Reading Time: 126 Minutes

Title: You Got It
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, Violence – Domestic and/or Against Children , Discussions of Domestic and Child Abuse, Non Parental Child Abuse, False Accusation of Sexual Abuse towards a Minor, Discussion of Rape, Past Rape, Belief of Adultery, Home Invasion, Suicidal Ideation, Canon Minor Character Death,
Beta: J-Love99, HarleyJQuin
Word Count: 126,634
Summary: Getting the Jeep from Maddie was his ticket to freedom, but when it led to him stopping outside of a Community College in El Paso, he decided that it was a sign from the Universe that he should at least get a degree. When a week later one of his House Share friends dragged him to an Under 21s Bar, he meets Eddie Diaz, home from deployment for the birth of his son. A yell and a push from Shannon in the hopes of her friend getting laid, Evan ends up finding everything he had been looking for. He gains a friend, a confidant, a boyfriend and even a son, but not everyone is happy with the new little family unit coming together.
Artist: Spennig

 

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Chapter Forty Six

Not long after having lunch with Bobby, Evan’s phone began to ring, “Hey Abby,” he said, a little smile on his face. “Hey, calm down, calm, what’s going on?” he asked a worried frown on his face.

Eddie glanced over at him, frowning as well as he could see the worry. He waited until the call ended when he heard Evan say that he’ll be there. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“Abby’s mother is missing. She got home from her shift and fell asleep. And then her mom was gone. She’s already called the police, but she wants to go looking as well. She’s worried,” he said as he stood up, “I told her I’d go over and help her look,” he added, frowning and wondering if it was the right thing to do. He had talked to Abby a lot on the phone, even Eddie had. The woman had become a good friend, even if it was through the phone she was nice to talk to.

“Yeah, we can go,” Eddie said, “Shannon’s going to be picking up Chris from school, and I doubt that Bobby would mind looking after Aria,” he added as he looked at the man.

“Are you… are you sure you want me to? I might?” Bobby said, biting his lip.

“Look, I trust you Bobby, trust in yourself. You managed 18 months, and we’re going to be there right beside you to get to 18 years. You’re gonna have to be a grandpa to that little one, so she’ll need you around. None of us have parents worth a damn, or in Shannon’s case, hers are gone. So, who better than you?” Evan told him, grinning as Bobby looked a little shocked at the proclamation.

“Okay,” Bobby nodded looking down at Aria as she was handed over to him.

“Trust yourself, Bobby,” Eddie told him, “It’s hard, and truth be told, if it wasn’t for Chris and Shannon, I’ve no doubt I would have taken to the bottle to get through some of the rough days I’ve had. I don’t do it for them, and now this one and Evan.”

Bobby nodded, “Thank you,” he smiled as the two men left him alone with his granddaughter.

XxXxX

Evan knocked on the door to Abby’s apartment and waited for it to open. “Carla?” he blinked as the woman opened the door.

“Well, hello,” she smiled, “come in,” she said, “I knew she had called you, didn’t know you were already with someone.”

“Oh?” Evan frowned.

“I encouraged her to reach out, she… worried a little about you. Saw how distraught you were after that rescue,” she told him.

“Well, she makes a great friend,” he said as he and Eddie walked into the apartment.

Abby was pacing in the dining area which had been turned into her mother’s bedroom. “Buck,” she smiled and then saw the other man, “And you must be Eddie,” she added.

“That we are,” Eddie smiled at her, “Good to meet you, and thanks for the heads up occasionally,” he added, shaking her offered hand and then pulling her into a hug, “We’ll find your mom, promise, now, what can we do to help?” he asked her as he let her go.

Abby laid out what she wanted to do, the two men quickly agreeing to help. Hours later, when night had fallen, Patricia Clark was back home, sleeping in her bed.

Abby watched her, “Thank you,” she said to the two of them, “I don’t know if I would have been able to keep it together to find her on my own.”

“You would have,” Eddie told her, “She’s your mom and you would have carried on looking until you found her.”

Abby smiled at him a little, “I’ve been… I’ve been thinking about putting her in a home. I hate that I’ve even thought about it, I hate myself so much. But-”

“What would she want you to do?” Evan asked her, “That’s what you have to ask. Not what would be best, but what she would want you to do? She might want to remain at home, but is it what she really wants you to do,” he said, wondering if he was getting it across to her what he was meaning.

“You mean, would she want me to look after her the way that I’ve been doing?” Abby clarified.

Evan nodded, “Yes.”

“I don’t know,” Abby said looking toward her mother, she had made sure to sit in a way that she would be able to watch her.

“It’s a hard choice to make,” Eddie murmured, “There’s no right answer or wrong answer,” he sighed.

“How does Carla know you both?” Abby said as she tried to change the subject, not wanting to think of putting her mother in a home. She wanted her with her, where she knew she was getting the care she should be and wanting her close by.

“Well, she took care of my former partner’s mother. She passed away and she took my son on part-time. Though if I find work, it might be more full-time, depending on what I’m going to do,” Eddie said, giving a little shrug, “He has CP,” he added as he saw the question on Abby’s face.

“Thank you,” she said as she looked at the two of them, “For the help,” she repeated.

“Abby,” Eddie began, “You became a friend to Evan and one to me as well. Okay, we’ve only ever talked on the phone, but now that barrier is broken if you need someone to talk to. I’m around, so is he, and I think even Shannon wouldn’t mind another friend most of the time. You don’t have to be a stranger to us.”

Abby smiled, “It’s nice to know. Most of the last couple of years, I’ve been focused on mom,” she said as he glanced towards where her mother was sleeping peacefully. “I… don’t really know who I am outside of this anymore,” she murmured.

“You’ll have time for that at some point,” Eddie told her, “for now, enjoy what little time you have. She might not remember things, but she still loves you.”

“I know, sometimes it’s hard to remember the better times. She was so independent, living on her own, enjoying her retirement, and then she started to forget little things. It… it was when she forgot how to make coffee that we realized that there was something more serious going on,” she told the two.

“That… that must have been scary, realizing that something was wrong,” Evan murmured.

“It was, still is. We know she might not have long left, which is why I don’t want to put her in a home. She shouldn’t have to die in there. I know sometimes it’s for the best that I… I might have trouble coping. But I have Carla, and I’m here as well,” she sighed, shaking her head. “I want her home,” she said after a few moments of silence.

“Then know, if you need us, even just to talk, call us,” Eddie offered her.

“I will,” she smiled, “You’ve both been great, I didn’t think calling Buck would have ended up with me having two new friends.” There was a light blush on her face. All three knew what she had called for, and that was to talk to the hot firefighter and see about getting to know him and maybe have a date from it all.

XxXxX

Bobby looked up from his paperwork, the door to his office was open and he was checking outside of it every few moments. “Buck!” he called as soon as he saw the man walk into his line of vision.

“Yeah!” he called back as he jogged over to the office.

“Sorry to call you away, but can you come in and close the door,” he asked him, his voice quiet as he waited for Evan to do so.

“Is everything alright?” Evan asked as he sat down. He clutched his hands together a few times as he tried to settle himself.

“Not quite,” Bobby winced, “Sorry about this Buck, but I’ve been talking to the Chief and he was the one that I went to about Dr Wells. She’s been taken off the roster for therapists for the LAFD while she is being investigated. So far we’ve found four others. She’s only worked with the department for the last four months. She came highly recommended. Also, you’re not the first to complain about her. She used something similar but the man was able to walk away without anything more than her bad flirting, at least that’s what was in the report.”

“So, people knew this was happening and no one did anything?” Evan asked, eyes going wide at the thought of someone ignoring such a thing.

“Dr Wells was able to play it all off as being overly friendly, that she does such things to help put her patients at ease. So no one took it seriously when they should have,” Bobby said slowly, “I’m sorry about this Buck. Someone let this slide and the Chief isn’t happy about it at all.”

“I…” Evan sighed, closing his eyes as he processed what he had been told, “Someone didn’t care if people were… raped. That they just let it go.”

“I know, I’m sorry, I wish… I wish I hadn’t sent you to her at all,” Bobby told him, his words were quiet but full of guilt.

Evan looked up at him, “Bobby, it’s not your fault. You thought you were helping and if she had… had any professional pride then maybe she would have done what you, the LAFD paid her to do. I’ve been seeing someone else, gone back to an old therapist that I had when I first came to LA, one that Xiaoli had recommended,” he said, “Really Bobby, it’s not your fault at all. She… she is the one at fault.”

“I know,” he told him, “But that still doesn’t mean I don’t feel guilty.”

“Bobby,” Evan hesitated a moment.

“Sorry, Buck,” he said, smiling slightly, “I have another meeting tonight. I thought it would be a good idea for me to do it as often as I could, make sure I don’t…” he gestured with his hand.

“I hope it’s helping, but Bobby, maybe… maybe you should take the advice that you told me. Talk to someone, and I know you go to church, but they don’t know how to help you like therapy does,” Evan said carefully.

Bobby looked at him and then slowly nodded, “I might do so. I’m… not sure,” he said.

“Sometimes they will bring things up that you would rather stay hidden in a bunker somewhere in the Antarctic, but it needs to come out at some point. Do it there, rather than somewhere else where it will tear you apart. I almost let what happened to me tear me apart. To… I was suicidal Bobby, I wanted to die because I had lost my family. If it wasn’t for Xiaoli always offering to house me for a bit, I think I would have. Losing them destroyed me for a long time. Having them back in my life now has helped, but I still need some therapy. Eddie has therapy; he was in the Army for a long time. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to helps,” he gave a small shrug, “Just think about it.”

“I will,” he nodded.

Evan smiled, “And thank you, for letting me know about the case, hopefully, we don’t find anymore,” he sighed.

“I’m hoping,” Bobby said, “But we’ve only gone through a quarter of those she has seen as part of the LAFD, I do know the practice she was at beforehand is now going to be looking through her files and the patients as well, just in case.”

Evan nodded. “Thanks, for letting me know, I-” he was cut off as the alarm went off.

“Duty calls,” Bobby said as the two of them got up and rushed out of the office. Bobby quickly got the details from dispatch as they headed out.

Chapter Forty Seven

It had been less than three weeks since Eddie and Evan had reconnected. The New Year had barely rung in when they had found each other again. It felt like a lifetime ago already to the couple. Evan was working, spending time at his own apartment and Eddie’s home, and Shannon was working hard and having fun playing mom occasionally for Aria and Christopher. Glad that she didn’t care for them full time, but loving the few hours she got to spend with them occasionally. Eddie looked around the house he shared with Shannon. It was her mother’s place and he knew that Shannon didn’t want to remain there forever.

“Evan,” Eddie called out not long after Evan had returned from work.

“Everything okay?” he asked as he looked up from what he was doing in the kitchen. Aria was settled in a carrier on his back, enjoying being closer to her papa as she slowly fell asleep.

“I was just thinking, I know it’s so soon after meeting again, but I hate it when we have to stay in separate places. When you go home and Chris and I can’t come with you,” Eddie said as he walked over to him, leaning against the counter so they could see each other.

“Yeah, I love being here with you, and with Christopher. It feels… feels right,” he smiled, looking up from stirring in the peppers and mushrooms he had prepared, into the beef he had cooking on the stove.

“Well, I was thinking, what about moving in together? I know we can’t move here, and Xiaoli’s is out of the question as well. But what about finding a place of our own?” he suggested.

Evan looked at him, “You really think we should?” he asked him, a small hopeful look in his eyes.

Eddie smiled, “Yeah. Evan, I would love nothing more than to know when you come home, you would be coming home to me, instead of your apartment. I love Xiaoli, he’s your best friend, but I want something for us,” he said, grabbing a hand, pressing his lips to the back of it as he stared at Evan, “I don’t want to spend any more time without you in my home. You, Christopher and Aria, all three of you are my home.”

Evan laughed and nodded, “I would love to move in with you. We can start looking for a place soon,” he told him, feeling excited about the prospect of moving in with each other.

“Great, Shannon knows a few people, she has a lot of contacts and friends here,” he grinned, knowing that the sooner they get the ball rolling on this, the sooner they could move in and be with each other. To have their whole family under one roof.

“I can’t wait,” he grinned, as he carried on making the spaghetti bolognaise that Christopher had requested for dinner.

“I was also thinking,” Eddie said carefully, “That… I don’t think I could be a stay-at-home dad all the time,” he added.

Evan glanced over at him, “I know you’ve enjoyed the time you’ve been able to spend with Aria over the last week, but many parents go to work,” he reminded him.

“I know, and I think I have an idea on what I would like to do,” he said, “Though it was mainly inspired by you.”

Evan blinked a few times as he stirred the meat, vegetables and sauce together, “Oh?” he asked, “And what would that be then, a little thrill of excitement going through him at the thought of what Eddie was going to say.

“Well, firefighter. I’ve been looking at the applications for the fire academy. And well, they start in March, by September I will be on probation,” he grinned, “So just over a month.”

“Well, do you want to do it?” he asked him.

Eddie paused and then nodded, “I do, I think I want to do this. I know the chances of us being able to be in the same station is low. But I’ve seen and heard a lot of what you do and what I did in the Army, maybe some of it can transfer over. It would be nice to put some of the skills I have to use,” he told him.

“Then go for it. Maybe we won’t be in the same house, but that’s fine,” he grinned, “I’ll be cheering you on from the side-lines each day. Like I know you do for me,” he said, a soft smile on his face as he leaned over and kissed him.

“I will, I’ll put in the application soon, the deadline is the day after valentines day,” he told him.

Evan sighed at the mention, “Yeah, I’ll be working that day,” he told him softly.

“I know we won’t be able to get every holiday off, but as long as we can spend a day together. Like a nice date,” Eddie smirked at him, “I don’t mind it being a day or two later,” he told him, “I love spending time with you, with the kids. But sometimes, I would like to have a date, a proper grown-up date, where we’re not going to have the kids around for a while. I know Shannon won’t mind babysitting for the night.”

“Neither would Xiaoli, he would be happy to have them both. He’s a lot more confident than he was when we were in El Paso,” Evan laughed, “He was so scared about hurting Christopher when he was a baby. But now, I can barely keep Aria out of his arms,” he told him.

“I know Shannon was complaining the last time that he was here. He wouldn’t let her hold Aria for over an hour. She pouted and bitched about it all the next day,” Eddie laughed with him, “So Yeah, a date for me and you when we can manage it. I don’t mind waiting,” he said.

Evan nodded as he continued cooking, “Do you think Christopher is almost done with his homework?” he asked.

“I’ll go and check and then set the table,” he added, kissing his lips once more before leaving Evan to finish cooking their dinner.

XxXxX

Eddie looked over at Shannon, the two of them were going over some of the houses that Shannon’s realtor friend had been able to find for him and Evan. It had only been two days since he had mentioned it, but already he was seeing a few good places. “This one and this one, we could view,” Eddie said as he pulled out two from the pile that had caught his interest.

“I was thinking those two might be more for you both,” she smiled, “ground floor only. Four bedrooms, so you have one open for a guest. Or maybe even a third kid down the road,” she smirked at him.

Eddie rolled his eyes, “Maybe,” he said, that was something that he would like. But it would be in the distant future for now. As he wanted to let Aria grow up a little more before they think about another child for the two of them.

“Well, if you do, maybe hit me up,” she suggested slowly.

Eddie looked at her, “I thought you hated it?” he asked, frowning.

“I did, or rather I believed I did, and maybe I do. I like being a mom, at a distance. I’m not good close up, I know this. I love Christopher and I love Aria as well. They are two beautiful children, and I wouldn’t mind a third either, but you’re right, not just yet. We’ll see how it is a few years down the road when this little one is grown up a little more,” she said, glancing at Aria who was asleep in her bouncer.

