’s doing great,” Eddie said, teeth clenched, all he wanted to do was punch the woman.

“You’ll find out that he’ll need a woman’s touch soon enough. I doubt any woman would want to help with that now that you are so tainted,” she pulled a face as she spotted the ring that Buck was now wearing.

“Oh, there are plenty of women in Christopher’s life. A paramedic, a rocket scientist, a 911 dispatcher, a police Sergeant, not to mention his aunts, grandmother,” Buck began, “And May, can’t forget May, the big sister slash cousin type. He has plenty of female influence in his life. He doesn’t need a homophobic one like you,” he smiled sweetly.

Miss Canning stared at them, mouth open, “Well, I-”

“Oh shove it,” Eddie said, losing his patience with her, “You were homophobic last time, even insinuating that you knew of places that did conversion therapy, which is banned in California, if I remember right,” he smirked as he looked at her.

“Which, with our connection to the law, we may have to make a report on,” Buck added, and with that, Miss Canning was quick to rush away from the two men.

“Something tells me that she’s in deep with that type of shit,” Eddie said as he watched her go.

“Wouldn’t surprise me, I’ll give word to Athena and see what she has to say about it,” Buck said, frowning as he felt someone else walk up behind him.

“She does have a point, Christopher will need a mother figure in his life,” Miss Flores was standing there, looking at the two. “Aunt’s, family members and friends are all good, yes,” she said condescendingly, “But they can’t give the type of love a mother can.”

“He had a mother,” Eddie said, glaring, “And I will not be replacing her. She might not be here, but Christopher knows how much she loved him. He will always have a mother’s love, and no one can or will take that away from him.”

“Yes, but he would do better with a two parent household, two people to be there for him, and I know that you have a dangerous job as well,” Miss Flores smiled pleasantly at him, “Edmundo, you really need to learn that sometimes a parent has to put aside what they want and do what is best for their child.”

“I am doing what is best for Chris, always. And Chris loves Buck, wants him in his life as his papa and me as his dad. He doesn’t need another mother. Not only that, but it’s not for you to decide what my child needs. That is up to me and Buck, and Chris himself,” Eddie said, barely keeping the anger out of his voice.

“And he is part of a two parent household,” Buck pointed out, “me and Eddie.” There was a little smirk on his face as he spoke.

Miss Flores glared at him, “I mean a mother and father, it’s hard for a boy Christopher’s age to be without a mother.”

“It is, because his mother has died. Of course it will be hard for him, he still wishes she was here, we all do,” Eddie snapped at her. “How dare you come here and try and tell me how I parent my child. Christopher’s doing well, yes, there have been some bumps along the way. But any parent will tell you that there are, you’re not a mother, you’re a teacher, so you don’t really understand what the parents or guardians around you are doing or even going through,” he added, “Now, please keep your ignorance and bigotry away from me and my son. You’ve already upset him with your belief that children should just get over any type of trauma that they have suffered.”

“Edmundo,” Miss Flores began as she took a step towards him.

“It’s Mr. Diaz,” Eddie snapped again, glaring, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will be calling the school about this altercation, at the moment, we need to go.”

“We could always see about making an appointment to talk about this now?” Buck suggested, still holding Eddie’s hand.

“We have to head to your appointment before work, don’t forget,” Eddie said, looking at him, raising Buck’s hand and placing a kiss on it, “I know you’re worried, but it’ll be fine,” he reassured him, as he had done a few times already.

“I know,” Buck sighed as they turned around and began to walk away. They could hear a few of the other parents whispering as they went. Though neither of them paid any attention to what was being said.

XxXxX

Buck sighed as he settled into the passenger side of the truck once more. His appointment had gone well, but it also meant that he would have to have two weeks off work, and then another four weeks before he would be able to go back to full duties. The rod and bolts had done their job and now it was time for the bolts to be taken out. He was glad, of course, but he didn’t want to keep having to miss work.

“It’s going to be fine, cariño,” Eddie said, getting in the other side and reaching over, taking his hand and holding it, “The doctor said that it’s going to be a quick procedure, that you’ll even be able to come home that day.”

“But six weeks, six whole weeks,” Buck looked away, “I’m going to be stuck at the station for a month Eds. I won’t be able to go out on calls with you unless they are medical calls, and even then, it’s not like I’ll be able to help,” he muttered.

“I know, but it’s only two weeks at home, and while yeah, it’s not full duty, you’ll still be fine. They are saying between three and six weeks, not six whole weeks. They want to see you at two weeks, make sure everything is healed up and then they are going to wean you off the blood thinners as well,” Eddie said, “It’s all going to be fine, we’ll get through this just like everything else.”

“Yeah, almost over,” he muttered, “Just sometimes, I feel like it never will be over. Showering is fine, drinking water is fine. I still have some problems with the larger bodies of water, but I’m working on that. Chris isn’t having as many nightmares now.”

“You have gone through so much Buck, give yourself some time occasionally to actually heal. We’re almost at the end here,” he told him once more.

“I know,” Buck smiled at him, “Doesn’t help that sometimes I feel like it’s one step forward and then twenty backwards again,” he finished quietly.

“Well, we’re heading to work now, glad Bobby was able to swing us a couple of extra hours off,” Eddie said as he started the truck, “So what say a quick meal and then head into work?” he asked him, seeing that they still had two hours before they had to clock in.

Buck clicked his seatbelt and nodded, “Good idea, something good, going to be a long day, I can feel it,” he snorted.

“Well, tomorrow, we’ll be able to have some Christopher hugs and a movie night before bed,” Eddie smiled as he drove out of the parking lot and headed to a favorite lunch place of theirs. Arriving, they walked in and Eddie quickly grabbed food for the two of them.

“Chris wants to try and go swimming in a few weeks. He wants to set a date for it, but he wants to go with us both, mainly you,” Eddie began as soon as they sat down.

“Really?” Buck blinked as he took a quick bite of his chicken pasta.

“The meeting last week with his therapist, while you were at yours, she mentioned it. And well, Chris has now latched onto the idea as well. he wants to try, but not without you,” Eddie told him, “You saved him that day, and he feels safer with you for it. So don’t even think about feeling bad about that,” he said as he saw the guilt flash across Buck’s face.

“I know you say that, but I’ll always carry that feeling of guilt around. But I’m getting better with it, therapy is helping and my own is saying that I should start small with the swimming as well. Maybe just go to the pool and sit at the side, dangle feet in, get used to being around a large body of water again,” he sighed, “So, two weeks, maybe three?” he gave an estimated time.

“Three is fine, we have a good four days off over the weekend, so maybe we can do something then,” he smiled.

“How about… how about a weekend away?” Buck suggested, “We’ve been working hard, and we haven’t had a chance yet, we keep saying we were going to, and there are places which have swimming pools as well,” he added.