“I’ll mention it to Evan, but he’ll want to wait about this as well,” Eddie said, knowing that Evan would be fine with adding a third child to their family one day.

“Right, houses,” Shannon said, quickly changing the subject and wondering if she should have even mentioned anything, or kept what she was feeling and thinking to herself.

“Houses,” Eddie smiled, “And if you want, I can keep quiet for a bit on that.”

Shannon sighed, “No, don’t keep secrets, it’s no way to have a relationship,” she said looking at him.

“I know, but if you wanted me to, I would, he would understand,” he replied.

“Tell him, but I’ll see how things go in a couple of years, say, three? If I am still up for it. I didn’t mind the pregnancy or anything. I love Aria and Christopher, and I wouldn’t mind a third being around as well. So, we’ll revisit later on,” she told him.

Eddie nodded, “Alright, I’ll tell Evan about it, and we’ll revisit in a couple of years.”

“Now, please, let’s get back to finding you some houses to look at,” she smiled.

Eddie smiled back, “Okay, so these two look the best, both on the ground floor, one with four bedrooms, the other with three. Both have two bathrooms, so one can be converted to Christopher’s needs. The four-bedroomed one does have a bathroom attached to the master bedroom. So that might be a bonus,” he murmured.

“We could see both, I’ll tell Mina about what you’re looking for more, and also that these two are more along those lines. It’ll make it easier going forward,” Eddied murmured looking through the listings.

“Yeah,” he smiled, “Now, I’m thinking about asking Evan to marry me,” he added suddenly

Shannon dropped the papers she was looking at, “What?” she asked, eyes wide.

“I was thinking about asking Evan to marry me,” he repeated.

“Wow,” she laughed, a large smile on her face, “really?”

Eddie rolled his eyes, “Yes, really. I wanted to ask him before everything went to hell. Shannon, I’ve had a ring since our second year together. I was going to ask him before Christopher’s birthday when I came back on leave. That was my plan. I was going to ask you to have Christopher for a few days and take him away for a weekend. Wine and dine him, sweep him off his feet, and propose to him,” he sighed, “I had so many plans but that was the one that I wanted to do,” he sighed, shaking his head.

“You… still have the ring?” she asked him, curiously.

Eddie nodded, “Yeah, I kept it. It’s hidden away, I didn’t want to lose it. I always hoped that I would come across Evan again, hoped that we would find him.”

“Go and get it,” she ordered, taking the papers off him, “Now I want to see it. Make sure that you chose the right ring,” she added, excited about the revelation that Eddie had just made.

Eddie snorted but got up and went to his bedroom. He walked towards his wardrobe and reached to the top. He kept the most important things and things he didn’t want the others to find up there, which included his Silver Star and the engagement ring he had brought. Back then, only a few states did gay marriages. But he was hoping he could convince Evan to go on holiday with him one day, to get married. He pulled the small bag and took out the tiny box. He opened it, smiling as he saw the dark metal and the glean of the blue and red stones that decorated the middle part of the band. It was simple, and he knew Evan liked simple. He wasn’t one for the largest diamond or anything like that. He just wanted plain and simple.

Eddie walked back to the living room and sat down. Letting Shannon take the box to see, “Well?” he asked her.

Shannon looked at it, not touching it and then smiled at him, “Yeah, this… this is Evan, he has changed, but I think he will still love this.”

“So, I plan to propose to him soon. I don’t know when I want to do it though. I was thinking about Valentine’s Day, but he’s working. So that’s out of the window,” he sighed, “But, maybe next four days off.”

“You can do what you planned and take him away for a few days, I’ll look after the kids. And no doubt Xiaoli would be happy to help as well,” she smiled at him, closing the lid on the box.

Eddie nodded, “Sounds good to me,” he smiled as he took the box back and tucked it away. He would have to think of a plan and talk with Xiaoli as well.

The two went back to going through the list of houses that they had been given to see if there were any more than caught their eye.

Chapter Forty Eight

Evan was in the middle of the firehouse as he wrote his latest postcard to Maddie. He sighed, the woman hadn’t even been able to send a message back to him in years. He had practically given up hearing from her again. He could try and go and see her, but last time she had avoided him. There was that niggle in the back of his mind that something was wrong, but he didn’t know what. He finished writing and put it away. He had sent her one at Christmas as well, but he wasn’t holding out any hope for her taking him up on the offer to come and see him.

“What are you doing?” Hen asked him as she sat down, seeing him staring intently at the words on the postcard.

“Just sending something to my sister,” he said, shrugging a little.

“Oh, I didn’t know you had a sister,” Hen frowned, the book in her hands remaining closed as she looked at her friend.

Evan sighed, giving a shrug, “Nothing much to talk about there. I haven’t seen her since I was nineteen. Not been able to get her to call me or anything since a couple of months before I left El Paso,” he told her, “So I send her a postcard every couple of months. Letting her know what’s going on in my life. I told her about Chris and Eddie coming back into my life. And how I adopted Aria,” he finished, a soft smile on his face as he talked about his family.

“Seems like you miss her,” Hen smiled.

“I do, a lot. She was there for me when I was growing up until she left for college. Then I was alone to find out that my parents just didn’t want me. She always tried to say that they were good people, just not good parents. But they aren’t either, to be honest. They are just bad in both respects,” he muttered, “I tried to be what they wanted, but it took a while for me to realize that I will never be what they wanted. There was just something about me that they couldn’t look past, and I have no idea what that was. Maddie tried her best to protect me from it when she was there, but after…”

“It was thrown in your face,” Hen finished for him and he nodded. “Well, there isn’t much I can say about that,” she told him, “Maybe one day your sister will get in contact with you.”

“I’m hoping so, she has a niece and a nephew that she has never met, she never even said, when we were talking, about her coming to visit when I was in El Paso. I asked her several times. But she always said no,” he sighed as he signed off on the postcard and tucked it away.

“I-” she was cut off as the alarm went off, “Well, back to work,” she smiled as the two of them got up to join the rush of firefighters towards the trucks.

XxXxX

It was getting a little late when Bobby walked over to Evan and said, “Buck, need to speak with you in the office, the Chief is here.” His voice was quiet so as not to alert anyone else in the loft.

“Sure,” he said as he got up slowly, a pit of dread in his stomach as he walked. In the office, he sat down. Chief Alonzo was there, a nod of welcome greeted him.

“Firefighter Buckley,” he greeted, standing up and shaking his hand.

“Chief Alonzo,” he nodded back, shaking the offered hand.

Bobby walked past the two of them and sat down, “Now,” he said, as he looked at Chief Alonzo, “This concerns Dr Wells,” he said as he went back to looking at Evan.

Evan inhaled sharply, “They… they haven’t taken my statement about that yet. They were going to, but I don’t know when,” he said quietly.

“They will be here in two days, during your next shift. They will be taking it then to help with the investigation going on,” Chief Alonzo informed him, “I came tonight as I wanted to tell you that we are going to be doing our best to keep your name and the other’s names out of things as we investigate. But we are also wanting to warn you, that since she is being investigated, she might try and out you if you will.”

“I just… I just wanted to keep my job, it was all I had at the time. I had lost my family at that point, didn’t know,” Evan said, and with a shaky breath he continued, “I didn’t know if I would ever have them back. I love my boyfriend, and I have done since we got together six years ago. He’s been very supportive of me, and he is the one that pushed me somewhat to report what happened.”

“I’m glad to know you have someone at home supporting you,” he nodded a few times, “And thank you for reporting. I know it would have been hard to do so. But you have helped others gain the courage to come forward as well. As soon as we started to put the word out that we were looking into some inconsistencies with Dr Wells, we had two come forward that very day. We now have seven as well as yourself.”

“She hurt so many of us,” Evan looked down, clenching his hands in his lap.

“She has, and we are going to be doing everything we can to make sure that she doesn’t get away with it,” Chief Alonzo told him gently.

“Eddie, she made me feel like I betrayed him, I love him and I feel like I cheated on him and I really don’t like that. That-” he cut himself off, shaking his head, “Don’t… nothing.”

“It’s not nothing about what she made you feel, Buck,” Bobby told him, wanting to reach out to comfort the young man, but didn’t do so in front of Chief Alonzo.

“Eddie’s made sure that I go and see someone, outside of the department. I’m sorry but I don’t think I could ever trust a department therapist again,” he said looking up at Bobby.

“That’s fine,” Bobby smiled reassuringly, “I can get where you’re coming from.”

“I will be bringing the investigators that will want your statement in two days,” Chief Alonzo said as he stood up, “You’re an excellent firefighter, Buckley. Bobby sings your praises, you have a lot to offer the job, and I’m happy to know that this hasn’t scared you away,” he added, holding out his hand for another handshake.

Evan stood up and shook it, “I will be here sir,” he nodded.

“Good,” he then walked out of the office.

“How are you doing Buck?” Bobby asked as soon as the door closed behind the man as he left.

“I’m not sure for the most part. I keep going for my family. Everything is fine, and then boom I’m back in that office and wishing I was somewhere else,” he sighed, sitting back down.

“I’m glad that you’re getting the help that you need,” he told him, finally able to reach out and give him a little comfort.

Evan nodded, “Eddie made sure of that. Shannon is big on therapy, and so is Xiaoli to be honest. So she pushed him to attend when he got back, and Xiaoli pushed me when I first arrived here. I’ve gone back to the therapist I had, the one Xiaoli recommended for me, they are working well, we gelled well when we first met,” he smiled slightly, “Eddie has been great, making sure that he knows I wasn’t at fault, that she coerced me and everything,” he sighed, “he’s been there for the nightmares, the few flashbacks that I’ve had.”

“Glad he’s there, he seemed really nice when I met him. Christopher is adorable,” Bobby smiled, having spent a little time around the family.

“Yeah, we’re starting to look for a house to move into,” Evan said, latching onto the change of topic and going on about what they are trying to look for.

Bobby let him speak, seeing that he needed the change and something happy to talk about for a while.

XxXxX

Xiaoli grinned as he talked with Eddie, “Going away is all good, but I doubt he will want to leave the kids behind. He just got Christopher back and he won’t want to leave Aria for any length of time.”

“I know, I first thought about Valentine’s Day, but he’s working,” Eddie said. They were at a Deli near the 118. Xiaoli was grabbing lunch for everyone and Eddie had been walking past with Aria when he spotted his boyfriend’s best friend.

“You know what, come back to the station with me. Maybe we can work our magic on Bobby,” he grinned at him as he went to collect the large order.

Eddie shifted and then nodded. It would be the first time he would be going to the station where Evan worked. “Maybe we can come up with something. I know he wouldn’t care how it happened as long as it did. But I want to do something special, he deserves the world after what he had to put up with and what he went through. I just want to make it something he will always remember.”

“Eddie, he’s going to always remember it, because it’s you. He’s going to love every second of it and be so happy and excited he might not even be able to speak for a moment,” Xiaoli joked lightly.

Eddie nodded and snorted, “You know, you’re right, he would be silent for a moment. Before he would ask me if I was sure that I wanted to be with him forever.”

“That, yes, that, he’ll react just like that,” Xiaoli sighed and shakes his head at some of the issues that Evan still had. “He’s getting a little better about it, since you came back though,” he pointed out.

“He no longer asks me if I still want to be his boyfriend at least, that stopped before he went back to work,” Eddie said as he went to get his own order before following Xiaoli out of the deli. They walked back to the station, Aria happily asleep in her stroller.

Xiaoli grinned as he waited for Eddie to pick her up and head up the stairs. No one but him and Bobby had met Eddie yet. Though they had all gotten to say hello to Aria when Evan came for a quick visit. “Lunch is up!” Xiaoli called out, though not as loud as he usually would have done.

Eddie sent him a grateful look. There had been a reason he was out walking around. Aria had been crying and upset for most of the morning. So Eddie had gone for a walk, taking a good two hours of walking around before she fell asleep.

“Oh food, ” Evan grinned as he walked up the stairs, followed by the others. He had seen the stroller tucked away, but hadn’t thought anything of it until he saw Eddie standing there, Aria asleep in his arms. “Eddie!” he called out as he rushed over to him. Wrapping his arms carefully around them both, “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I bumped into him at the Deli, thought I would bring back a surprise for you,” Xiaoli said before Eddie could answer him.

“Well, damn, now that is a beautiful man,” Chimney said as he stood and stared at Eddie for a moment.

“I see no lie in that,” Hen hummed and nodded.

“Hey!” Evan said as he glared at the two of them.

“So this is the infamous Eddie,” Chimney said as he and the others walked over.

“I am,” Eddie grinned, “Nice to meet you all.”

“Eddie, good to see you again,” Bobby said as he walked out of the office.

Lunch was shared out and quietly Xiaoli and Eddie were able to corner Bobby for a moment to ask about Valentine’s Day and to try and get Evan to have that day off. Bobby was happy with what Eddie was planning to do and had agreed on making sure Evan would have the day off. Since Evan was already feeling down after giving his statement earlier. The visit from Eddie couldn’t have been better timed, as Evan started to smile again after being withdrawn for most of the day.

Chapter Forty Nine

Eddie was nervous, Valentine’s Day had finally arrived and today was the day he was going to be asking Evan to marry him. It had been a long time in coming, but now that he was actually going to do it, he was nervous. Wondering if this was the right decision to make. It had only been a couple of weeks since they had reunited. But everything felt right, their family was coming together, it was all going great. There were bumps, as always, but they were working on them.

“I can’t believe you managed to get the night off for me. Really, thank you, I wanted to take you out as well, but didn’t organize anything since I didn’t have the night off,” Evan started to babble a little as they walked into the restaurant that Eddie had been able to book for them.

“It’s fine Evan,” Eddie reassured him, taking his hand as they were led over to a table, “I’m just glad that we can actually spend Valentine’s Day together. We’ve never been able to do that before,” he smiled at him, kissing him lightly as before helping him into his seat.

“Such a gentleman,” Evan laughed lightly as Eddie sat across from him.

“Shannon made sure it was drilled into me and so did Abuela,” he smiled, “She would never let me go out of the house without some form of manners.”

Smiling he nodded, “I can see Abuela doing that. And Shannon for that matter. She would have dressed you up to make sure that you looked right. And I can see her influence in the shirt you are wearing,” he teased him, grinning as Eddie blushed.

“Yeah, well, she said it was either the blue or the burgundy shirt would look good. I ended up with the burgundy since it was the one that Christopher liked the best,” Eddie said, unashamed that he had a little help in getting ready for their date.

“Ah, I see that Christopher’s taste is leaning more to what Shannon’s is like then,” Evan nodded, laughing as Eddie rolled his eyes. “He’s learning well,” he added, smirking as drinks were quickly ordered. “So, what’s good here,” he murmured as he finally glanced down at the menu he had been given.

Eddie looked down, “I’m not sure, Shannon said the fish and the steak here are some of the best she’s ever had. She knows the place well. She said that it’s a great place for a date,” he said as he glanced up.

Evan smiled at him, “She’s still too invested in our relationship, I say.”

“If you and I are together, then she doesn’t have anyone telling her she should marry her child’s dad,” he pointed out, knowing that really Shannon was feeling a little lonely. She hadn’t had a partner since before the two of them had gotten together. Even then it was more friends with benefits between the two of them than a relationship.

Evan looked at him, seeing something more behind the warm brown eyes, “What else?”

Eddie sighed, “Let’s order and I’ll tell,” he told him.

Evan nodded and when the waiter came back, they both ordered the steak. “So?” he asked.

“She’s a little lonely. She’s been so focused on us, and on making sure I get it together after returning, keeping Christopher safe and then Janet. She never really had time for herself. I’m hoping that as soon as we’ve settled enough, she’ll finally do so,” he admitted, having talked a lot with Shannon after telling her about wanting to propose.

“Then, we’ll help her find someone,” he nodded, “I know she and Xiaoli did try for a bit when we were in El Paso, but in the end even they went with the friends with benefits for a bit. Said that they were too close in personality, I think.”

“More like Shannon would steamroll Xiaoli at times. The man knows what he wants just as much as Shannon knows what she wants,” Eddie laughed, smiling, “Yeah, they are similar,” he admitted, “But they are friends at least.”

“You have no idea what it was like when they were trying to date. Xiaoli would come to me about Shannon and so did Shannon do the same thing. It was a nightmare sometimes. I know more about each other’s sex life than I do my own,” he snorted.

Eddie laughed, shaking his head, “I feel for you, I do. Some of the chats I had with Shannon while I was overseas were of her frustrations over a few things, mainly the lack of sex at times. I was teased by the others in my unit when they accidentally overheard one of those. Shannon just yelled out that she was waiting for one of them to come and give it to her. I ended the call and left for a walk around. I did not want to hear the ribbing about that.”

Evan nodded, “She was never shy about telling you what she wants, what she needs and what she likes.”

“No, she isn’t,” he smiled, “She’s a damn good friend and mother.”

“Aria and Christopher love her, so yeah,” he agreed. The food came a little later. Eating they kept up the chatter about the house that they had put an offer on. They had been accepted. Things were beginning to sort things out and by mid-March, they should be able to move in. It was so close, yet so far away for them.

“So,” Eddie said as their plates were cleared away, they had ordered dessert, one to share, as neither had the biggest sweet tooth in the world.

“Life is really coming together,” Evan smiled happily, “Happy Valentine’s Day,” he said, sliding a small gift across to him. “I… didn’t really know what to get,” he admitted quietly.

Eddie took the small box, he opened it and inside was a pendant that looked much like a dog tag, but instead of his name and such embossed on it. There was an etching of Christopher and Aria. “It’s wonderful,” he smiled as he looked at the happy face of his son as he held Aria in his arms. The detail was exquisite. “I… I have something for you as well,” he said as he pulled out the box and got out of his chair, dropping to one knee he asked, “Evan Buckley, you have been my life and my family for so long. I don’t ever want to take the chance that we’ll be parted again. So, will you marry me and make me the happiest man on Earth?”

Evan’s eyes went wide, his hands covering his mouth as he tried to find his words, “Are… you… I…” he said as he glanced around nervously. He could see people watching. He closed his eyes as he nodded, “I love you so much Eddie, I would love nothing more,” he gasped out finally as he looked at the man he had fallen for at the age of nineteen.

Eddie took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto Evan’s finger, sighing in relief that it still fit, it was a little snug, but not worryingly so. “I love you, Evan,” he murmured as he stood, pulling Evan with him and kissing him.

“Love you too,” Evan said, tears now falling down his face, “I can’t believe you did this.”

“I wanted to do this three years ago,” Eddie confessed, “I was making plans to try and take you away just before Christopher’s birthday. Spend some time just for us. As we… we never really got that chance. But well…” he trailed off. They both knew what happened next.

“I love you, Eddie, it doesn’t matter about the what if’s from back then. We have now, we are back together and the future is laid out for us,” Evan said, kissing him one last time before the waiter holding their dessert coughed politely, “Sorry,” he said, a little embarrassed.

“It’s absolutely fine, and congratulations to the both of you,” he said with a smile as he put down their dessert and walked away.

The two sat back down, surprised when a bottle of Champagne was brought to their table. They laughed as they fed each other small bites of their desert. Enjoyed the little time they had together before they headed home.

XxXxX

“I can’t believe you’re engaged,” Chimney said as he looked at Evan. The young man had come in on cloud nine, and no single call had been able to dampen it. Though thankfully, they hadn’t had any bad ones.

“Well,” Evan said.

“It’s about damn time,” Xiaoli called out from where he was working with Bobby in the kitchen, hoping to get lunch done before they got a call out.

“Yeah,” Evan said, “he told me that he wanted to do this years ago. Part of me feels like we wasted so much time, but another part… well it doesn’t really care, we got there, we’re together, we’re going to get married, the sooner the better.”

“No eloping,” Bobby called out, turning to look at him, “I think we would all like to see you marry,” he added.

“What Bobby said,” Xiaoli agreed, laughing, “I for one, have waited for this day for a long damn time as well. I had hoped it would happen. As soon as the laws began to change, I knew that one day you and Eddie would be getting married. Didn’t know where in the US it would happen, but it would,” he smiled at his best friend.

Evan smiled brightly, “Fine, no eloping, but how quickly do you think we could pull a wedding together?” he asked. A challenge had been laid down, and would those around them be able to pull it off.

“Well, we need to talk with Eddie, and then meet those that he wants to help him plan this,” Hen said as he grabbed some paper and began to make a list, “Being the only one here who is married at the moment, well,” she smirked, “I know how some of the paperwork goes.”

“Thanks, Hen,” Evan smiled over at her, he went over and sat down. The two of them worked on a list of things that they would need, and Evan sent off a couple of messages to Eddie.

“No doubt Isabel and Shannon will want to help plan. Then add in Eddie’s sisters, they are going to want in on it as well. You may end up with the whole wedding party wanting to help with the planning,” Xiaoli laughed as he thought about those around the happy couple.

“May I ask about parents?” Hen said slowly.

“Eddies are going to be a No, with a capital N,” Evan snorted, “Like we would ever want them near us after all the shit that they’ve put us through. My own family, well I haven’t spoken to them since I was nineteen. I did send them my new number after my old one was gone. But I’ve heard nothing from them, so I don’t want them around. The only one in my family might be my sister. But I don’t even know if she’ll answer me this time. She hasn’t yet,” he sighed, he would love nothing more than to have Maddie with him, to see him get married. But he had done a number of things without her now, so he wasn’t counting on it.

“Okay,” Hen said, “Get Eddie to make a list of those he would like there, we’re coming obviously,” she said, giving Evan a look.

“Of course, I would never deny you the chance to attend my wedding,” Evan laughed. He had been working at the 118 since before Christmas, but not much before. He had sent his first postcard as a firefighter at Christmas. In front of the bright red engine, Xiaoli had been the one to take the picture.

Hen nodded, “Good.” They went back to planning and talking about things, grabbing Eddie on the phone in the end so he could add his own input to what they were doing, at least they did until the alarm rang and they headed out.

Chapter Fifty

Eddie walked into the living room of Shannon’s home. “Right, the contractors said that they could make a start in three days. It will take them a week to complete everything that we want done,” he smiled as he looked over at Evan as he sorted out dinner for Christopher, dishing it out in front of the happy six-year-old. Aria in her carrier on his back once more. She was beginning to teethe and being near either Eddie or Evan seemed to be the only way she would stop crying.

“That’s good,” Evan smiled as he looked up, “Eat up, Chris, and yes veggies too,” he said before the six-year-old could protest.

“Papa,” Christopher mumbled, “I don’t like them.”

“But how are you going to grow big and strong like me and Daddy?” Evan asked him, “We always eat our vegetables.”

Eddie wanted to pull a face, he wasn’t that keen on them, but he did eat them. He had to set a good example for his son after all. “We do, mijo, so eat them up,” he said, ruffling the kids’ hair a little as he then kissed Evan on the cheek.

Christopher giggled at the two of them, “Okay Dad, Papa, I’ll eat them, but if I don’t grow as tall as you, you owe me,” he nodded to himself as he started his dinner.

Evan and Eddie shared a look and smile over Christopher’s head. “So, how long do you think it will be before we can move in together?” Evan asked. He had a day off, tomorrow was going to be a full twenty-four hours shift and one that he was and wasn’t looking forward to.

“Around a month,” he answered him, sitting at the table as Evan put the last of the dinner on the table. Evan was quick to pull Aria out of her carrier and set her in his arms, “Hey beautiful,” he murmured as he looked down at the baby. She gave a few grizzles before settling down into sleep.

Evan came back with the bouncer and set it at his feet before taking the baby girl from him and settling her in it. “Right,” he said, looking between the two, “moving in together. That… that will be great. I wish I could stay here all the time,” he murmured.

“Me too,” Eddie agreed.

“Me three!” Christopher yelled out, almost sending his peas flying across the table. “And Aria says, me four,” he giggled.

“Careful Chris,” Eddie warned gently, motioning to the few peas that had fallen from Christopher’s plate.

Christopher looked at them, then at Eddie, “Sorry Daddy, but they didn’t want to be eaten so they escaped,” he grinned and went back to eating his dinner.

Eddie snorted as Evan tried to hide a laugh. “I have a shift tomorrow,” Evan said slowly, “So I won’t be back until the next morning.”

“You said that this shift was going to be different?” Eddie asked him.

“Hen and Chim warned me that the ‘Full Moon’ shifts are a little odd. This will be the first time I’ve been scheduled on shift during a full moon night,” he gave a little shrug, “So, we’ll have to see if anything really is different,” he grinned.

Eddie snorted as he began to eat, “Really, I just think it’s stupid.”

“Maybe, we’ll have to see,” Evan repeated as talk turned to what Christopher had done in school that day.

XxXxX

Evan let himself into Shannon’s home. He had slept a little at his own home, missing Aria when he had gotten there. She had stayed the night with Eddie and Shannon. Eddie wasn’t working that day, but he would be the next two. He only had four days that he worked at the moment. “Afternoon!” Evan called out as he looked around, he could hear Aria crying and wondered how long she had been. Teething wasn’t a fun time for anyone. Even Christopher had cried in sympathy when she had first started teething a few days ago. The six-year-old hadn’t liked the fact that his baby sister was in pain and he couldn’t do anything to help her.

“Hey,” Eddie said as he was pacing the living room, “She’s not happy at all today,” he told him. Aria was against his shoulder, her back being rubbed as he tried to calm the baby girl down. “She won’t take her teether or anything. The cream isn’t even working,” he mumbled, giving a yawn.

“How long has she been like this for?” he asked as he went over and took the baby from his fiancé.

“Most of the morning and afternoon. Last night she slept well. She has a slight fever but gave her something for that. Talked to her pediatrician as well, and he said if the fever gets worse to bring her in. But she’s teething so it might happen,” Eddie sighed as he went and flopped into a chair.

“Wow,” Evan said as he rocked her in his arms, heading to the kitchen, he knew he put one of her teething rings in the freezer yesterday when he was there. Grinning, he pulled it out and let the baby girl chomp on it. Her cries died down slowly as the pain in her gums started to fade a little.

“Damn, forgot about those,” Eddie sighed as he saw what Evan had given her.

“There’s a second one in the freezer, they don’t freeze fully, but they are really cold, and it helps,” he shrugged, “I used to put a wet cloth in the freezer for a bit for Chris, worked wonders,” he grinned, he went and sat down on the couch, “So, shift, last night. Full Moon. Never want to be on one again. But it’ll happen,” he sighed, he still felt tired just thinking about it.

“Oh?” Eddie said, one eyebrow raised, “What the hell happened?”

“Well,” Evan began, “Three ladies giving birth at a Pregnant Yoga class, one just delivered her own, it was her fourth,” he exclaimed as he told him about a few more of the calls before he ended up saying, “And tapeworms, Bobby was so grossed out,” he cackled, “I pulled it out of this guys ass. Almost seven feet long. I thought Bobby was going to throw up at one point.”

Eddie looked a little green at that, “I’ve seen some things, but that… that is disgusting, so glad we’re not eating dinner. And no, you will not tell Christopher about that one.”

“He’d find it funny,” Evan grinned.

“I know he would, but no,” Eddie glared at him, leaving Evan laughing. “That kid is already almost too much like you. Loves finding things out, and researching things that fascinate him. You mention that he’ll be wanting books about tapeworms and getting me and Shannon searching for videos on YouTube about tapeworms. It’s not going to happen.”

Laughing, Evan nodded, “Fine, I won’t mention it… for now.”

“Never, ever mention it again, ugh makes me feel sick,” he pulled a face.

Evan just carried on laughing, shaking his head, “Well my little petal, your daddy is a little squeamish,” he said and kissed her forehead. She was calm now, happily chomping on the teething ring.

“So, it was a hectic shift,” Eddie said, giving him a look, “You’re on the couch.”

Evan just retorted by sticking his tongue out. Eddie would never let him sleep on the couch, he liked to cuddle at night too much and Evan knew it. “Shannon working?” he asked.

Eddie nodded, “Yeah, she has a client she needed to see today, so she’s doing the wine and dine things with them. Won’t be back until later on. She hates that part of her job. This one is big though, if she can get their accounts on her list, she’ll end up making three times what she is now. That’s how large the account is,” he shook his head, “I don’t understand how she gets paid for all this,” he muttered.

“If she’s happy using math all day, let her,” Evan snorted.

“Math just isn’t my strong point,” he sighed, “Christopher is going to start getting the type of homework that I will be useless at soon enough,” he complained.

“It’ll be fine, he has Shannon for math, me for Science and you for literature,” he grinned.

Eddie glared at him, “So I like books,” he muttered, he had come to love having a book or several dozen on kindle when he was in the army. Between patrols, excursions and such, he had a little downtime for himself and something to read, something to do had become a lifeline out of the boredom.

“I’m surprised that you don’t have more,” he said, glancing around, he could see a small bookcase to one side, already full. But he had expected a lot more.

“I have most of mine on Kindle now,” Eddie sighed, “having the books is great, but having a kid that likes to add pictures to them wasn’t. Yes, Chris has now grown out of that, but we also have Aria who will head to that stage soon enough,” he laughed as he saw the look of remembrance on Evan’s face. “I take it that Chris was doing that before you had to go?”

Evan was quiet for a moment before nodding, “Yeah, all over my course work, the morning I had to hand it in. I handed it in as it was, with the colorful additions,” he snorted, “Lecturer said it was a new excuse for the state of the course work he had been given.”

“I bet, usually the dog eats it,” he smirked.

“Yeah,” Evan laughed. Easy talk filled the house until they left to get Christopher from school.

Eddie was driving them home. Christopher was chatting about his day at school when Evan’s phone began to ring. “Hello?” he answered. “Oh, hey Abby.” he smiled as he heard the woman’s voice. “Really? Well… okay. How about we come and say hello for a bit?” he suggested, getting a curious look from Eddie as he pulled up to a red light. “No, really it’s fine, you’ll get to meet Christopher and Aria as well. You’ve not met them yet,” he finished, “see you soon.”

“What was that all about?” he asked.

“Abby had a really hard day at work, she just needs some company for a bit. Do you mind us going there?” he asked, biting his lip as he looked at Eddie.

Eddie smiled, “It’s fine. Hey, Chris, we’re going to be meeting one of our friends. Her name is Abby and her mom is very sick at the moment.”

“Like Grandma Janet?” Christopher asked sadly.

“Somewhat yes. She has trouble remembering things at the moment,” Evan explained to him as Eddie began to head towards Abby’s apartment. Arriving almost fifteen minutes later they went up. Aria being carried by Evan and Eddie giving Christopher a piggyback, since there were a lot of stairs at Abby’s apartment building and it had no elevator.

“Hey,” Abby said as she answered the door, smiling slightly at the sight of the family, “Come on in, I got pizza in,” she smiled.

“Wicked!” Christopher called out joyfully as he was set on his feet.

“Here,” Evan said as he put baby Aria into Abby’s arms.

Abby looked down at her, a soft smile appearing on her face, “She is beautiful, and he’s lively,” she said as she walked back into the apartment, Christopher a little ahead of them. Eddie helped him get some pizza and let him sit at the table. Though the little boy ended up sitting with Patricia and talking to her. Giggling with some of the stories the old woman was telling him.