“Sounds like a good idea,” Eddie grinned, “What about we sign Chris out of school for the Friday and the Monday as well, make it a long weekend, Chris has been really doing well in his therapy and in school. The last three tests he’s done he’s gotten top marks.”

“So he deserves a good treat,” Buck laughed.

Eddie nodded as they carried on having lunch, both of them now making suggestions on where they could go, Buck had his phone out on the table going over places before booking a nice looking hotel a couple of hours away.

Chapter Forty Three

Buck sat right next to Eddie as they waited to go back into the courtroom. A verdict of guilty on all charges had come back on Dr. Wells. Now, it was time for sentencing. Buck glanced around, he could see other victims around him, some had people with them. Some of them were sat alone, looking at anything but the others around them. He knew some of them, had worked with them at the larger fires that had happened around LA over the last two years. Firefighters, survivors, like himself. All of them had gone to Dr. Wells for help coping with the job they did. To come to terms with some of the more harrowing aspects of a job that needed them at their best.

“You okay?” Eddie asked as he squeezed his hand tightly, looking at him in worry.

“I will be when this is all over. I just want to go home, but I need to see this through,” Buck sighed as he looked at his fiancé.

Eddie nodded, “It will be soon,” he murmured. He could see some of the others turn to them.

“I think we all just want this to be over with,” one of them said from a few seats away.

“Yeah,” another chimed in.

“When someone told me that they were investigating her, I was just glad that someone had the courage to come forward,” one that was sitting alone said as he looked at them, “I was so scared, but, since this investigation began, I was made to see someone else. It’s helped, helped me in facing it all. I wanted to just bury my head in the sand, and I wonder what would have happened if I had said something back then, instead of keeping quiet.”

“We all wished we’d come forwards now, but you all forget that a lot of people would have heard this and said it was us. We’re men, we can’t be raped. We’re firefighters, we’re supposed to be strong and all that nonsense,” someone snorted.

“It took me almost two years to come forward,” Buck said quietly, everyone turned to face him, “I had some troubles, needed to see a therapist again, but I was so scared I would end up doing the same thing again. So when it came up, someone in the firehouse had teased me about sleeping with her and my captain overheard, took me aside. I ended up telling him everything, he was the one that got it all started. Helped me see that it wasn’t my fault, therapy with someone else has also helped with that.”

“Well done on your captain’s front,” the first one said.

“Yeah,” the third added, “After this… what do you all say about having lunch somewhere, just us, to talk… I need to, I have no one that I can talk to about this that isn’t my therapist and it’s… I’m…” he trailed off, shaking his head.

“Feeling isolated, alone, like no one else really cared about what happened to you,” a fourth said from the corner he sitting in.

“There’s so many of us,” the second told them, “I’m Luca,” he said as he introduced himself.

“I’m Buck,” Buck smiled nodding at him.

The first laughed, “I know that name, you’re a good firefighter, worked with you, I’m at the 112,” he said, “Names Andy.”

“I’m Zack,” the fourth said, a shy wave from where he was seated

“I’m Lenny,” the third said, dark eyes showing his loneliness.

“This one next to me is Eddie, he’s my fiancé,” Buck said as Eddie remained quiet.

“Ignore me if you want,” Eddie said with a grin.

“But yeah, having someone around that has your back has been great, in more ways than one,” Buck said, looking at Eddie for a moment before glancing back at the four others that were in the corridor with him. Their families were staying quiet for the most part. Not wanting to interrupt.

“Can’t believe only five of us are here for this,” Zack said, “I know there are more of us, they said it was around forty in the end from all over LA.”

“I know, but not everyone wanted to testify or even be known to the defense,” Buck said, remembering what he had learned when he was told not everyone was going to be testifying.

“I can understand why not,” Lenny said, “I almost didn’t, without anyone else around me, I didn’t want to bring it all back up. I had just pushed it aside all the time, and now that they were asking for those that had seen her to come for an interview. I almost said nothing. But then… I wondered if I could stop someone else having to go through the same thing.”

“Same here,” Luca agreed, “I think that was what got most of us to agree to come forward, even if we did nothing else. We hated what we went through.”

“It’s almost over now,” Buck said, “This one last thing to go through and then finally we can really start to heal.”

Lenny nodded, “Yeah,” he sighed, “Do you think… it would be alright if I kept in touch with some of you. I can understand if you don’t want to, I just want someone else around that knows, that I can talk to and feel at ease with. I don’t know if I trust my teammates with something like this, they are…” he trailed off, not knowing what to say about teammates that loved to tease about anything and everything. Though recently there was talk about those in the LAFD being sent on Workplace Bullying courses over the last few months. He was hoping that it would happen at his fire station soon, they were friends, but not as close as he had hoped.

“I don’t mind,” Buck said as he and the others all exchanged numbers and details. The court was soon back in session and the group of firefighters sat together this time, their families behind them. Though Eddie had been able to keep to Buck’s side as the judge handed down her sentence.

“Marette Wells, your license to practice is revoked and you will never work in that field again. You are being sentenced to nine years in prison with a possibility of parole after six years,” the Judge said as he looked at her, “You have violated the trust that the LAFD put in you to help their firefighters deal with the aftermath of the calls and scenes that they face. You are a disgrace to a profession that can help so many. I hope you use this time to reflect on the actions that you have taken.”

Buck sighed, it was over, it was finally over, he looked at Eddie and smiled, “All I want now is to go home and cuddle Chris and not move from the couch until we have to go to bed,” he muttered as he leaned on his shoulder.

Eddie nodded, “Sounds like a good plan, we’ve got the rest of the day, so how about we set the house up for a movie night until it’s Chris’ bedtime?” he suggested.

“Sounds like bliss,” Buck agreed. The court was soon let out and after saying goodbye to the other firefighter, Buck and Eddie headed home. Buck sent a message to Bobby about the outcome as well.

XxXxX

Arriving home after a long twenty four hour shift, all Buck and Eddie wanted to do was sleep for a few hours before they had to pick up Christopher from school. It had been a hard shift, over fifteen calls they had gone to, barely having time to get back to the station and restock between them. “Really, that was a hard one,” Buck yawned as they walked through the door. Eddie behind him getting the mail.

“I know, but at least it’s over and we now have four days off,” he said, looking on the bright side.

“Yeah, just wish it was our weekend off,” he muttered, it was only a Wednesday, and they still had until next weekend when they would finally have their little holiday away. Christopher had been told and was looking forward to it. Though he knew that they were going to be trying to go in the pool while there, he didn’t care. They hadn’t been away in such a long time, according to the eight, almost nine year old.