“Thank you,” Abby said gratefully, “I just… didn’t really want to be alone. I know-”

“Technically you’re not, but she can’t really understand everything properly at the moment,” Evan said, nodding.

“Yeah,” she smiled and then looked at Eddie, “Christopher is a delight,” she said, watching the six-year-old with her mother.

Eddie nodded as the three adults talked, listening in on some of the stories that Patricia was telling. Abby even hearing a few of them for the first time. The little family stayed for a while. Abby enjoyed holding Aria for a while before they went. Christopher said goodbye with his usual big hugs before they all left. Abby thanked them a second time as she saw them off.

Chapter Fifty One

Chimney was walking around, clipboard in hand as he lined up the firefighters and one by one they gave a pint of blood. “You are all doing so well, we’re so close to making target!” he called out.

“Someone is in a happy mood,” Xiaoli snorted as he stood up, he had just given a pint of blood himself. Buck was next on the chair.

“Well,” Evan said with a smile, “It’s all good. It’s all needed as well,” he pointed out.

“Wonder what sparked him wanting to do this though,” he wondered, giving a shrug.

“I want to do this, as I know that a certain little boy someone was hiding,” Chimney smiled, “needed some blood for his next operation,” he added.

Evan smiled and nodded, “Yeah,” he admitted, “Christopher’s due another operation in a month’s time. The last one he should need for a good while,” he hoped. It would be the six-year-old’s fourth surgery. It had come as a surprise to them when Carla had noticed he was having some trouble and pain that he shouldn’t. Some of his muscles were beginning to tighten up more than they should have been doing. It had been decided to do the operation sooner rather than waiting a couple more years, which would have happened had money been a problem.

“Well, good cause then,” Hen said as she walked past, “I hate giving blood, but it’s always needed, and not enough people do this,” she smiled.

“No, they don’t, we should make it a yearly thing,” Evan suggested, looking around and getting a number of nods from people.

“Where do you want us?” came a familiar voice.

“Eddie!” Evan yelled out, a large smile on his face as his fiancé walked into the station. Abby was with him as well as a few others. Carla and a tall black man standing beside her, from the way that the two were walking hand in hand, it must be her husband Howard.

“I heard you were doing the blood drive,” Eddie said as he walked over, nodding to the technician that was dealing with Evan. He kissed his fiancé on the cheek.

“Some of those at Dispatch are coming as well. And we also contacted the LAPD,” Abby smiled, “We’re going to be getting as many people to come and help as possible,” she added.

“That’s great!” Chimney grinned, “We’re going to be way above target.” He was happily adding more names to his list and taking details and handing out forms for everyone to fill in.

“Well, Evan,” Carla said as she approached him, “I’d like you to meet my Howie,” she said, a soft smile on her face as she looked at her husband.

“It’s nice to meet the other man that she cares about so much. I’ve met Abby as well,” Howard said, a smile on his face, his voice was so gentle and calming.

“It’s great to finally meet you,” Evan said, holding out a hand.

Howard shook it firmly, “You as well,” he smiled.

“Come on Cap,” Chimney said with a slightly teasing tone in his voice, “Come and donate, you’re the only one in the station that hasn’t,” he added, hoping that would be an incentive to do so.

“Chim, really I-” Bobby began, “I… I’m afraid of needles.”

“Many people are Cap,” Evan said as he walked over, “But it’s all for a good cause, you have no idea how many people we can help doing this,” he added.

Bobby looked at those gathered and sighed, “Fine,” he said, feeling nervous as he joined those giving blood. “I am doing this under protest,” he added, the others snorting slightly. But Evan nodded at the man, giving him a thumbs up.

“Aria cuddles later as a reward?” Evan bribed him, smirking.

Bobby paused and then nodded, “Fine, that’s worth it,” he agreed, looking at Evan.

Eddie laughed as he overheard and nodded in agreement, “It is.”

Bobby, Evan and Xiaoli were in the loft sometime later, beginning dinner as a few of those that had donated remained behind. Eddie being one of them, as Shannon had Aria and was picking up Christopher to bring them to the station. She would be the last to give blood. Bobby was able to get in his Aria and Christopher cuddles in as soon as they arrived. After a little while, Shannon and Eddie took the children home after they had eaten.

XxXxX

The next shift Bobby was a bit pale, seeing that worried Evan as he began to help the captain as he made breakfast for the crew. “You okay?” he asked quietly, as C-Shift was swapping out with A-Shift. Evan and Bobby tended to be early. Xiaoli turned up not long after Evan did, he liked to have a small run before heading in.

“Yeah, I… got called in by the hospital yesterday, about the blood. They found out it was a rare type. One… one that can help a lot of babies,” he said hesitantly. “I… talked with Chim and he showed me those that my blood was and could help,” he said, a little sigh on his lips.

“That’s a good thing, Bobby,” he said, looking at him, “But that’s not all is it?” he asked.

Bobby shook his head, “No,” he said, “I… I took your advice, therapy. I had a wife, and kids once. Two beautiful children, Robert Junior and Brooke, they were the light of my life. I love them so much. Marcy, my wife. We had been having trouble. My fault, and I rented another place below where we lived. One night I left a heater on. Leaving the apartment, Marcy and I argued and I ended up on the roof, drunk out of my mind,” he sighed heavily. “The heater caused a fire. 148 people died in it. Marcy, Brooke and Robert Jr were three of those that died. I lost my family that night and it still hurts now. I’m… trying to balance the books as it were. To save more than I killed,” he murmured at the end, not wanting to look at Evan.

Evan was silent for a few minutes, “I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Thinking I lost Eddie and Chris, that I was never going to see them again almost destroyed me. If I’m honest, I wanted to… I wanted to die Bobby. Because what I have now, I didn’t think I would have. That it was going to be too late. That Eddie would have moved on, that Chris would have forgotten all about me. To not have them with me… You’re stronger than me Bobby.”

“It’s not about strength, Buck,” Bobby told him, looking at him, “I need to balance it. It was my fault the fire started. I should have done so many things differently. But I didn’t, and now I’m here without them. But… therapy is helping, letting me see that… I can’t always live in the past.”

Evan smiled, “Yeah,” he nodded, “Mine said the same thing. I still go every now and then. Es… Especially with what happened with Wells,” he said quietly, “And I’ve got a feeling you haven’t told me everything that happened with that fire.”

Bobby sighed, “There were some code violations,” he began, getting a look, “Okay, there were a high number of them. The sprinklers weren’t connected, and neither were the alarms. Nothing was. Fire doors were sealed and the fire escapes were barricaded in places. I should have reported them, I really should. But I knew as soon as I did we would all be out, and living there was the only place we could find at that moment. We were saving up as much as we could to buy ourselves a home, or to even move to somewhere a lot better.”

“It… wasn’t your fault Bobby, if things had been working as they should, then the fire should have been contained quickly. We know that in an updated building, apartment buildings have sprinklers for reasons such as that. It would have dealt with the fire before it became much of a problem, or at the very least kept it under control enough for the fire department to get there,” Evan told him. He looked up, catching the man’s eyes. “It wasn’t your fault,” he repeated.

Bobby nodded, eyes looking a little shiner as he blinked to try and keep the tears away. “I… I don’t know, kid,” he told him.

Evan nodded, “I do know. You’re a good man Bobby. You’re a fantastic Firefighter and Captain, a little rough, but we all are in a way.”

“Oh,” Chimney said as he and Hen bound up the stairs, Xiaoli following at a slower pace, “breakfast today,” he grinned as he walked over, sitting at the table.

“Need any help?” Xiaoli asked as he approached.

“Just start setting out, cooking should be done soon,” Bobby answered him, grateful for the change in subject and the presence of the others.

Evan gave a small sigh and shake of his head as he finished and started to plate everything, ready to take it to the table as A-Shift all shuffled into the loft.

XxXxX

Eddie looked at the schedule he was given. A smile broke out on his face and he laughed. It felt right, he was moving forward finally. Since the moment he had been shot he had felt like his life was on pause, that the world was carrying on around him, but he wasn’t moving, that his own feelings were stuttering to a halt in his mind. His only comfort going home was Christopher, his bright spark and joy lifting Eddie each time he was around him. He could pull it together for him and he did. But Shannon, she could see he was falling. She could have let him, but she didn’t. Shannon had been a rock, pushing and pulling him. Sending him to therapy was the best decision she had made for him. His mind was clearer now than it had been in a long time, maybe even in forever.

“What are you laughing about?” Shannon asked as she entered her home office. She had let Eddie use it while he was looking up something online.

Eddie turned, smiling at her, “I finally feel like my life is starting to move along again,” he told her, “Really and truly going in the right direction. I’m no longer in a war zone, afraid that the next time I go to sleep that I won’t be waking up. That the world around me will end in an explosion,” he said truthfully.

“Good to hear,” she smiled, “Glad to see a proper smile on your face. Before we found Evan, you… you were lost.”

“I know, and I was,” he told her, getting up, the paper he had printed in his hand, “I was accepted into the Fire Academy, I start soon, and here is my schedule for the next, around six months as I learn,” he told her, waving it at her.

Shannon took it and glanced over it, “Damn, sounds full. So we’ll be needing to find someone to watch Christopher and Aria more,” she nodded as she made a note to talk to Carla as soon as she arrived with Christopher later on.

“I can’t wait, I know we won’t be at the same firehouse, but this… this feels right,” Eddie breathed, a flood of relief coursing through him at the thought of what he could be doing in a little over six months.

“I’m happy for you,” she smiled, hugging him tightly, “You deserve this.”

“Yeah, we all deserve to be happy after all the shit that we’ve had to put up with, and we’re going to be,” he felt the truth in his words. He let her go and laughed.

“Right, I need the office for a bit, just got to send a bit of paperwork through to the office and then I’m free for the day,” she said, “Want to see about celebrating when Evan gets off tomorrow?” she asked him, heading over to her desk and sitting down.

“Yeah, a meal out, all of us,” Eddie agreed, smiling as he watched her, “Go and do your wor-” he stopped as he heard Aria start to cry.

“Sounds like the little princess is awake,” she laughed, “Go and see to our daughter,” she told him.

Eddie nodded and hurried from the room, going to his bedroom, “Hey my sweet princess,” he murmured, picking her up. She was quick to quiet as soon as she was in his arms, “Just wanted to be held,” he shook his head, “Well, looks like Daddy is going to be joining your papa as a firefighter.” He walked out of the bedroom, to start up a bottle, glancing at his watch, he had three hours before Christopher would arrive home with Carla.

Chapter Fifty Two

Evan grinned as he carried Aria into the Diaz home. Even though really it was the McKinley home, since it belonged to Shannon. The young woman was standing in the middle of the living room. Hands on her hips as she stared down at Eddie and Christopher, both of them looking rather sheepish.

“You really just had to mess up the yard like that. I know it’s hot, but there is no reason for the two of you to decide that you want to turn the place into a mud pit,” she glared at the two of them.

“But mommy,” Christopher said, eyes going large as he pouted up at her, “It was nice and cool, I wanted to make some mud pies for you, so that you didn’t have to cook tonight,” he added.

Shannon stared at him, and then glared at Eddie when he tried to hide a laugh behind a cough, “Nope, not believing that for a second Christopher Irvine Diaz,” she stared at her six-year-old son, “That is not going to work, try again.”

Eddie coughed again, “Sorry Shannon, I didn’t realize that much water was soaking into the yard,” he apologized.

Shannon turned to him, “So, what the hell were you doing in there?” she asked, “To need that much water?”

“Well, I was thinking about filling the little pool thing we have, let us sit in it a little, I put the water on and then got a little distracted,” he said, wincing.

“Nope, that’s not fully right either,” she said.

Evan stood behind the couch as he watched the interrogation going on. He was keeping quiet as Shannon found out what had gone on in her yard.

“So, you put the sprinklers on for a bit, had fun, forgot to turn them off, and then came back to a mud pit, instead of turning the sprinklers off, you both messed around,” Shannon sighed, shaking her head at the two of them, “I don’t know who the damn kid is with the pair of you.”

“They’re making up for lost time?” Evan finally said from behind, causing the two on the couch to jump.

“Evan,” Shannon smiled, “I hope you’re ready to deal with those two,” she said looking up at him and nodding a greeting.

“Of course, how about I take them to the zoo?” he suggested, “Would that be far enough away?”

“Only if you leave them in the lion’s den,” she huffed.

“Oh, I can be Simba!” Christopher yelled, clapping his hands.

Eddie shook his head, “Yes, zoo, but erm, let’s clean up a little first,” he said, both of them still had some mud on them. It wasn’t even midday yet.

“Okay,” Christopher sighed as he held out his arms for his dad. It wasn’t often he wanted to be carried, and when he saw the look on his dad’s face, “The sooner we get cleaned the sooner we go to the zoo and I can be Simba,” he explained, as though it was the simplest thing in the world.

Eddie snorted, “Okay,” he said, picking up his son as the two went to get ready for their day out.

“It’s going to take days to get that garden sorted, new grass needs to be put down and everything,” Shannon complained, staring out of the double doors that led out to the backyard.

“Don’t sound too unhappy, I know you’ve been wanting to get the garden redo, now’s the perfect excuse to get Eddie to do it, since he is the one that messed it up,” Evan laughed as he passed her Aria.

Shannon took her and then nodded, “You have a damn good point, not only that, but since he messed it up as well, he’s going to be feeling a little guilty about it too. He won’t even think about saying no,” she grinned.

“No he won’t, and it will give him something else to do while he waits for training to begin as well,” Evan added, smiling as he sat down for a bit, Shannon joining him.

It didn’t take long for their boys to come back and Shannon handed Aria back as they headed out. Shannon remained behind as she was still trying to get the place ready to sell it after Eddie and Christopher moved into the new house with Evan and Aria.

XxXxX

Even carried Aria in his arms, she had been fussing badly in the stroller for the last few minutes. So she was now settled in his arms, looking around as best as she could. Christopher was riding on his dad’s shoulder, giggling as he held on. His face was painted as a lion. The six-year-old was happy as he occasionally gave a roar at some of the Zoo workers that they passed.

“Dad,” Christopher said as he bent over so his face was in Eddie’s, “down now please,” he said.

“Okay mijo,” Eddie said as he slowly and carefully knelt down and helped his son from his shoulder, “There you go,” he said standing up and handing over the crutches.

“Dad,” he then said as he looked at him, a large bright smile on his face, “Can we have some ice cream?” he pleaded.

Eddie sighed, but was still smiling as he looked at Evan. “You want one?” he asked him.

“Would love one, something nice and cool, we’ll go and stand over there, in the shade, take a rest as well,” he added, “This one will be wanting to have her own lunch soon enough.”

“There is a restaurant over there where we can warm her bottle up,” Eddie said, having already looked up the facilities for the Zoo.

“Great, sure we should have ice cream now and not after having something proper to eat?” he said, knowing that was going to be shot down by a certain child.

“No, Papa, please, ice cream,” Christopher pouted at him, “I promise to have something to eat and eat it all!”

Evan laughed, “Okay, Ice cream first then, but only this once,” he told him, giving him a look.

Christopher yelled out, “Yay!” wiggling around in joy.

Eddie and Evan shared a laugh at the cute sight and Eddie headed to the ice cream stand.

“Right, let’s get over there,” Evan said as he held Aria in one arm, and went to reach out to the stroller to push it towards the seating that was on the other side of the path.

“Papa!” Christopher yelled, wide-eyed as a woman stormed over to them and punched Evan hard enough in the face to send him falling to the floor.

Evan did what he could to protect Aria as he stumbled to the ground, “Aria,” he murmured, he could hear Christopher screaming.