“Same here,” Eddie grinned as he walked into the house and shut the door, “These four days are filled with… paperwork. We got the house, don’t forget,” he told him.

“Damn, I did,” Buck grinned, “We really got it?” he asked, “Michael looked it over, I know he gave it a thumbs up. Just a few things that would need to be changed for Chris, and then… how long do you think we could have until we move in?” he questioned as he looked over at Eddie.

“Well, with the way the owners want a quick sale, we could have the keys within a couple of weeks. Get the work that needs to be done out of the way as well. Maybe a month, two months until we can move in,” he smiled, walking over and sitting beside him on the couch.

“That… that would be great, I used to love this place,” Buck said looking around, remembering all the happy time they had spent within the house. Even before he had moved in.

“It does feel a bit ruined now,” Eddie sighed, leaning his head on Buck’s shoulder.

Buck nodded, “Still have the good memories at least,” he said, jostling his shoulder a little and Eddie’s head.

“Hey, keep still I want my Bucky Pillow,” he muttered, already half asleep, arm reaching across to try and keep Buck still.

“We should go to bed,” he said, looking at Eddie and yawning again.

“Yeah, go to bed, set an alarm or we’ll be late picking up Christopher again,” Eddie said, snorting a little.

“One time, just the one time,” Buck muttered. The two had fallen to sleep after a long and tiring shift, had forgotten to set an alarm and didn’t wake up until the school had called to ask if they were coming to collect Christopher at all. An hour after they should have gotten him, they pulled up at the school, much to Christopher’s amusement, since they both had bed-head.

Eddie sighed, sitting up straight, “Yeah, I don’t want to be late picking him up again,” he muttered, looking at the mail in his hands. He went through the bills that were coming in and stopped at one that looked different. It was then that he realized the handwriting looked familiar “Buck,” he called to him.

“What is it?” Buck asked as he opened his eyes and saw the envelope, “It hasn’t been postmarked either,” he said as he looked at the handwritten name.

Eddie opened it and read it out loud. “Edmundo, you made the wrong choice, I thought me telling you that the ring you had was the wrong size would make sure that you would get me what I wanted. You chose the wrong person to be partnered to. He is not going to be the parent that your son needs, he needs a mother, and he will get one. You will have a proper wife and not some fanciful man that you think you are in love with.”

“She sounds psycho,” Buck muttered, “Call Romero and tell him what’s going on, and leave the letter to one side so he can come get it later. I want sleep,” he said, as he waited for Eddie to reply.

Eddie looked at the letter and sighed, “Yeah,” he agreed, he hoped that Romero would be able to figure out who was behind this soon. So far they had been looking at some of the mothers that were around the school, and after the little word that Buck had spoken into Athena’s ear about Miss Canning, she was one that was being looked at very closely.

The two put things away, so little hands couldn’t get them and headed to bed for a few hours. Alarm set, they curled around each other, finding it a little difficult to drift into a peaceful sleep, with thoughts about Eddie’s stalker plaguing their minds.

Chapter Forty Four

Eddie and Buck were ready for bed. Their four day trip had been a great way to relax with all the things going on. Michael had been able to get them in touch with a contractor that he trusted to make the modifications on the new house. They had been given the keys just before they had gone on their vacation. It had been a quick turn around with the house. An unexpected bonus in their eyes, as they were more than ready to leave their current home. Now, the end of their first shift back had been hectic. No serious accidents or fatalities, but chaotic little call outs that kept them out of the station for nearly the entirety of the twenty four hour shift.

“Ready to just sleep,” Buck muttered as they pulled up outside the house.

“I think shower and then sleep, I reek,” Eddie muttered as he shut off the engine.

Buck left the truck and then nodded, “Okay, shower and sleep I can do,” he said.

Eddie snorted, “Yeah.” He unlocked the front door and the two walked inside, taking off their boots before getting ready to get a little sleep.

“Carla is picking Chris up from school, and is going to be taking him to PT tonight. So they won’t be back until almost five,” Buck began as he looked at the schedule on the fridge.

“Good,” Eddie called as he went to have a shower first.

“I’ll make us a bite to eat, we didn’t even get breakfast before we left,” Buck mumbled, normally Bobby would have cooked for them and C-Shift that was taking over, but he had been too tired, just like the rest of A-Shift. Instead they had gone home as soon as they could. Leaving C-Shift to source their own breakfast for once.

“Yeah,” Eddie called out as he shut the bathroom door.

Buck snorted as he heard the shower start and began to make something simple for breakfast. Scrambled eggs and bacon, as soon as it was done, he plated for them both and put Eddie’s away so it would stay warm while he quickly ate his own, as he had heard the shower shut off as he finished cooking.

“Thanks,” Eddie said, grabbing his plate and joining him at the dining table.

“All I want to do is to sink into bed and not have to get up for hours. We didn’t even manage a half hour of sleep at work yesterday. I kept thinking who could have said the Q-word,” Buck grumbled.

“Q-word? Quiet?” Eddie said, rolling his eyes.

Buck glared at him, “You have no idea, I’ve been on shift before when that… that despicable word was spoken and we didn’t even get a half hour that time. A full twenty four hour shift on your feet, we got back to the station four times during that time and we were gone before we had even managed to change. Then just as we thought we would be able to finish our dinner in peace and maybe get a little bit of sleep, a warehouse goes up in flames. Two more joining it and it’s all hands on deck. Even went over our time that day, so it wasn’t really twenty four hours but more like thirty, so glad that we had our four days off after that one. I think I slept for almost seventeen hours,” he snorted and rolled his eyes at the skeptical look that Eddie was sending him.

“Superstitious nonsense,” he muttered.

“I’ll tell Abuela that,” he smirked.

“You wouldn’t dare!” Eddie countered quickly. He knew his grandmother was somewhat superstitious about things.

Buck laughed and said, “Try me.”

Eddie grumbled but nodded, “Fine, I will never say quiet at work, I promise,” he told him.

“Good, you can be taught,” he teased him.

“You are a little fucking shit,” he huffed, eating his breakfast.

“Right,” Buck said as he finished, getting up and putting his dish in the kitchen to be taken care of in a bit, “I’m going to shower,” he said as he walked back out of the kitchen, “And then I’m dropping into bed and not going to move for at least five hours,” he muttered.

Eddie checked the time, “I think we can get at least six before we need to be conscious again,” he said.

“Sounds even better,” Buck called out as he grabbed his things and went into the bathroom.

Eddie snorted and then shook his head as he finished eating his breakfast. He did the washing up as he waited for Buck to finish and the two headed for bed. Curling around each other, it didn’t take them long to fall asleep. They were exhausted.

XxXxX

Buck and Eddie had no idea how long they had been sleeping when the door was sounding like it was being bashed in. The two men groaned, just wanting nothing more than to go back to sleep. Eddie was the first to leave the bed, Buck slowly following him as they headed to see just who the fuck was waking them up after a shift from hell.

“Yeah!” Eddie yelled as he then opened the door and froze, “Mom, Papa?” he blinked, “What the…”

“Eddie,” Ramon said, “What took you so long to answer the door? We were starting to worry.”

“We were asleep,” Eddie yawned as he moved away from the door and let his parents instead, “I would really like to get back to it as well. If you don’t mind, I’m tired as fuck,” he muttered.

“Edmundo!” Helena gasped at him.

“Mom, you know I swear and I am fucking tired,” he snapped a little, “We’ve only just gotten back off a shift and we would like to sleep for a bit so that we can be awake when Christopher comes home from school.”

“We?” They frowned as they then spotted Buck standing a little further down the hallway towards the bedroom.

“Yes, we,” Eddie said taking a breath, “Look, a few things have happened and I haven’t told you about them” he said as he then ran a hand over his face.

“Eds,” Buck said as he walked over.

Eddie reached out to take his hand, “Right, I know this might be a little… shocking. But I’m Bi, I’ve always been Bi, I just never really said anything as I didn’t know how to.”

“Okay,” Ramon said slowly as he looked at his son and the joined hands. He took a breath, “I had a feeling that this would happen, between the two of you. During your badge ceremony, I saw how close you both were. You… gravitate to each other.” He stopped for a moment, “I wondered how long it might take before you told us.”

“I’m sorry, Papa,” Eddie said.

Ramon went over to his son, placing his hands on his shoulders, “No, it should be us that is sorry, sorry that you felt like you couldn’t tell us this part of yourself. Sorry that you kept it hidden because… you were scared of what we would say. We’ve had a lot of time to think, after you told us off after Shannon’s passing, and you were right, you are still around family. Mama has loved having you here and so has Josephina. My sister has always adored you,” he snorted slightly.

“If I couldn’t find you, most of the time it was because you were with her,” Helena shook her head, “I’m sorry, I always thought you were making the wrong choices when it came to Christopher. But we’re seeing and hearing so much about what he is doing. He is thriving and that is all on you, and his Bucky,” she added as she looked at Buck.

“Mrs. Diaz,” Buck said, a little unsure.

“Papa,” Eddie said, voice full of emotion.

Ramon enveloped his son in a hug, “I am sorry my boy. I always put on a tough façade and pretended that nothing could touch me. Not always the best way to handle things. And then I see you, doing so well, accepting things and you are much like I am. But you are also not. There is something in you that is like your grandfather. Proud and strong, but willing to show emotions to any and all, I would rather you be more like him, than me.”

Eddie held his dad tightly, for the first time since he was a child. “I… I was scared,” he admitted slowly, “But Buck and I, we’re-”

“Is that a RING!” Helena yelled as she spotted something on Buck’s finger. She grabbed it and looked at it, “Oh, it is beautiful,” She gushed.

“Engaged,” Eddie finished.

Ramon let his son go, “Moving quickly,” he said, but there was a lighter note to it, “But when you know, you know,” he told his son.

“Yeah,” Eddie smiled as he watched his mother start to question Buck about what he wanted his wedding to be like.

“We just wanted to know how Christopher was after the tsunami, we were so worried when we heard. And you didn’t want us down, I can understand why not after how you left El Paso and then how we tried to push you again to come back to El Paso. But, with Mama and Josephina both telling us how things have been for the two of you here. We knew we were just making things harder on you, pushing you away,” Ramon said, “Now, we’ve got a hotel, but we wanted to tell you we’re here, and we’re hoping that we can do something with you. And yes, Buck is invited as well. It will be nice to try and get to know our future son-in-law.”

Eddie nodded, he was still in shock at how his parents had changed their tune from the last time they had come to California. Yes they had talked on the phone, and even though they hadn’t mentioned Eddie and Christopher returning to El Paso, he still felt like they would should they visit him. “I know you asked, and he is fine, he’s still having some trouble with water, but he’s getting a lot better. We had a small vacation, we all went swimming in a pool, for the first time for Christopher.”

“And for me,” Buck added as he looked over at them.

“You saved him,” Ramon said, “He told me what you did, how you got him out of the water.”

“I lost him,” Buck said, still feeling guilty about losing Chrisopther.

“And then you went looking. I remember Mama telling us what you did, that you could have died doing what you did,” Ramon added.

Helena nodded, “You saved him and you searched for him. Not stopping until you knew he was safe. No one could ask for more,” she said, as she reached up, cupping her hand over his cheek, “You fought for him, like any parent should.”

“I-”

“I told you,” Eddie said, reaching for his fiance, “I don’t think there is anyone else in this world that would fight for him as hard as you do,” he reminded him before breaking out into a yawn. “Sorry,” he said as he sighed.

“No, we’re sorry,” Helena told her son, kissing Buck on the cheek and then doing the same with Eddie, “We’ll leave now, let you both get some more sleep. Tonight, if you are up for it, how about a meal out, our treat. Let’s get to know each other better,” she told Buck.

Eddie and Buck shared a look, “Alright,” Eddie agreed, “Tonight, dinner, Christopher has PT today, so he might be a little grouchy to be going out. He tends to like staying in and curling up with a movie. So don’t expect him to be too happy.”

“Then we’ll keep it short. Come back here after dinner with dessert to watch a movie together,” she added to her suggestion.

“Okay, that sounds doable, but if he gets cranky, we might leave a little earlier,” Eddie added.

“That’s fine and we won’t hold it against you,” Ramon told him, “Now, go to sleep, give us a call later on.”

“Will do, Papa,” Eddie said, giving him a small smile, which was quickly returned.

After showing his parents out, Eddie and Buck shared a look before agreeing to deal with it when they woke up again.

Chapter Forty Five

Buck looked over at Ramon, the two men had gone out to get a few things for dinner. They had decided that it would be nice to cook dinner for Eddie and Helena. Christopher was going to a sleepover with Denny. And the adults were going to have a good talk as they brought up plans for their wedding, which wouldn’t be until the summer months. But they had already started to book things. Like the venue, catering. Ramon and Helena wanted to help a little before they had to go back home in another few days.

“So, what do you have in mind to cook?” Buck asked the man.

“Well, my mother is always the best cook in the family. But I do know how to cook her enchiladas. But today, I’m going to be manning the grill and making some pollo asado,” he told him, “it’s the marinade that is the best thing about this. It’s why we are going shopping for food early. So it has time to marinade, not as long as I would like. But we do what we can,” he smiled at him.

“Sounds good,” he grinned, as they carried on around the store, letting Ramon grab what he needed.