Eddie turned back around at the scream of his son, seeing Evan falling to the ground and a woman standing over them. “Evan!” he yelled out, rushing back, as a crowd started to gather, “Aria?” he asked as he saw how curled up his fiancé was when he reached them.

“Is she okay? I can’t,” Evan said, panic lacing his voice as he began to uncurl a little from the now screaming baby.

Eddie was careful as he took her, he could see some blood, but he knew that was from Evan. He checked her over, couldn’t see anything but wanted a paramedic to check just in case she had something he couldn’t see. “Can… Can someone call 9-1-1?” he turned to ask the crowd.

“I’ve already done so,” one of the park workers said, “The woman that attacked him has also been detained by our security until the police can arrive as well.”

Eddie nodded, not really caring about that. He put Aria in her stroller, Christopher crying as he stood next to it, “It’s okay Mijo,” he said, kissing his son’s head, “Look after you sister,” he told him.

Christopher nodded, “‘kay,” he wiped away his tears, though they kept on falling.

Eddie went to check on Evan again. The man had a couple of cuts on his arm, but nothing more than that, “You okay?” he asked worriedly.

“Aria?” Evan asked, glancing around for her, seeing her in the stroller, still crying, he made his way over. Putting weight on one arm and hissing as it hurt.

Eddie caught him before his arm could buckle under him, “Easy,” he said, worried. He looked at the arm, “Did you use your arm to try and stop the fall?” he asked.

“Ye… yeah,” he said, “I tried to stop Aria from getting hurt, she’s not is she?”

“No, she’s okay, but an ambulance is on the way to make sure,” he reassured him as he helped him move closer to the stroller.

Eddie looked up a while later as he heard a commotion coming towards them. He had remained by Evan’s side, as Evan himself checked Aria over, and tried to reassure a still crying Christopher that he was okay.

“What do we have?” the paramedic asked.

“Aria, is a three-month-old baby girl, she was in her papa’s arms when he fell to the ground,” Eddie answered her, “She appears okay from what I see, but I would like her checked.”

“And the man?” the second paramedic asked as the first one went to check on the baby.

“I was… punched, unexpected, hurt,” Evan said, a little startled still from the hard hit to his face, “I wasn’t prepared for it so I stumbled, off balance and fell. Landed wrong,” he explained.

“Cuts and something wrong with his arm, think it might be a sprained wrist,” Eddie told the paramedic.

The paramedic nodded and began to check on Evan as well. Eddie moved to the side and gathered Christopher in his arms, lifting him up and holding him, soothing him as best as he could as he waited for the verdict.

“She’s just fine, a little scared,” the paramedic gave Eddie a warm smile.

“Thank you,” Eddie sighed in relief, as he went over to the stroller and knelt down, “Hey, princess,” he murmured, patting her lightly. He still had Christopher in his arms.

“Sprained wrist,” the second one said, “But I would feel better if he could have an X-ray to make sure,” he added, looking at Evan and then over at Eddie.

“I’ll take him there today, I think we’re done here,” he added, getting a nod from Christopher, all the joy they had felt in having a day out, now gone.

The police officer that had been talking to the woman, brought her back over, “Sir,” he said, “This woman is claiming that Mr Buckley was messaging her and then suddenly stopped after several weeks and she had sent some rather intimate pictures to him.”

“He hasn’t done anything like that. Evan is my fiance, he would never do that,” Eddie defended him.

“Yes he did, the man’s a fucking-”

“Language around our children,” Edie snapped, eyes flashing as he looked at the woman before him, “You punched my fiance while he was holding our baby daughter. You could have hurt her!” he hissed at her.

“I’ve never messaged anyone, I’m Bi, but I’ve been with Eddie for six years, I’m not going to risk my relationship with him for anything or anyone,” Evan said as he was helped to his feet, already a bruise was beginning to form around his left eye. “I have no idea who the hell you are, ma’am, or how you even know my name. But I’m not on any of the dating apps at all.”

“You talked to me over Myspace,” she said.

“My… Myspace,” Evan said, “what’s that?” he asked, puzzled.

“It’s an old blog thing that was popular some years ago,” Eddie said, he only knew thanks to Sophia loving it at one point.

“I want to press charges on her,” Evan said after a few moments of listening to the woman rant and yell at him, “She punched me, she walked up to me and punched me, not caring that I had my three-month-old daughter in my arms and she could have been seriously hurt from a fall from my arms, had I not protected her,” he added, looking at the officer.

The woman protested, even more, when she was arrested, someone finally walked up and talked to her, trying to get the officers to let her go.

“You should have stopped her from attacking someone if you didn’t want her arrested,” Eddie said, “We’ll give our statements, and no doubt there are plenty of witnesses around here and the CCTV as well,” he added.

Statements were taken and it was a while before they were let go. Having to feed Aria before they were able to leave. Christopher was clinging to his parents as they left the zoo.

Chapter Fifty Three

Evan sat in the firehouse, the bruise over his eye was dark now. It had only been a day, but the others were all gathered around, trying to learn what had happened.

“So, going to tell us?” Chimney asked, sitting nearby, the others doing the same.

“Someone punched me, when we were at the Zoo yesterday,” he answered. The others were all shocked that someone would attack him.

“What?” Hen exclaimed, being the first to break the silence around them.

“Why would they do that?” Bobby asked, as Hen got up to have a closer look to make sure it was okay. “Is that why your wrist is bandaged?” he then asked, noting it peeking out of his sleeve.

Evan hid it away, “Yeah,” he sighed, “It’s a light sprain, when I landed I tried to stop myself, I had Aria in my arms at the time.”

“I hope you have the bastard charged,” Hen hissed, as she poked at it.

“Oww,” Evan frowned, moving away from her, “It does hurt, and no nothing is broken. Eddie took me to have it X-Rayed,” he told her before she could ask.

“Good,” she nodded.

“What about the man that-”

“It was a woman, she accused me of messaging her, flirting with her and getting pictures from her,” he frowned. Still unsure why she had said that.

Xiaoli snorted, “You, do that, I’ve never known you to even talk to a woman. I know you dated a few girls before you met Eddie, but after you met him, you were a one man’s man,” he said, shaking his head.

“She didn’t think so. We had the police over last night, they showed me a profile that the woman was getting messages from. It has my official picture on, and one captured from the interview I did after the… after the rollercoaster incident,” Evan said as he looked at them. “Normally, I wouldn’t think about pressing charges, she’s upset, I can understand that. But she didn’t even care that I had a baby in my arms that she could have hurt as well.”

“What do we need to know about this?” Bobby asked him, “If there’s one, there might be more, and if so, I don’t want them coming up and trying to attack you, or say something while you are working. We know what’s going on, as you’ve told some of it. But we need to know it all and I need to make the Chief aware as well.”

Evan slumped, “Looks like there were several more that were messages. The police are trying to get in touch with some of them. They are also tracing who the account belongs to, as I’ve been cleared of owning it. The lady is looking at a fine and warning, since she’s never been charged with anything before.”

“So, there are others out there?” Bobby nodded.

“Yes,” he answered, “At least seven were messaged over the last few weeks,” he told them, “There might be more, and they are trying to track them down as well,” he sighed.

“Right, I’ll warn the Chief about what is going on, so if someone gets in touch accusing you of things, they know that there is actually a police investigation into it, and that you’ve already been cleared of being behind it,” Bobby said, getting up and heading to his office. He was almost there when he turned and said, “And get to your chores, they need to be done,” he warned them, all with a look.

Everyone stood up, everyone grumbling. Chores had been handed out at the beginning of the day, they all had to be done before they clocked out at the end of the shift.

“Buck, I won’t have you man behind for the most part. But any heavy lifting, you won’t be able to; so kid rescues from the claw machines will be your job,” he grinned at the man.

Evan snorted, “Fine Cap,” he nodded, he knew he wouldn’t be good on the heavy lifting, he was going to tell Bobby that before they headed out on any call. They started to separate, Evan being handed a clipboard and a look as they began to check through the inventory on the trucks. He was almost done when someone walked into the bay and headed over to him, slapping him.

“God damn it!” Buck yelled out as it landed right on the bruise he already had, “Who the fuck are you?!” he asked, angry now that this was the second time. He had only stumbled a little bit with this hit thankfully.

“Buck!” Hen and Chimney called out as they had seen the woman hit him, “Lady,” Hen said, “You’re going to be explaining that hit to the police,” she told her bluntly.

“Why would I need to do something like that? That cheating bastard, he fucking messaged me over and over and we were talking so much. I even sent him some pictures of me and he just started ignoring me,” she said, about to go in for a second hit.

Hen grabbed her wrist and pulled her away, “Sorry, not going to let you hit someone who’s innocent.”

“Him, innocent, he’s a bastard, that’s what he is,” she ranted, looking angry and hurt.

Chimney went over to Evan and checked him over, “You’re okay, but I bet that doesn’t mean much,” he said with a wince.

“Not really, Chim,” he sighed.

“Put some ice on it,” he advised.

“I’ve called dispatch, they are sending an officer for her,” Bobby said as he walked down the stairs.

“Officer?” the woman said, stopping her struggle with Hen as she had been trying to get to Evan again. “Why?”

“Why?” Hen snorted, “Oh hon, you just attacked a first responder.”

“Let me guess,” Evan snapped, “Someone contacted you on myspace, messaging you and then stopped talking to you.”

“Yeah, see, how would he know that, if he didn’t do it?!” she yelled out, pointing at Evan.

“Because the cops are involved, they found out some of what is going on and have been keeping me informed about those that they are trying to get in touch with,” he answered, shaking his head.

They looked up as someone else walked in, “Sergeant Grant,” Bobby greeted the woman as she walked in.

“Captain Nash, I hear we have someone from the catfishing case,” she said as she glanced around, spying on the woman that was not looking happy at being semi restrained by Hen.

“Yeah,” Chimney said, gesturing to the woman, “Came in and slapped Buck here,” he told her.

“Hmm,” she nodded, walking over, “I know for a fact that those that were found were being contacted. Have you been having calls?” she asked the woman.

“Yeah, said they were the cops,” she snorted.

“They were,” Athena said as she looked at the woman, “You’re going to have to come down to the station with me,” she glanced over at Evan, “What do you want to do? Want to charge her like the other one?” she asked.

Evan looked at the woman, “Yes, I know they only ever get a damn fine and warning.”

“Okay,” Athena said as she arrested her under caution.

Evan watched as they left, with Athena telling him that she will be back for statements from them all about this latest one.

“You okay?” Bobby asked as he placed a hand on Evan’s shoulder.

“I don’t even know,” he sighed, “This is the second one? Am I going to have to take a damn billboard out to make sure that no one else does this?” There was anger bubbling beneath the surface. “I need… I need to let loose a bit,” he said as he walked away and headed to the gym area to let out some of his frustrations.

“I can understand why he’s pissed,” Chimney said, “I know I wouldn’t mind a relationship at times. But to have people walk up to you and just attack you like that,” he shook his head.

“Let’s make sure no one else comes close,” Bobby said, “Anyone coming into the firehouse will be asked questions straight away, do not let them in fully,” he added as he glanced around, he could see some of the others looking on and nodding. “Good, get back to your chores, Hen, Chim, keep an eye on Buck for now. We don’t need him hurting his wrist any more than it is.”

XxXxX

Evan flopped onto the couch after the last call out, “I am pissed,” he growled.

“I can understand that,” Hen said, trying her best not to laugh, why some of it was funny, the first two times weren’t. “Here,” she said as she handed over the ice pack.

Evan sat up and took it, “Thanks,” he murmured as he gingerly pressed it against his face, wincing for a moment as the ice got to work in numbing the area a little. “Three times in less than two days,” he muttered.

“At least this time it wasn’t a woman who decided you are the worst thing to exist,” Chimney said as he walked over and sat down on a chair, “You sure you don’t want to get checked out at the hospital. Three hits to the head isn’t something normal. I would rather you do,” he added.

“Same here,” Hen told him, “You did get hit in the face with a bowling ball,” she reminded him.

“And it hit mostly my helmet, so I’m good,” Evan sighed.

“That’s okay, I just called Eddie, he’s going to keep an eye on him tonight to make sure that he’s going to be fine,” Xiaoli said as he walked behind them, leaning over the back of the couch.

“Really, did you have to?” Evan sighed, glaring at him as best as he could with one eye covered “He’s going to–”

“He’s going to make sure that you don’t end up in a coma,” Xiaoli stared at him, shaking his head as he then walked around the couch. “Look, you know as well as the rest of us how badly these things can go,” he reminded him.

“Agree with Xiaoli on this,” Bobby said as he walked over, having grabbed some paperwork to do in the common area, “And all of you, incident report,” he reminded them.

A collective groan went out, “Really Bobby, do we have to do it now?” Chimney complained.

Bobby smirked, “Yes. I want all the paperwork in before the end of shift. And don’t think I don’t know that you haven’t filed last shift’s paperwork. We all take turns doing it, and with this one, I want you all to file one on this.”

“Fine,” Evan sighed as he began to get up, grabbing the report paper he needed to fill in.

The others did the same. Soon enough they were called out before they could even finish.

XxXxX

Arriving at Shannon’s after shift, he smiled as he felt Eddie wrap his arms around him. “You have no idea how much I needed that,” Evan said as he turned around in Eddie’s arms and rested his head on his shoulder.

“Xiaoli told me what happened, about the woman and the bowling ball,” he told him, rubbing Evan’s back a few times before he leaned back and tried to look at the bruising, “I was told to keep an eye on you as well. He said that Hen and Chimney didn’t think you have a concussion, but better to be safe than sorry,” he added, now guiding the younger man over to the couch, avoiding a few of the boxes that he had around the living room. In less than two weeks and they would be moving, Eddie had made a start on packing a few things away.

Shannon stood in the doorway, smiling at the two of them, “I’ll make some hot chocolate.”

“Thanks,” Evan smiled at her, “Could do with one of yours, Bobby’s is nice, but yours is better.”

“Nice to know,” she laughed lightly before she headed to the kitchen.

Shannon was back soon enough, the three of them talking about the upcoming move as the children slept in their rooms. Two weeks and Eddie and Evan would be moving out with the children. A week after that, Shannon will be moving to a nice three-bedroomed house she had found. She didn’t want to remain in the home her mother had passed away in. It hurt her to be there.

Chapter Fifty Four

Chimney and Xiaoli were left behind as the truck was called out for a small rescue of a child stuck in another grab machine. Once more Evan was the one that was brought along, as he was the best at putting the children at ease. The two were downstairs, doing inventory and getting ready to restock the ambulance since it had remained behind this time.

“Where is that bastard!” came a female yell as something hit the side of the wall. There were several more thuds as Xiaoli and Chimney shared a look.

“Another one,” Xiaoli hissed, “I’m going to call for backup, I’d rather not have them still hanging around,” he said as he headed out, seeing the smaller brunette woman as she threw something else.

Chimney sighed and went to deal with it, he was the more senior of the two. “Ma’am,” Chimney said as he left the stock room and walked over.

“I want that bastard Evan Buckley, where is he?” she demanded, scowling as she held a larger rock in her hand.

“If you think you’re going to be throwing something like that at the young man, then I would think again. At the moment, two women have been arrested for assault. Would you like to be a third?” Chimney asked her, staring at the rock for a moment.

“So what, he deserves it,” she snapped, “Be worth it.”

“So you wouldn’t mind harming someone who is gay, engaged to a male and they have two kids together?” he asked her, “Oh, and for your information, the police are involved in this case at the moment, as the case was handed over to them. Evan Buckley hasn’t done anything. Someone has stolen his identity to catfish women,” he told her.

“Bullshit, you’re just trying to protect one of your fellow firefighters, you all close rank when something goes on,” she sneered at him.