“You and my son are truly happy,” Ramon said, “once upon a time, I thought he would only find happiness with a good Latina woman. But I see I was wrong. When I first met you at the Shield Ceremony. You were a little out of it. On crutches and Christopher stood near you as much as he could. As soon as people started to congratulate him, it wasn’t his family he came to, but you. I wasn’t happy at first. But I watched that day. Helena too. We watched you and we saw Eddie gravitate to you each time he was left alone for more than a few seconds. Christopher did the same. We knew then, that there was something building between the two of you. That it would only be a matter of time before he said something. I just wish he had said earlier, to let him know that we would be fine with his choice.”

Buck smiled softly, “Thank you, it means a lot that you both approve. I love Eddie and I love Christopher as though he is my own. And I would do anything for them.”

“I know, when I heard about the tsunami, and that Christopher was on the pier. I thought that there would have been no way he would have come out of that without serious injury. That Eddie was keeping it from me that Christopher was in the hospital. But Mama told me that he was fine. I even talked to him. Then He told me about his Bucky, who kept him safe, who was a hero that saved him. And that is you,” he told him, looking at the man as Buck drove them home.

Buck’s smile dropped, “I lost him. We survived the first wave, and then when it was beginning to recede I lost him,” he sighed, shaking his head.

“I know, Eddie and Christopher had told me and Helena everything they could about that day. You still kept him safe, and you kept looking for him. You fought as a father would, as any parent would for their child,” he sighed, “Eddie said that you still feel guilty about that day. You shouldn’t, you did all you could and more,” he added, “Now, no more on it, you did what you could. I am proud of you, Eddie and Christopher adore and love you so much. Welcome to our family, though no doubt that Mama has already made you welcome,” he laughed lightly.

“Abuela insists on it,” Buck smiled, laughing lightly.

“There you go,” Ramon said, “Now, lets get home and get the chicken in to marinate, I’ll teach you how to make it all.”

“I’d like that,” Buck nodded.

XxXxX

“It’s so nice to go out as a family,” Helena said as she hooked her arm around Buck’s, “Well, are there any good places to stop for lunch?” she asked him.

“Yeah, there are few good deli places,” Buck said, “Eddie, that one that we went to on our day out together,” he said, giving the man a small shy smile.

“Oh, did you and Papa go on a date in a deli?” Christopher asked, “Dad!” he rolled his eyes, “You have to do better than that. Papa needs a nice fancy restaurant.”

Buck laughed as Eddie snorted.

“No, mijo,” Eddie said, shaking his head, “Your papa likes the simple things.”

“Your dad is right, I do,” he smiled, “The simpler the better, and there is more food. Have you seen how small those meals are?” he said, making his eyes go wide.

“Really?” Christopher said unsure if Buck was telling the truth.

“I’ll show you,” he said, pulling out his phone and doing a quick search on it. He then showed Christopher. “See, so tiny,” he told him.

“But you and dad are so big, and grown ups are so big, that won’t fill anyone up, not even me and I’m still small!” he exclaimed.

“I know, that’s why the deli was the perfect place for us, we could have something larger to eat,” Buck grinned at him.

“Okay, Dad,” Christopher said as he looked at his dad, “You did well in that case.”

“Glad to know,” he said, hearing his parents laughing quietly.

“Deli,” Helena said as she tried to hide her laughing and then said, “We should try and get something to eat,” she told them.

“It’s this way, Mama,” Eddie said, as he began to lead the way.

“Oh, Edmundo,” came a voice.

Eddie sighed and turned to find Miss Flores standing there, “Miss Flores,” he began.

“And who is this upstart that dares to call you by your full name,” Helena said, eyes narrowing at the appearance of this woman.

“She is one of Christopher’s teachers at his school, and caused a few problems as well,” Eddie answered his mother.

“Ah, so Miss Flores, you said?” She looked at her son.

“Yes, Mama,” Eddie nodded.

“Mrs. Diaz,” Miss Flores said as she took a step forwards, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Your son Edmundo and your grandson Christopher are both such wonderful people, they must have gotten that from you and your husband,” she said, a pleasant smile on her face. “I can see that Edmundo had taught Christopher well in so many things. He is a delight to teach. Though maybe you might be the one to talk to about making sure that Edmundo does the right thing. Christopher needs a mother, and I’m sorry to say but I believe that Mr. Buckley,” she said a little quietly, “Well, he has gotten Christopher in trouble with the tsunami, and now Christopher doesn’t swim, or even drink water as he should. Your son tends to baby him, I admit that yes, his CP makes it so he will have to rely on other-”

“Oh shut up,” Helena snapped, “How dare you, silly little girl, come here and try and tell me that my son doesn’t know how to raise his own child. Christopher is doing marvelous. He’s had a few setbacks, and I know that anyone that has had to face the same dangers as him would have had a few problems as well. My grandson has been swimming, I saw video of it only yesterday. He is coming along with his therapy after the tsunami, and Buck is the one that saved his life,” she glared at the impudent young woman before her.

“Mrs. Diaz, I’m only trying to tell you so that you will make sure that Edmundo does the right thing,” Miss Flores began again.

“My Eddie is doing the right thing. Can’t say the same for you, you little upstart. And what is with calling him Edmundo, do you have his permission? I very much doubt it, Eddie hasn’t liked to be called that since his grandfather passed away, as it was what Matias named him and they were very close,” she yelled, knowing that they were now gaining some attention. “When Matias passed away, Eddie refused to be called that again, and only, only under special circumstances do we use it.”

“It was my grandfather’s name, and I find it very special to know someone called that, so I call Edmun-”

“Shut up and listen to what your elders are telling you. Be respectful of someone else’s choices,” she tore into her, “And the fact that you think Christopher needs a mother tells me exactly what you are hoping young lady, though with the way you are going after him, I don’t think lady is the right word for you,” she shook her head. “You would never get near my son, you words are horrendous. My Eddie knows best what is good for his son, and I say he picked a damn fine young man to help him co-parent Christopher and to stand by his side. I doubt you would have dove into flood waters to look for the son of the man you love. You seem too… selfish to do such a thing. No, you would have just thought about yourself, you would never do such a thing that would have put your life in danger. Buck did that, he risked his own life to make sure that Christopher was alright.”

“I suggest, Miss Flores that you please walk away,” Ramon said, as he put a hand on his wife’s arm, giving her a smile.

“Mr. Diaz,” she began, “I was just pointing out a few things that need to be done concerning Christopher.”

“No, you are trying to integrate yourself in my family, but it isn’t working. Instead you have upset my wife, my son, my grandson and my future son-in-law. You have also upset me with your callous words. You have no idea what Buck and Christopher went through that day, and we will never truly know the fear and such that they went through. You were callous in how you treated my grandson, believing that you know better just because you are a teacher. You don’t. I would trust my grandson to tell me more about what he can and can’t do, and the therapist that he is seeing, than a teacher who has no idea the full extent of what has gone on,” he told her.

“I’m just trying to look out for them, since Christopher doesn’t have a mother to look out for him,” she said, frowning at the harsh words that were being aimed towards her.

“He had a mother,” Eddie said, “And there will be no one that could replace her, and I never would,” he finished.

“Let’s get to lunch,” Helena said, hooking her arm with Buck, “Leave her, Ramon, she isn’t important.”

“You are right,” Ramon said walking away from the young teacher. “We should get something to eat,” he said, patting Christopher on the head.

“Yes, I’m hungry,” Christopher smiled up at his grandfather.

“Then let us get you fed,” he laughed lightly as he began to lead his grandson away. Helena doing the same with Buck.

Eddie hung back and stared at Miss Flores. “I don’t know what the hell is going on in your mind to say that Christopher needs a mother when he is perfectly happy with me and Buck. There is nothing you could say or do that will change who my heart wants, or what Christopher thinks of Buck. He is our family, you are my son’s teacher, and that is all you are. Stop trying to insert yourself into my life, into my family’s life. You don’t belong there.”

With that he turned and walked away, re-joining his family in going to lunch. Christopher telling his grandfather what he wanted to eat. And Buck made plans to make sure he had something healthy as well.

Chapter Forty Six

“I still can’t get over how my parents have been,” Eddie said as they began to lock up for the night. They had one more day off and that would also be the last day that his parents would be in LA. They would be heading back to El Paso the next day.

“It just took them time to see what a wonderful father you are, and the man that you have become. Sometimes it just takes time for people to open their eyes to the world around them,” Buck said as he started switching things off and putting away the dishes. He hated leaving things in a mess. Especially when he would be cooking in the morning.

“Maybe, or Abuela had a go at them,” he snorted, thinking that was more likely.

“Whatever it is that changed them, let’s take it for what it is. They want you happy, they want Christopher to be happy. They can now see that you are and you’re both thriving more here than you were in El Paso,” he smiled at his fiancé, “Now, come on, I want bed, I’m so tired. Ramon was showing me how to cook some of your favorite things.”

“More like grill, my dad can be a disaster in the kitchen at times. Mama didn’t really let him in there often. We had to replace the kitchen twice. Mama thought I took after him when I was a teenager and managed to make something explode. She wouldn’t let me inside for ages. Abuela did, I learned to cook from her and Shannon mostly,” he snorted as he wound his arms around Buck and brought him closer, kissing his lips, “Well, are you sleepy?” he asked him.

Buck snickered, “Not for some things,” he laughed lightly as he was dragged to the bedroom, the door closing and locking behind them.

Neither of them noticed for a while that there was someone watching them. Seething, angry at what they were seeing through the windows. They had to put a stop to this. And since Edmundo wasn’t listening to them, they would make them. Going to the front door, they took out a key that they had copied and tried it. Jiggling it around when it wouldn’t turn.

“Why wont you!” a hissed yell echoed on the quiet street. Trying a few more times they threw the key down in frustration and started to look around. Finding a rock they went back to the front door, the small window beside was easily broken. Reaching in, hissing when some of the glass cut into their arm, they unlocked the front door.

The noise of the glass breaking, stopped the two in the bedroom. Looking at one another they scrambled apart and put something on as they went to find out what was going on. Buck leaving the bedroom first didn’t even have a chance as something smashed into the side of his head.

“You should have got lost. I told you to stay away from him!” a female voice screamed as she raised the rock to bring it down on Buck once more.

“Fucking hell,” Eddie cursed, grabbing the woman by the arm and slamming her against the wall, “Who the-”

“You should have listened to me. I told you that Christopher needs a mother. I know better than you, you’re just a stupid firefighter, all brawn, no brain in your head. I’m a teacher, working towards a PhD as well,” she shouted at him.

“Daddy!” Christopher cried as he came out of his room, the noise waking him up.

“Christopher, go next door and wake the neighbors up, tell them that someone has broken in and we need police and ambulance. Papa’s hurt,” he said, not letting go of Miss Flores as she struggled in his grip. He didn’t want her trying something else if he had to let her go to make the call to 9-1-1.

“Let me go, Edmundo, I’m trying to do all of you a favor,” she struggled.

Christopher was crying, but he did what his dad had told him. He could see Buck on the ground and Miss Flores now being forced to move away from him. He didn’t fully know what was going on as he made his way slowly next door. He banged on the door, still crying as he hoped someone would answer it. The door opened and a tall man stood there, “Mr. Wallace,” he cried, “Daddy and Papa, they need help. Miss Flores, she hurt Papa and Dad’s stopping her. Dad said we need police and an ambulance,” he said, turning to go back.

“No, Christopher,” he said, stopping the little boy before he could go back. “Your dad would want you safe here. I’ll go and help,” he told him, “Yolanda,” he said turning to his wife, “can you call 9-1-1 and tell them what’s going on? I’m going to see if I can help at all,” he added, slipping his feet into his trainers and heading out.

The man was quick to enter the Diaz home, “Eddie,” he called out, quickly hearing a woman yelling.

“Jaden,” Eddie said, relieved to see the man, “Can you, either hold her or check on Buck. He’s been out throughout this, and I’m getting worried,” he said.

“You will let me go this instant Edmundo Diaz, is that any way to treat your future wife!” Miss Flores yelled out as she continued to struggle to get free.

“The only future you’re going to have is inside a fucking jail cell,” Eddie yelled at her.

“I’ll take Miss Delusional here,” Jaden said with a snort as he grabbed Miss Flores by the arm and pulled her from Eddie, “Go check on Buck,” he told his neighbor.

“Thanks,” Eddie said as he quickly dropped by Buck’s side, beginning to check him over and only seeing the blood on the side of his head. It was as sirens started to draw near when Buck started to come around. “No, don’t move Buck,” he murmured, pressing down on his shoulders to stop him from moving.

“Eds,” he murmured as he tried to make sense of why he was on the floor and why his head was hurting him so much.

“It’s okay,” he said as the paramedics rushed in along with a couple of police officers.

The rest of the night was a blur as Christopher was taken to Bobby and Athena’s for the night and Eddie went with Buck to the hospital.

XxXxX

Eddie sat beside Buck’s bedside at the hospital. They were already talking about discharging him, it was the early hours of the morning.

“Hey,” Romero said as he poked his head around the door, “Are you up for a few words?” he asked them both, seeing them awake.

“Yeah, sure,” Eddie nodded as Buck gave a small smile. The man didn’t want to nod his head, it hurt too much for that.