“No, I’m not,” Chimney sighed, “His identity has been stolen. He’s happily engaged, and sickeningly in love with his fiancé. He doesn’t want a woman, and trust me, with the way he looks, he has plenty to choose from.”

“He’d never betray Eddie like that,” Xiaoli added as he walked down the stairs, “Police are on the way, they can talk to you,” he said to the woman.

“It just… it’s not possible. Why would someone want to do that to someone, why can’t you meet real people online,” she began, shaking her head, not wanting to believe him.

“There are so many that go online, lying about who they are. It’s unfortunately common,” Chimney told her, “Online, you can be anyone. Including an innocent firefighter.”

“Doesn’t matter, someone who knows about the case is coming to talk to you,” Xiaoli said, “And put the rock down, have that in your hand when they come and they might just arrest you.”

The woman just stared at the two men before she turned and tossed the rock outside of the station. “There it’s gone,” she rolled her eyes, “You’re supposed to be tough firefighters. Can’t handle a woman with a rock.”

“I don’t think you’d like the way we would deal with it,” Xiaoli snarked back, annoyed at the woman that wanted to harm his best friend.

The three stood, staring at each other for a while longer until someone called out, “I hear there is another idiot after our Buckaroo.”

“Sergeant Grant,” Xiaoli greeted the woman as she walked into the station, “We have another, yes,” he sighed, “This one had a lovely rock in her hand and has been throwing a few of them around. Which reminds me, Chim, we need to check if any damage was done. She’ll be picking up the bill.”

“What?!” she yelled, glaring at the man, “Why the hell would I pay for any damage? I came here to confront Evan about what he had done.”

“Well, that right there tells me you didn’t mean the real Buck,” Athena said as she walked over to her, “Because there is only a few people in this world that he allows to call him Evan and that would be his husband to be and best friend; everyone else has to call him Buck,” she added, “Now, I suggest that you come with me and we can talk all about how you should always make sure you hear what officers have to say to you before you jump to the conclusion that they are lying to you.”

“You all protect each other, so why the hell would I have believed you,” she snapped, arms crossing over her chest and glaring at the police Sergeant.

“Because, Miss Lindsey Warren,” Athena glared, “I know more about you than you think. You started messaging the profile when you saw the picture. It’s a nice one, one of Buck’s official pictures with the LAFD. Buck doesn’t really have an online presence.”

“No, he really doesn’t. I thought for sure that he would have something like Instagram and twitter,” Chimney snorted, “But nothing.”

“Why would he?” Xiaoli said, looking at Chimney, “The only thing he would be on there for is for Eddie and the kids, and maybe his sister in laws, but that would be about it.”

“True,” Chimney sighed.

“Now, with me, and Xiaoli, Chim, if there is any damage, send the information my way. I’ll be taking this one down to the station and giving her the low down on what we found. She is a victim as well as Buck,” she said to the two men.

“Okay,” Xiaoli nodded.

“Oh, and they found the man behind it, he’s dead,” she told him, “We’ve tracked all the others down and told them what has happened, Miss Warren here is the last of them.”

“That’s good, Evan will be happy about that,” Xiaoli sighed, “He’s been a little scared of taking the kids out again. In case the same thing happens and he’s attacked.”

“Don’t blame him,” Chimney snorted, “Could have harmed Aria, he was carrying his three-month-old daughter in his arms that first time.”

“I’ll see you gentlemen another time,” Athena nodded one last time at the both of them before going, “Come on Miss Warren, you have some listening to do.”

XxXxX

Evan was happy after Xiaoli had taken him aside after their return to the station. “So, it’s really over with?” he asked, needing to be sure.

Xiaoli smiled, “Yes, it’s over. Evan, it’s all fine,” he reassured him, hugging him, “Now, Bobby asked you to make lunch with him, and Chim and I still need to check out a few more things to make sure that nothing was damaged. We restocked the ambulance before we could do so.”

“Ambulance might have been needed,” Evan told him, stepping out of the hug and hurrying up to the loft to start lunch with Bobby. “Hey, Bobby,” he greeted the man as he went over.

“Buck,” he smiled, “I need some carrots chopped and some peppers, I’m preparing the meat,” he told him, gesturing to the chopping board and knife that were already set up for him.

“Eddie’s going to be at the new place tomorrow, making sure everything is all good there. So I have the kids, Xiaoli and I are taking them to the aquarium,” Evan said as he began to peel and prepare the vegetables to be chopped up.

“Sounds like you’re going to have a fun day out,” Bobby smiled over at him.

Evan looked up, “Want to join us?” he asked, a little smile on his face.

Bobby shook his head, “No, no I think I’ll leave that to you both. I don’t want to get in the way.”

“You won’t be in the way, Bobby,” Evan looked at him, an apprehensive look on his face as he said, “You know… you know you’ve been more of a dad to me than the one that I lived with until I was nineteen. He ignored me, never really wanted me as a son. I don’t even know why they had me,” he sighed, “I want you around, you’re family. Eddie… we’ve talked about the wedding, neither of us has parents that we’ll have there. I’d like you to give me away. I’ve already asked Xiaoli to be the best man. Eddie has Shannon in that role, though Christopher was very upset about that. So he’s going to be giving his dad away,” he grinned remembering the argument that Christopher had put forth to be able to do that. He knew from the way it had been presented that Shannon had helped him with it.

“I… I would be honored,” Bobby said, taking a breath he nodded to himself. “I never really thought of moving on after Marcy and the kids died. I thought I would be alone, without anyone for the rest of my life. My penance for what I did. So, thank you,” he told him, “Thank you for giving me the push to actually go to therapy, to try and live and not remain in the past. Marcy would kill me I think, she may have hated how I was going, but I would like to think she would be proud of who I’ve become since then.”

“Who wouldn’t,” Evan told him, “You save lives every day, you treat us all like family, we are a family,” he added, shaking his head, “I can’t think what I would do without you. You’ve helped a lot, to make sure that I’m doing okay. What with the situation with… her.”

“Which reminds me, you know the trial has started,” he said quietly.

Evan nodded, “I heard, nine others, not including me,” he muttered, “I will be testifying in four days. I know some of the others are. We’re all to have more counseling after what has happened. But since I already do so outside of the department, they are willing to let that count.”

Bobby nodded, “I wish there was more I could have done. I’m glad that you reported it,” he said, giving him a small reassuring nudge, not wanting to reach out with raw meat on his hands.

“Same here now, though I still wish that it wasn’t even necessary,” he muttered as he began to chop aggressively.

“I know Buck,” Bobby said, “Ease up a little, I need those chops not crushed,” he smiled, seeing the bubble of laughter coming from Evan.

“Sorry,” he grinned.

“Oh, I know what it’s like to imagine someone’s head on the chopping block,” he told him, giving him an amused look.

Evan nodded, “Yeah, and who were you imagining?” he asked, looking at the man curiously.

“My therapist a few times, some of the idiots we have to deal with,” Bobby said, “I think that’s why my cooking has improved more than me trying new things,” he added, nodding a few times.

Evan laughed loudly, “Yeah, keep teaching me a few new things and I’ll do the same and teach you,” he grinned.

“I’m up for that,” Bobby laughed as the two of them carried on making lunch.

Evan helped to serve an hour later. “Right,” he said as he looked around, “We’ve got a date for the wedding,” he told everyone as he sat down, “Just a few more things need to be planned out, but we have the venue, the catering sorted, everything thanks to Abuela and Pepa, along with Shannon and Xiaoli,” he grinned at his best friend.

“More phone calls than I care to admit, nice working with Shannon again,” Xiaoli smiled.

“Oh, girlfriend?” Leon asked as he sat near the other end of the table.

“Eddie’s ex,” Evan explained.

“And yes, we dated for all of three weeks, and found we were better as friends,” Xiaoli added.

“Scarred for life,” Evan joked, pretending to shudder.

Xiaoli glared at him, “Not my fault you never learned to knock first.”

“But, save the date, we’re going to be sending out the official invitations within the next week, just as soon as we’ve moved in three days,” Evan added, shaking his head at his friend and carrying on.

“We’ll do so,” Hen smiled at him, the others doing the same as he gave them the date. They had a month till the wedding, and they could all see that Evan was vibrating with happiness as he settled down to eat with them all.

Chapter Fifty Five

Xiaoli looked at his best friend as they packed the last of Evan’s things away. “I’m going to miss having you around all the time,” he told him.

Evan snorted, “Xiaoli, you barely had me around for the last couple of months,” he pointed out, “I’m with Eddie most of the time.”

“Still going to miss having you here, and Aria. Even Eddie and Chris are going to be sorely missed when you all stay over. Nothing like a blanket fort in the living room and watching movies in it,” Xiaoli grinned. They had become treasured moments to the man.

“Well, you can always babysit if you miss them so much,” Evan suggested.

Xiaoli stopped and then nodded, “Yeah, I’d like that, something that Christopher and I can do on our four days off, a night at mine for movies and complaining about parents. While said parents have some time together. And I can take Aria as well. I’ll just get another cot for her to sleep in while she’s here,” he smiled at the thought of continuing to watch the two children.

“That’s fine, Eddie and I will need some time together. Shannon wouldn’t mind watching them with you at times either. I know she wants to have them with her at least once a week. We have Carla as well when we’re working. And with Eddie about to start the Fire Academy as well, he’s going to be busy.”

“Twenty four hour shifts for the both of you in six months,” Xiaoli snorted, “Not exactly the easiest of things to work around. Is Carla ready for all that?”

“She is working with Abby at the moment, more full-time with Patricia, but she’s already looking into someone that she can work with her and with Christopher and Aria,” he answered, “We’re doing what we can to help with that as well.”

Xiaoli nodded, “Sounds like things are coming together,” he smiled.

“Yeah,” Evan said as he taped up the last box, “well, I’m done,” he sighed as he looked around the bedroom that had been his for over a year.

“You okay?” he asked as he placed a hand on Evan’s shoulder.

“I’m scared, but happy. I never thought this would be my reality, not after leaving El Paso. And it’s taken a while for my brain to accept, along with my heart. I just want… I just want everything to go well,” he sighed, looking at Xiaoli.

Xiaoli smiled softly, pulling his best friend into his arms, “And it is, Evan, this is years of hard work, and even weeks of spending time with each other as you learn how to fit again. You slotted into each other’s life so easily. I loved watching as your whole world started to light up again with them back in your life. You’re my best friend, Ev, I adored you as I would a little brother,” he told him, moving away and looking at Evan, “This is the culmination of everything. You’re starting something new, enjoy it.”

Evan nodded, “Yeah, I will,” he laughed, “I just… I didn’t think.” He shook his head, he knew he was beginning to repeat himself. “I made some good memories here as well. Going to miss hanging out with you anytime that I’m here though.”

“Can still hang out, leave Eddie with the kids and we’ll have a few beers and talk about work and bitch about the idiots that live in LA,” Xiaoli grinned at him, patting his shoulder as they began to pick up the boxes and take down to the car. It was time to get things moved on. Some of the others from the station would be there to help soon. Shannon had taken the kids out for some of the day, so Eddie could get his things from the house.

XxXxX

Evan looked around the dining room, the table was full of food that he and Bobby had cooked in the new kitchen. The man had the foresight to make sure to bring enough food to last them a few days while they settled into the new house. “Well,” he said as everyone started to sit. Shannon still had the kids for a little while longer.

“Thank you,” Eddie said, looking at them all, “For helping, I don’t think we would have been able to get this place straightened out so soon without it.”

“Yeah,” Evan nodded in agreement, “So, thanks, for being here and being family.”

“Missing three,” Xiaoli said as he looked up from his phone, “I told Shannon that everything is settled and that she can bring the kids at any time.”

“Brilliant, thanks,” Evan grinned at his best friend, “Wonder what Chris will think of his room,” he said. He and Eddie had taken to decorating it, ready for when Christopher arrived over the last couple of weeks. One of the bathrooms had been converted into a wet room, so that it could give the six-year-old a little more independence.

“He’s going to love it,” Hen told him, “It’s what all little boys dream of,” she smiled, “Thought, how you were able to decorate it like that I don’t know.”

“The mural of the solar system on one wall is amazing,” Bobby agreed.

Evan and Xiaoli laughed, “Well, it comes in handy when you know people,” Evan said, shrugging as Xiaoli nodded.

“One of our friends from when we lived in El Paso, Juan, came by about a year ago, and needed a place to stay, so he stayed with me for about a month before Evan joined me. We got in touch and asked if he would, so he came over and did it for us,” Xiaoli told him, “He was always drawing or painting something in his room. It’s mostly a hobby for him, but he does the occasional mural like that.”

“He’s good,” Chimney nodded as they began to eat.

An hour later Shannon arrived with the children. Christopher squealed about his room and began to talk about all the things that Evan had told him about the universe and their solar system for the next hour before the three parents were able to get him to go to bed.

Evan handed out coffee for the three adults after Eddie had put Aria into her crib in their room. She would be staying there for another month before they would be moving her to her bedroom. “So,” he said as he finally sat down on the new couch they had been able to get. It was soft and comfortable, one that you could easily sink into.

“I was talking with Carla,” Shannon said as he looked at the two men, “We’re both in agreement that the school that Christopher is currently in is starting to hold him back because of his CP. They don’t want him getting hurt, which means they are stopping him from doing things he wants to do. They didn’t let him go out to play yesterday at all.”

“I thought we had them agreeing that they wouldn’t do that?” Eddie frowned, “We had a whole three hour meeting, along with one of his damn doctors and his physiotherapist to make sure that what he did outside was fine. That the teachers knew to look out for certain activities.”

Shannon sighed, “Carla thinks that they just don’t want to watch him like that anymore,” she shook her head, “I’m not really sure, but we have a meeting on Monday with them, all three of us are going. And not only that, but Carla’s been looking at some of the other schools in the area. She’s been keeping an eye on them and a few places have opened up in two of the schools she is interested in getting Christopher into.”

Evan perked up, “Oh?” he asked, “What are they like?”

“They both work with those with disabilities but are challenging just like every other school around. He’ll be placed on his testing and not on his age in one of them,” she said, “The other has the normal curriculum, but works to empower those with disabilities to see possibilities and how to live and work around the challenges that someone can face.”

“So they don’t limit them, the second one sounds better,” Evan said, looking at her.

“It does. Carla’s mostly interested in that one, and there are four places available. Though he wouldn’t be able to start until September when the new school year starts. If I didn’t have the job I have, I would homeschool him between now and then,” Shannon sighed, sipping her coffee and letting the bitter taste revive her. She was tired after spending the day with the children, she had enjoyed it though.

“Right, let’s hope he can get into that one then,” Evan smiled, Eddie nodding in agreement.

“Meeting Monday, talk with the school about them trying to limit Christopher in his playtime,” Eddie sighed, “I’ve also got the Academy starting soon and am already studying,” he muttered.

“And the last of the invitations need to be sent out,” Evan then reminded him.

“Can we just elope?” he suggested, looking hopefully at Evan, as he reached out and took his hand.

“Not a chance in Hell,” Evan snorted, “Do you really want to face the anger of not only Abuela but Pepa and your sisters?” he asked him.

“And me,” Shannon glared at the man, “Really, Eddie, you’ve done so much work already, why ruin it all and have to face everyone?”

“Because then I would finally be married to Evan and not have to worry if I’m going to trip over my own feet as we head down the aisle,” he rolled his eyes. “And speaking of invitations,” he said as he then glanced at Evan, “What about your sister? Are you sending her one?” he asked him, he knew Evan had been thinking about it.