“We’ve got a few tests back already, we’re going to be doing DNA still, but fingerprints all match to what was found at Buck’s old apartment, on the items given and to the break in you had a few days before New Year,” Romero told the two men.

“So Ana Flores was the one that was stalking us?” Eddie said, eyes going wide.

Romero nodded, “Yes,” he answered, “We’ve been interviewing her, she lawyered up fast, but we have evidence of what she’s done and of course what happened tonight,” he told the two of them, as he stood at the bottom of Buck’s bed. “She’s going to be charged with the attack, which we are putting to attempted murder at the moment. The stalking, breaking and entering and such. We’re going to be throwing what we can at her. Mostly likely the attempted murder charge won’t stick, but we can try.”

“Why?” Buck asked.

“She saw Eddie as the one she wanted and she was determined to have him. She thinks of him as a possession. The same with Christopher. You were a blockage to that. She wanted you out of the way. She sees you as poisoning Eddie,” Romero sighed, the vitriol that had come from the woman still made him shudder. “She talked a lot, even with the lawyer trying to shut her up. We’ve got plenty to pin on her. All we mentioned was that Buck was your fiancé and she ranted about it, about what she had tried to do to drive you away.”

“Right,” Eddie sighed, shaking his head, “Thank you, just do what you need to. We’ll give what statements and such that we need to.”

“We’ve got your statements from tonight, and from the other incidents, we’re ready to press charges on her for everything,” he told the two men.

“Thanks,” Buck said quietly.

“Welcome,” Romero replied, “I’ll leave the two of you alone, I just thought I would update you with what is going on.”

“As long as we don’t have to see her, speak to her or anything else,” Eddie sighed, wanting this nightmare to be over. He never wanted to see the woman again, but if this went to court, he would have no choice, and he knew it would.

“I understand that,” he nodded, “Get better soon Buck,” he smiled at the man.

“Thanks Romero,” he smiled back as the detective left the hospital room.

“Well,” Eddie sighed, “At least this is at an end, for the most part.”

“No more wondering if someone has broken into our home again, no more scared of looking through the packages that we get. Having to look over our shoulder and wonder if the person that is talking to us is the one that has been causing all our nightmares,” Buck murmured as he turned to look at Eddie, reaching out and taking a hand again. They had let go when Romero had walked into the room.

“It’s going to be… nice to not have that fear again,” Eddie murmured, smiling softly as the door opened again.

“Well, Mr. Buckley,” the doctor said as she walked in, “tests show that you’re okay to leave. Since you have a first responder with you, I don’t see why you can’t go home. The headache will last a few days, I would say, we only used glue on the cut you had, so that should be fine as well. You know what you need to do to keep things well,” she smiled.

“Thank you,” Eddie said, sighing as he knew that Buck would really be fine.

“I’ll have his discharge papers sorted, and now you can go home Mr. Buckley,” she smiled one last time before walking out of the room.

“Great,” Buck grinned, happy that he was able to leave now.

“Athena and Bobby are insisting we stay with them. Even gone so far as to grab our things and put them in their guest room. Christopher is there as well,” Eddie said as he began to help ease Buck up.

“Right,” he nodded, “That’s fine. How’s Christopher? I know he was crying when I went in the ambulance, I could hear him.”

“He wanted to come with us, but he stayed with Jaden and Yolanda until Athena was able to come and get him. He wasn’t happy about it. So expect him to be stuck to your side when we get to the Grant-Nash home,” he snorted.

Buck nodded and as quickly as he could, without causing himself any extra pain, he was ready, discharge papers in hand and out the door before they could even bring in a wheelchair for him. Much to Eddie’s amusement. Christopher, just like Eddie had predicted, stuck to Buck’s side as soon as he saw him, bursting into tears and clinging to him, even falling asleep as Buck rested on the couch at Athena’s home. Eddie making plans with Bobby and Michael to hurry the construction at the new house along a little more so they could hurry up and move in. Bobby and Athena had insisted they would stay with them until the new place was ready, and Eddie was quick to agree. Not one of them wanted to go back to their old home, it just wasn’t home any more.

Chapter Forty Seven

Eddie and Buck began to settle, staying at the Grant-Nash house for almost two weeks, before going back to the house. It was while the last few things were sorted at their new home. It had taken a good month and a half to get everything ready. But moving day arrived, and those of the 118 helped them to get everything sorted.

“Well,” Chimney said as he put another box on the counter in the kitchen, “That was the last of the kitchen boxes we could see,” he said as he glanced around. Buck was already beginning to unpack everything and put it away.

“Thanks Chim,” Buck glanced up and nodded.

Eddie walked into the kitchen, “Christopher’s room is sorted, he has everything he wants in there now,” he said, “He’s playing with Lego, Denny and Harry are with him, May watching just in case.”

“Right, so no kids underfoot while we try and sort out where everything goes,” Buck grinned at him as Eddie walked over and pulled him into his arms, “This place feels right,” he murmured as he held Eddie back.

“Yeah, it’s home, it feels like home and we’ve only been here for a few hours and the place is still a state but, well,” Eddie said, leaning up a little and kissing him, “We’re home.”

“And you two are sickening,” Chimney rolled his eyes, leaving the two men alone. “Don’t enter the kitchen unless you want cavities!” he called out so the rest of those helping could hear him.

“One day I’ll get him back for all the teasing,” Buck muttered.

“Catch him when he’s with Maddie and do the shovel talk,” Eddie suggested, smirking as he knew that Buck hadn’t gotten around to doing that yet, and he had been complaining about it.

“Romero called earlier,” Buck then said, his jovial and happy tone leaving his voice, “The court case is going ahead, the trial starts soon.”

Eddie held him even tighter, “Well, it will be over, don’t know what the outcome will be, but it will be over.”

“Yeah,” he nodded, kissing him again, “Now, I want to sort out this kitchen,” he said as he glanced around, there were a half dozen boxes still to open and sort, their appliances as well to put into place.

Eddie nodded, “Then,” he said letting him go, “Shall we finish?”

Buck laughed, “May as well, Maddie will be in here soon wondering what’s taking us so long. She can be as bad as Chim at the teasing.”

“What was it she said?” Eddie murmured, a teasing tone as he moved away from Buck, “Oh yes, she was glad your boy crush liked you back.”

Buck rolled his eyes, “Annoying sisters,” he muttered.

“I second that, and Mama and Papa are going to be coming down in a couple of weeks again, this time the rest of the family want to join us,” he warned.

“We have a bigger yard, so barbeque?” he suggested.

“Sounds good!” he called out as he had his head part way into one of the larger boxes and started to unpack again.