“I’m going to, I’ve written a letter, postcard and the invitation as well. I don’t know if she’ll come or not. I’ve not talked to her in three, four years. So I’m not holding out on any hope that she’s going to come,” he murmured, looking away. He missed his sister, she was the reason that he had met Eddie in the first place. The jeep that was outside of their new home was the same one that he had been given. He was getting on and was taking a lot to keep it ticking, but he hoped that it might last a while longer before he had to buy a new car. Though the jeep would end up in the garage as far as he was concerned.

“That’s all you can do,” Shannon told him, “You’ve reached out to her several times. It’s up to her what she does next,” she smiled, “And don’t forget, next week, you’re helping me with moving. It’s mainly the boxes as I’ve got all new furniture going there. I don’t want to keep mom’s things.”

“I can understand that,” Eddie nodded, he missed Janet, and he knew that Evan was still a little upset about the fact that he never got to say goodbye to her. She had been someone that all three adults could talk to when they needed a sensible ear and someone to help them get back on track. A phone call away when things got tough and the world was right once more for them all.

“Well,” Evan said as he looked at the two, “To new starts.”

“To new starts,” they grinned back as they drank their coffee.

“I heard that Bobby is thinking about dating again,” Shannon said, smirking as she had been the one to overhear the small conversation the man had with Evan.

Evan looked startled, “Yeah, and no you will not go near him!” he said before she could even think about it.

“Hey, he’s good looking and a nice mature man might just be what I need in my life,” she smirked, wiggling her eyebrows at him.

Eddie shook his head as Evan protested even more. “Stop it, you know she’s not going to even think about it,” he rolled his eyes, “And if either of you wakes the kids, you’re putting them back to bed,” he warned.

“Fine,” Evan muttered, curling against Eddie’s side.

“You always spoil my fun,” Shannon huffed, before laughing and finishing her coffee, “I need to get going, I’ll see you guys in a couple of days.”

Evan showed her out and before long the two men went to bed, to sleep for the first time in their new home.

Chapter Fifty Six

Carla smiled as she looked at the three parents. Christopher was at school. They had just come from there and none of them had been happy with the way that they were treating the six-year-old. Stopping him from going to recess just because no teacher wanted to be watching him all the time, it had irritated all three. And plans were now in the works to try and get Christopher transferred to another school.

“Mr Diaz, Mr Buckley and Miss McKinley,” the principal smiled, a little confused as to why there were three people in her office instead of the usual two or one. “I’m Principal Summers,” she introduced herself, “Carla,” she greeted the woman, she had met her a few times as she had helped a few children get into her school before.

“Good to see you Leyna,” Carla greeted, shaking her hand, “These are the parents of Christopher Diaz,” she said, having already briefed the woman a little on the six-year-old.

“You’ve had a look at our facilities,” Principal Summers said as she looked at the three of them, “from what Carla has told me about him, he seems like he would fit right in here,” she added.

“We have, the teachers we’ve met are good at their job, and the children are happy and engaged. We just want the best for Christopher, and at the moment the school he is at is stifling him badly. We want him to grow up into a well-rounded young man that is more than his disability. We don’t want to set limitations for him, but to open the world up for him,” Eddie began.

“We know that he’s going to be facing challenges, but we’d rather it not be because of people putting things in his way,” Evan finished.

“We want him to be able to see something someone does and be able to figure out a way to make it work for him,” Shannon smiled, “We want him to be able to see possibilities.”

Principal Summers smiled and nodded, “That is what we hope to teach the students at this school. We don’t set the limitations of our students. We show them how they can do things and make the world around them adapt to them.”

The three parents smiled, “That’s good,” Evan sighed, relieved, “He’s a sweet and smart child. A lot of people see the crutches, learn he has CP and think of only what he can’t do, and not what he can, and how things can be adapted for him to use.”

“We’ve had a few people come here with that attitude, even some parents. But we’ve always been able to turn things around for people,” she smiled, “I’m glad to see that all three of you are on the same page,” the older woman said, looking at the three of them.

“We are,” Eddie nodded, “We want the best, and Carla has said that you are one of the best schools around for Christopher.”

“It’s rather late in the school year to have him transferred, but we certainly don’t mind doing so. Especially if his current school is stifling his ability to just be a child,” she told them.

The three shared a look and then glanced over at Carla, who just smiled and nodded, “We’d like to transfer him as soon as possible, yes it’s near the end of the year, but we’d rather him not have to suffer at that school any more. He’s not even able to go outside and play, they keep him in a classroom all the time.”

“Then let’s get started with all the paperwork needed,” Principal Summers said.

The three smiled and got to work.

XxXxX

Eddie was nervous, his training had started and as he looked around he could see others that were just as nervous as he was. “You alright there?” someone asked him from behind.

“Yeah,” he said, nodding once at the young woman that stood there, she was a little shorter than him, a furrow between her brows as she assessed him.

“I’m Mel,” she introduced herself.

“Eddie,” he replied, as someone else joined them in the room. Sitting down at the desk, information booklets in front of him along with a couple of textbooks, he easily recognized them as Evan had given him his to look through as he prepared for the Fire Academy.

“The paperwork and academics are always so boring,” Mel said from beside him, she had taken a seat there quickly.

“Maybe, but they are as needed as the practical side of things,” Eddie said, sparing her a quick glance before trying to pay attention to what was being said.

Mel huffed as she tried to speak again. This time Eddie sent her a sharp look that made her shut up. As soon as the first set of lectures was over and Eddie had gone over the notes he had made, with a reminder to himself to ask Evan for his, he stood up. He needed to get outside for a bit. They had physical training to go through in the afternoon.

“Ugh, that went on for too long, I just want to get out there and start fighting fires, that’s what we all here for,” Mel complained as she followed him outside

Eddie looked at her, shaking his head, “Most of what a firefighter does isn’t actually fire fighting. They deal with Car accidents, kids locked in claw machines at the arcades,” he told her, remembering some of the things that Evan had told him. “You’ll be dealing with people that are standing on a ledge and you’re the one that has to talk them down. It isn’t just one thing that you’ll be doing. The books and packets that we got today are only a part of what we’ll end up doing.”

Mel rolled her eyes, “Come on, that’s not what our jobs are going to be about. We’re firefighters, not rescue-”

“We are rescuers, we’re going to be doing a lot of that. Putting out lives in danger sometimes to make sure someone else gets to go home that day. We’re going to be right there when someone is having one of the worst days of their lives,” he told them, “We’re their hope. And I know this as my fiancé is a firefighter and has been for a while. He has dealt with all that, and a plane crash. This job isn’t the easiest to do by any means, but what we learn here is only part of it, it’s why we have a probationary period afterward, to make sure we’re really suited to continue,” he finished bluntly. There was something about the woman that was getting on his nerves.

“Oh come on, like you’re here to do a good deed. You’re like me, need a bit of excitement in your life, and I bet your fiancé is just telling you silly little stories to keep you interested,” she said patronizingly.

“He’s telling the truth,” another woman said as she walked over, “I’m doing this because I want to help someone like they helped me,” she said, “I’m Anita,” she smiled, “I’ve seen firefighters in action a few times. One was when I was in a crash a few years ago.”

“Come on, it’s not going to be like that,” Mel huffed as she turned and walked away.

“I don’t think she is going to last if that’s her attitude,” Anita said, “Nice to meet you, Eddie, I overheard you introducing yourself earlier.”

“Right,” he nodded, looking around and finding a place where he could sit. Anita followed him and the two talked quietly about what they had just learned.

XxXxX

Xiaoli picked Aria up as she made frustrated noises from where she lay. “Hey, baobei,” he said as he rocked her in his arms.

“Well?” Evan said as he stepped out of the changing room, his suit this time was dark, the shirt was light blue. The suit itself was a darker blue. On the lapels and the waistcoat had fine detailing that shone slightly when they were hit by the light.

Xiaoli smiled, “You look good,” he nodded, “I think this one is the one. You look really good,” he told him, “Doesn’t your papa look good baobei,” he said as he lifted Aria up a little more so she could see Evan.

“Good, wonder if Eddie has gotten his?” Evan said as he looked at Xiaoli, the man had his phone.

“Shannon and Chris are with him,” Xiaoli told him, “Really, I thought you two would have done this weeks ago,” he smiled as he went and sat down. Evan headed back to the changing room.

“Well, we never really got the time. I’m working, we were sorting out the new house and making sure that was done up right for Chris. Then we had to change Christopher’s school,” Evan called out through the door.

“I know, busy, busy,” he laughed, “And as your best man, I already have a speech in mind,” he grinned as he tapped Aria on the nose, “And it’s going to be good.”

Evan walked out of the changing room, handing the suit to the man that was waiting. “Thank you,” he said before looking at Xiaoli, “You’ve been talking with Shannon, haven’t you?” he glared at him.

Xiaoli just smirked, “Just going to say a few things,” his voice was innocent but his face told an entirely different story.

“Xiaoli,” Evan said, looking at him, “I’ve known you for almost seven years, actually, I think next month it will be seven years,” he snorted, “I know when you’re playing me,” he reminded him.

“I know you do, and yes, I will be having some fun with the speech, but that is for me to know about, Shannon to help me with, and you and Eddie to find out on the day,” he told him, “Now, go and get your measurements done,” he reminded him.

Evan huffed but followed the tailor and got his measurements taken. As soon as he was done he re-joined them, seeing Xiaoli burping Aria over his shoulder, “All done, what about you, do you have a suit?” he asked him.

“I got my suit as soon as Eddie told me he was going to propose,” Xiaoli said, “That’s a good girl,” he praised the baby as she let out a loud burp. “Never really thought about doing this again,” he said as he cleaned her up and carried on, seeing if she had any more trapped wind.

“You’re good with kids,” Evan smiled, “You were when Christopher was a baby as well, though really, you were terrified that first time you helped him.”

“He was a baby monkey, and so is this one,” Xiaoli stuck his tongue out at him for a second before the two burst into laughter.

“Come on,” he said after a few more minutes, “Let’s get going, maybe the others are finished as well. I know Christopher wanted to go to the eat and play place we went to a few weeks ago,” he added, packing up Aria’s things.

Xiaoli nodded as he cleaned Aria up one last time before settling her into her car seat. “Just wait until this one wants to go to soft play,” he said.

“I’m going to need two of us with them at all times, though he is getting more independent now, so I might not even need to,” Evan said, standing up and shouldering the bag.

Picking up the car seat the two men made their way out of the tailors and headed to where they had parked. “That’s true, he’s grown so much since back then,” he grinned.

Evan sent a quick text to Shannon, finding out that they had only just finished as well. Eddie was being picky about what he was going to wear, wanting to be perfect for Evan. A soft smile on his face as he told them where to meet him and Xiaoli. He had tried on nine suits before the last one. He wondered what Eddie had chosen as they got into Xiaoli’s SUV and headed to meet the others.

Chapter Fifty Seven

Eddie walked up behind Evan and wrapped his arms around the man. He felt him jump and turned, eyes wide as he looked at him. “You okay?” he asked, about to let him go as he could feel Evan shaking.

Evan wrapped his arms around him, resting his head on his shoulder, “Don’t… don’t let me go,” he told him.

Eddie frowned but did as he asked and tightened his hold of Evan, “What’s going on?” he asked gently after a few moments of silence. They were in Shannon’s brand new kitchen at her new house. The woman in question was sorting out the bedroom, while they tackled the kitchen.

Evan sighed, “It was… the sentencing today. I didn’t want to go, as I didn’t think I cared about what she got. I just got a message through, from one of the others that testified. He went to the sentencing,” he murmured, “She got seven years, seven years and she’ll never be able to practice again.”

“Good, though, it doesn’t seem enough,” Eddie murmured, holding Evan tightly in his arms.

“It doesn’t, it will never feel enough. She… she ruined so much and she caused so much pain, anxiety, and everything. She hurt ten of us, ten men that had gone to her for help,” he mumbled into Eddie’s shoulder.

Eddie just stood there as he let Evan ground himself and let out his thoughts.

Evan moved back, giving him a small smile as he said, “Thank you.”

“Welcome, always you know that,” he smiled back, kissing him sweetly on the lips, “Now,” he said, “Shall we carry on unpacking. No doubt the taskmaster will be in soon to check we’re working and not trying to christen her new kitchen.”

Evan huffed, “We’ve never done that,” he muttered.

“No, we haven’t,” Eddie smirked, “Maybe one day,” he added with a wink.

“Not likely,” Evan rolled his eyes as he turned and looked at the three boxes that still needed unpacking. “I’m glad it’s all over with,” he then said.

“Mh,” Eddie frowned for a second and then nodded, “Yeah, Wells, is going away, thankfully.”

“She won’t be able to hurt anyone else,” Evan sighed, “Let’s get this done,” he said, picking up a box that he had been in the middle of going through and starting to pull utensils that were inside onto the counter. Eddie walked over and started to put them away.

XxXxX

Eddie looked at the plans before him, “Two weeks,” he said as he looked over at Evan.

“I know, I don’t know if I’m excited or scared,” Evan confessed as he reached over the table, “The seating looks great Abuela,” he said to the woman that was sitting with her daughter.

“In another week everyone will be starting to arrive. We’ve all begun preparing rooms for them all,” Pepa said. She and her children had been making sure that room would be made for the family to come and stay for the wedding.

“Adriana and Sophia want to get here early, help set things up,” Eddie said. He had been talking to the two women a lot over the last couple of days; Evan had been doing the same.

“You have those that are going to walk you down the aisle?” Isabel asked as she looked at her grandsons.

“Bobby, I asked if Bobby would. He took me under his wing a lot when I first arrived at the 118. I was going to turn down the offer of having a small Shield Ceremony. But, since everyone is here,” Evan said as he smiled, “I hope you will all come.”

“I will be honored to be there for you Evanito,” Isabel said as she took his hand and patted it, “I would love nothing more,” she added, smiling.

“Thank you,” he smiled as Josephina and Shannon nodded that they would be attending as well.

“That’s great,” Evan grinned widely.

“Since it’s a few days before the wedding, Adriana and Sophia are coming in for it as well,” Eddie told him.

Evan glanced over, “Really?”

“Really,” he smiled, “They want to be there to support you and cheer you on.”

Evan laughed and nodded, looking at his phone as it started to buzz. “Wonder if that is Xiaoli and he’s had enough of the kids,” he murmured as he reached for it.

“Doubt it, he wants to kidnap the two of them,” Shannon snorted, “he adores them too much for him to want to bring them back this soon,” she said, Eddie laughing as well.

“Hello,” Evan said as he answered.

“Buck,” the voice on the other end was upset, a broken sob coming through the line.

“Abby, what’s wrong?” he asked her, his voice gentle as he saw Eddie looking at him.

“She’s gone, she… she’s gone and I don’t know what I should do,” she sobbed.

“Abby, Eddie and I are going to come and see you, okay,” he said, looking at Eddie and quickly telling him what was going on.

“Are you… are you sure, I know you have plans to… to go over the wedding, I just… I just need to talk to someone for a moment,” she hesitated.

“Abby,” Eddie said as he put the phone on speaker, “We’re going to be coming and seeing you, we’ll help you through this. Now, have you called your brother?” he asked her.

“No, not… not yet,” she said, her voice shaking badly as she tried to reign in her tears.

“Okay, do that, and Eddie and I should be with you soon,” Evan told her gently, “I’m sorry to hear about Patricia, she was a nice lady,” he told her.

“Yeah,” she sniffled a few times, “I’ll, I’ll see you both soon, and thank you,” she added with a shuddering breath.

Evan ended the call after reassuring her again that they would be with her soon. He stood up, “Sorry, but I should go.”

“I’m coming with you,” Eddie said, “She’s been a good friend. She’s helped me a few times. We’ve met for coffee a few times as well,” he told his family as they wondered why the two were going to see this woman.