Buck smiled and went back to doing the same. He knew the others were all helping in the living room and bringing some of the smaller pieces of furniture inside. Pizza was going to be ordered and they would spend the first dinner with family and friends around them.

XxXxX

Buck had been nervous when he had taken the stand two days ago. Eddie had done the same not long after him. Ana Flores had denied doing anything wrong. Even trying to have her rantings in her interview thrown out. She had even gone down the diminished capacity and insane plea. But both had been thrown out. She wasn’t anything more than a entitled narcissist. She saw what she wanted and she was going to have it. She didn’t care what anyone else wanted, not even Eddie. He was to be hers, and those that got in her way would be driven away or taken out.

Sentencing was finally coming and the woman wanted to speak for herself. Buck and Eddie sat and watched as Ana Flores stood up and walked to the podium. Putting some paper on the stand she stood tall. She had been found guilty on everything, even the attempted murder.

“Miss Flores, you have the court’s ear,” the Judge said as she looked at the smartly dressed woman.

“Thank you, your Honor,” she said, she looked at the paper before her. “I have been a teacher for almost ten years. I have taught many students, met many parents. I know I did wrong in harassing Mr. Diaz and his family. There is nothing I can say that will take away the pain and fear I caused to them. One of which was my own student. I tried to put myself into their life, pretending for a time to truly care about Christopher, but while I do care for him, I don’t think I would have been able to care for him as a mother would have. He was my student, and that was the only way I could see him.” She turned to face Eddie and Buck. The two were easily able to see the flash of irritation in her eyes, and so did many others. “I apologize to you and your family Mr. Diaz,” she finally said to him. “I hope that one day you can forgive me.”

“I won’t ever forgive you. I never want to think of you again. And after today I won’t,” Eddie couldn’t help but say.

“Mr. Diaz, please be silent,” the judge gave a gentle warning.

“Sorry, your Honor,” he said, “But I would like a chance to speak myself.”

“Then you will have it after Miss Flores has finished,” she agreed.

Eddie nodded back and settled against Buck once more.

“I am sorry, for everything. I hurt you so much and I didn’t want to do that,” Ana Flores finished as she turned back to the Judge, “I ask for leniency, this is the first time I have done something. I have been a good young woman all my life. Made sure to do all I could to shape the minds of young children and give them the best start in life. I hope that I will be able to go back to the life I once lived, but I know that wouldn’t be possible, but maybe something where I can share and hope that I can help others once more.”

“You may be seated,” the judge told her as she then looked at Eddie, “Mr. Diaz, you said you would like to share a few words.”

“Thank you for giving me a chance to Your Honor,” he nodded as he stepped forwards, giving Buck’s hand a squeeze. he stood there at the podium for a moment. “I will never be able to forgive Miss Flores for what she has done. She terrorized my family. She sent things to my work place, my home. She broke into the home of my fiancé and my own. She even lay in my bed and tried on an engagement ring that I had bought for Buck. Miss Flores knew what she was doing, and she knew she was breaking the law. She gave no heed to it as she broke it several times. She broke into Buck’s home a few times, knowing each time that what she was doing was wrong. She is a smart woman. She just saw what she wanted and didn’t give a care to those she hurt in trying to get it. She showed an entitlement that disgusted me. She tried to force her view of things onto those around her. Including my son and sending him into a panic attack so bad that he had to be brought home. She set his healing from the tsunami back weeks. How can I forgive someone who knowingly harmed those I loved because she decided she wanted me? I want her to face justice for all that she has done. She came into my home, attacked my fiancé to take him out, to kill him. I hope, your Honor that you will take into account how this has made all of our family, and our friends feel during this.”

“Thank you for speaking Mr. Diaz,” she nodded, “I would say this is difficult, but Miss Flores, you went after someone who had told you no. You harassed him and his family for months. The unwanted attention causing fear and embarrassment. You then break into his home once more after doing so to each of them and tried to kill Mr. Buckley because he was in your way. You had to be restrained to stop you from attacking Mr. Buckley further after he was unconscious on the ground.” Shaking her head she sighed, “Miss Ana Flores,” she said looked at the woman, “I sentence you to a minimum of 15 years. Possibility of parole after 8 years.”

“No, no!” Ana Flores yelled out, “I have a life I need to live, and that bastard ruined everything,” she shouted turning angry eyes towards Buck. “It’s your fault, why couldn’t you just leave?!”

“Because, unlike you I actually love Eddie and Christopher. You are nothing but an entitled narcissist that didn’t get her own way,” Buck answered her as she was taken away.

Buck and Eddie sighed as soon as she was out of sight. Hopefully they would never have to hear from her again. Leaving the courthouse they avoided a few people that wanted to stop them, which included Ana Flores’ parents, who were angry at the two men for what they perceived as it being their fault. Neither of them cared what they thought. They headed home, they had things to do, since in another month, they would finally be married.

XxXxX

Buck and Eddie danced slowly around the dance floor. Their first dance as a married couple. Their ‘I do’s’ were full of smiles and tears as they promised a lifetime and more to each other, Christopher happy at their side, the adoption having gone through. As the music came to an end and another song started, other couples began to join them. Ramon and Helena were the first to join, Bobby and Athena close behind them. More and more gathered and danced.

Eddie soon led Buck off the dance floor, taking a few moments to just watch their family and friends together.

“Best day of my life,” Buck said, and then said, “Okay, second best,” he grinned.

Eddie looked at him and the realized, “Christopher,” he snorted. “His birth was the best day, and this is a very close second,” he agreed with him.

“Meeting you, meeting Christopher. I… didn’t know what I was missing until I met you. I thought Abby was it for me. Then you walked into my life and pushed nearly all thoughts of her from my head. She didn’t matter anymore. What mattered was you and him,” Buck said softly.

Eddie turned to face him fully, “I know, when I met you, you were an aggravating little shit. But I could see the heart that lay behind it. One that had been hurt and all I wanted to do was to help it heal. When you were hurt, the bombing, I thought I lost my chance to say anything. But then you were okay, then the embolism. Twice I almost lost you, and I told myself that I would tell you. But it didn’t happen, you were hurting again and then a wave almost took you and Christopher from me and I couldn’t wait any longer. Telling you what I felt that night was like the light in my world became that much brighter. Blinding when you said you loved me too.”

Buck smiled, “I love you Eddie,” he said, leaning down to capture his lips.

They broke apart for a moment, “Love you as well Buck,” leaning up for a second kiss.

“And I love you Dad, Papa,” Christopher added his own voice as he had been standing near them. His smaller arms wrapping around their legs, his crutches banging into them.

The two men shared a smile as Eddie picked him up, settling him in his arm, the other wrapped around Buck. Music started up again and the two went back to the dance floor, together as a family, they danced once more.

---