“She’s a friend, someone that reached out when I lost the first person on the job,” Evan said as he gathered his things together. “She was the one that listened to me. She’s also told Eddie when I had a bad shift.”

“Carla works with her as well. And said she could do with a friend outside of looking after her mother all the time,” Eddie added, getting up.

“Is this the Miss Patty that Christopher talks about?” Shannon asked, “He talks about her stories and how awesome they are.”

Eddie nodded, “It is, she’s the one that’s passed away. He knows that it’s like Janet; that she’s leaving as well. He said he wanted to hear as many stories as he could from her.”

“Oh, so that’s your little coffee date with Chris and Aria,” Shannon nodded slowly.

“Yeah,” Eddie smiled, “Abby’s alone, her brother is in Vegas, so he won’t get here for a while, at least.”

“Then head out, we’ll see you later and we can finish anything that isn’t sorted then,” Isabel said, “You are doing a good thing.”

“It’s not a good thing, we’re just being there for a friend in her time of need,” Eddie told his grandmother as he hugged her goodbye.

“I’ll have the kids, want me to tell Christopher?” Shannon asked the two of them.

“Do so, he might want to come by, text me if he does and I’ll see if Abby will be up for the visit,” Evan added as the two of them left.

It didn’t take them long to reach Abby’s apartment. Carla was there to let them in, getting a hug from the two before they went over to see Abby standing in the middle of the living room looking lost. Eddie was faster as he went over and pulled her into a hug. Evan standing next to him and holding an arm around her.

“We’re so sorry Abby,” Evan said quietly, not really sure what to say in these circumstances. There was just nothing that could ease the pain someone was going through after they lost someone precious to them.

“Thank you,” Abby said slowly, “I called my brother, he’s on the way. I… We already had everything organized for this. We were ready, but it still feels too soon.”

“It always is,” Eddie agreed, thinking about Janet. They knew it was going to happen, but walking into her room that afternoon and finding her gone had been hard on Shannon.

The three stood there for a bit before Carla said, “I made coffee for us all.” She walked in with a tray and set it down.

Eddie went over and grabbed a mug quickly as soon as Carla pointed out which one was for him,” Thank you,” he smiled.

“Welcome boo,” she smiled back as she picked one up and took it to Abby, “Here,” she said softly.

“I don’t know what I would have done without you Carla,” Abby smiled, taking the mug, “You… you’ve been a rock.”

“I’m just glad that I could help,” she smiled, she looked around the room, it had once been a dining room and now was the bedroom that Patricia had used for the last two years.

Abby glanced around as well, “I should… I need to,” she shook her head.

“Turn it back?” Carla suggested lightly.

“Yeah, yeah, it needs to go back, to how it was. It’s been so long, everything tucked away here and there,” Abby sighed, not sure if this was correct. It hadn’t even been a few hours, it felt wrong to put things back to how they were before she took on her mom’s care.

Eddie looked at her, “Some people want to put things back to how they once were, others wait a little while. There is no right or wrong way of doing things, Abby. We’re all different and we grieve differently. If you want to change things around, that is up to you. Do what feels right to you. Don’t care what anyone else thinks.”

Abby gave him a weak smile and nodded, “Then… I’d like to change it back,” she finally said.

“Then we’ll help,” Evan smiled back at her.

Carla agreed, “I’ve already called the services to come and take the bed back,” she told Abby, “I’ll let them know to come as soon as possible instead of in a day or so,” she added, reaching out and patting Abby’s arm before leaving to make the call.

The four adults milled around for a bit waiting for the services to come and collect the bed an hour later. As soon as it was gone they began to sort the dining room out once more. The last chair was in place just as Shannon called Evan, telling him that Christopher wanted to see Abby. Abby gave permission for the six, almost seven-year-old, to come by.

“Miss Abby!” Christopher called out as soon as he was let in, ignoring his dads as he went over to the woman and curled up on the couch next to her, “I’m sorry about Miss Patty, she was really nice. She’s with my grandma now, and grandma will make her awesome hot chocolate. She won’t be lonely,” he told her.

Abby couldn’t help the hitch in her breath as she cuddled the child and nodded, “Hot chocolate sounds like a good idea too.”

“Yeah, Papa, makes really nice hot chocolate. Not as good as grandma’s but good enough,” he grinned as he looked over at the man.

Evan snorted and nodded, “Right, hot chocolate, how about I go to the store to get what’s needed and you, Chris, can keep an eye on Miss Abby and tell her that joke you learned at school.”

“Okay,” Christopher nodded as his papa left to run to the store. Christopher was quick to start telling all the jokes he could think of to make Abby smile and laugh. Carla looked on with a fond smile. Shannon stood there with Aria in her arms for a moment, before walking over and placing her in Abby’s arms and told her she needed to do up a bottle for her. Abby smiled at Shannon, thanking her as she turned her attention back towards Christopher.

Chapter Fifty Eight

Evan was excited, he was staying with Xiaoli for the night since tomorrow he was going to be married the next day. “Tomorrow,” he said as he turned around to face Xiaoli who was sitting at the bar in the kitchen.

“I know, can’t believe it,” he smiled happily, “Congratulations for getting to this point. When I first met you, well, you looked so lost and alone in the world. And now, now you are going to be a husband, and you are a papa twice over now. Uncle to many kids, a brother to all.”

“Ge,” Evan said.

“Wow, calling me big brother,” Xiaoli smiled proudly at him, “And you’re my didi,” he said softly.

“I only know a tiny bit of Mandarin, you should teach me more one of these days,” he told him, drinking from the beer he had been handed.

Xiaoli nodded, “Yeah, I should. It would be nice to speak with someone other than when my parents call or visit,” he agreed, raising his beer bottle up, “Well, congratulations and all that. Tomorrow is going to be amazing.”

“To tomorrow,” Evan said as he clinked his bottle against Xiaoli’s. The two looked towards the hallway which led to the front door, “You expecting anyone?” he asked.

“No, we had the bachelor’s night a while ago, and you and Eddie both vetoed the strippers,” Xiaoli said as the two put down the beers to go and see who it was.

“The only one I wanted to see strip was Eddie, and I got that later,” Evan grinned, laughing when he saw the horrified look on Xiaoli’s face.

“Really, really?!” Xiaoli cried, “Did you have to put that image in my head? He’s like… a friend, but… okay, I can see and tell that he is like smoking hot,” he said, sounding more American than ever.

“He is damn hot, and when he does th-” he began, only for Xiaoli to slap a hand over his mouth.

“No, not more,” he pleaded, “Now, let’s go and see who is at the door,” he said as there was another knock.

Evan nodded and watched as Xiaoli slowly moved his hand, a warning look on his face. Evan just smiled as the slightly older man turned and headed to the door. Opening it a familiar voice was speaking.

“I’m looking for Evan.” The voice was female, there was a shakiness to it as well.

“Maddie,” Evan whispered as he rushed towards the door, throwing it open wide as Xiaoli was almost pushed aside.

“Well, so nice of you Evan,” Xiaoli mumbled.

Evan looked a little sheepish at his best friend, “Sorry Xiaoli,” he apologized.

“It’s fine,” he smiled, and he knew the name that Evan had said. It was Evan’s sister’s name, the one that the younger man hadn’t seen in 7 years. and hadn’t spoken to in at least three.

Evan turned back. He looked at the woman before him, it was his sister. Her hair was longer, there was no make-up on her face at all and she looked a little thinner than she once did. “Maddie,” he whispered again as he held out his arms and let the woman fall into them.

“Oh, I’ve missed you so much Evan, I’ve missed so much of your life, but I couldn’t miss this. I had to… I couldn’t,” her voice was trembling badly as Evan guided her inside and Xiaoli closed the door.

“You’re here now, that… that’s what matters,” Evan told her, his voice gentle but shaking just as much as his sister. He wanted to cry, scream, and laugh, so many things were running through his mind, and emotions were doing the same thing.

Xiaoli went into the kitchen to make some tea for the three of them, and to give the brother and sister a little time to get reacquainted with each other.

“You’re getting married?” Maddie asked him as she finally let him go.

Evan nodded as he guided her towards the living room, “Yeah, Eddie. I met him three weeks after I left with the jeep. I ended up in El Paso.”

“I know, I… I got the postcards every month. Thank you, for sending them and not stopping even when I could tell that you were so upset and distraught about things. I… I needed them more than you could understand,” she smiled at him, letting herself be seated on the very comfortable couch.

“I wanted to let you know what I was doing, who I was with. Eddie and the kids. I sent pictures and letters as well,” Evan said, hoping that she got them.

“I got them,” she reassured him, smiling slightly, “I got them and I’m so happy for you. I’m so happy. You look,” she said as she looked him over, “You look well, so very well.”

“I am, I really am. I’m so happy that you’re going to be there, I didn’t want to hope that you would come,” he said, hugging her tightly once more.

Maddie shook her head, her eyes filling with tears as she said, “I would never miss this. And I… I’m leaving Doug.”

Evan heard the hesitation in her voice, “Leaving him?”

Maddie nodded her head rapidly, “Yeah, I have to, I need to,” she added.

Xiaoli was watching, noting some of the way she was acting, protecting herself from anger. The fear she carried. He knew that Evan wasn’t going to pick that up at first, he was just happy his sister was there. But Xiaoli did. “There is a reason why you need to leave?” he asked as he walked over, putting the mugs down and handing them out.

“Thank you,” Evan said as he looked at his sister, who was now quiet, staring at her hands.

“He… he’s no good, you were right back then, when you first met him. That he wasn’t going to be good for me,” she sighed. “I didn’t want to leave him, I was too scared to. I wanted to leave back then, but I didn’t know how to.”

“You have now, and that is what matters,” Evan said as he hugged her again, “So what… What are your plans?”

Maddie looked at him, “I… don’t really know. I don’t even know where to start. I thought only to come here for the wedding and then leave again. But… I don’t want to leave, I’ve missed so much, I have a nephew and niece that I’ve not met, and I want to, I want to be there and watch them grow. But damn it, Evan, I’m scared out of my mind that Doug will follow me. He said… he said that he would, he would kill me should I leave him,” she told him, eyes filling with fear as she shook in her brother’s arms.

“Athena,” Xiaoli suggested, “Call her, ask her for her advice, she might be able to better protect Maddie should Doug try and come after her,” he said, walking over to the chair and sat down.

Evan nodded in agreement, “Yeah, I’ll send her a message,” he said, pulling out his phone and quickly writing one out one-handed, the other arm staying around Maddie as she clung to him.

“I tried to protect you,” she said, “I didn’t want you to know, but I can’t, I can’t stay there any longer.”

“Maddie, you don’t need to protect me. I can do that myself now, and I’m going to be here for you, I’ll help you and I know the others will as well. I made… I made a family out here and I would love it if you would stay.”

“I’m not going to stay with a newly married couple and their kids,” Maddie snorted.

“She’s welcome to stay here, or if she doesn’t, maybe Shannon will,” Xiaoli suggested, “At least until you find out where you truly want to live. Consider this a safe place.”

Maddie gave a trembling smile as she reached out for the mug of tea and took it, sipping at it tentatively. She started to tell Evan a little of what happened with Doug. Half an hour later there was another knock at the door. Xiaoli got up to answer it as Maddie jumped a little from the sudden noise.

“Xiaoli,” Athena said as she stood in the doorway, she was wearing a rather nice dress. Behind her, in a nice dark charcoal suit was Bobby.

“I’m sorry if we disturbed anything,” he said as he let the two of them in.

“I was about to take her home,” Bobby said with a small smile on his face as he followed them into the apartment.

“Athena,” Evan smiled as she came into the living room, his eyes widened as he spotted Bobby, “So this is the date that you talked about?” he asked.

Bobby nodded, “She is, and it was wonderful before you ask,” he replied, still smiling.

Athena smiled at him and nodded before turning her attention to Evan, “So, what do you need Buck?” she asked him, Bobby standing beside her as she sat down on a chair.

“This is my sister Maddie,” Evan said, “Maddie, this is Sergeant Athena Grant of the LAPD, and my Captain at the 118, Bobby Nash,” he added, introducing the two.

“Hello,” she smiled, a little meek and unsure.

“Doug,” Evan began, holding Maddie as she flinched at the name, “He is Maddie’s husband. He’s abusive and she was able to escape and reach me here.” He then told her most of what Maddie had said before they arrived, his sister almost hiding away beside him.

Athena nodded, “Right,” she said, “First thing, you need to make a statement and get a check up. If you’ve left him recently, you may still have injuries and they need to be treated,” she told her gently, leaning forwards, “You’re a strong woman already getting this far. But we’re all going to help you with this, to make sure that you remain safe and away from him. A restraining order is the first port of call,” she added.

“Right,” Maddie said, moving away from Evan slightly.

“You’re okay here,” Evan reassured her, “Why don’t you talk with Athena and I’ll get started on something for us to eat,” he added, standing up.

Maddie gripped his hand for a second but saw the kind looks on those around her. The fierceness that radiated from Athena as well. It all reassured her that she was safe. That those around her would keep her safe.

“It’s okay Maddie, I’m only going to be in the kitchen, I won’t be far, if you need me call me,” he said, hugging her tightly as he leaned down.

Maddie nodded and let him go. Evan went to the kitchen, Bobby and Xiaoli following him.

“You okay?” Xiaoli asked him as Evan went into the fridge and began to poke around for something to make for them all.

“I don’t know,” Evan answered him honestly, “I’m glad she’s here at last. I’m scared for her, and terrified that Doug is going to try and come for her. I never liked him, never. There was just something about him that set me off and I did try and warn Maddie, but she was in love and I didn’t really wanna ruin things for her,” he sighed. “When I… when I left, I asked her to come with me, but she didn’t. I got a feeling that something happened to her thanks to him,” he growled as he tossed the vegetables he found to the counter.

“Not much you can do now, just be there for her, help her feel safe,” Xiaoli said as he placed a hand on Evan’s shoulder.

Evan sighed and calmed himself, “Yeah, yeah, I suppose you’re right about that. I just hope that Athena can really help her, to make sure he won’t be able to get near her.”

“Pressing charges will help with that,” Bobby said as he went to work beside Evan. Xiaoli grabbed a few more things as the three men cooked up a small treat for them all, even though Bobby said that he and Athena had already eaten.

Chapter Fifty Nine

Morning came all too soon for those sleeping at Xiaoli’s apartment. Maddie had been nervous at first, but she had soon settled down for the night and Evan slept on the airbed that Christopher loved to use when he slept over to have his weekly movie nights with Xiaoli. The morning had been a semi rush. Maddie was getting ready slowly, as she had barely bought anything with her, mainly what she would need for the day and what she wanted to wear at the wedding.

“Well,” she smiled as she walked over to her brother in the very nice dark suit, “You look amazing little brother,” she told him as Xiaoli went to get the door.

“Looking good Buck,” Athena smiled as she walked inside, “Maddie,” she greeted the younger woman, “Come talk to me for a moment,” she said as she guided her away.

“Are you ready for this?” Bobby asked him, smiling at him proudly.

“Yeah,” Evan smiled widely, “I can’t… This is a dream, Bobby, this means everything to me,” he said as the man walked over and made sure his tie was straight and put the boutonnière into the lapel of his suit.

“There,” he said, brushing off his shoulder, “perfect.”

Evan nodded and then glanced over at Xiaoli, “You still have the rings?” he asked.

Xiaoli rolled his eyes, it was something Evan asked every few minutes since he had woken up that morning. “Yes, I still have them, nice and safe, tucked into my jacket pocket.”

“Sorry, I’m… I just want it all to go perfectly,” Evan smiled sheepishly.

“It will, no matter what comes up, today is going to be perfect. Now, Shannon has the children and has messaged that she has gotten them ready with Carla’s help. Carla and Howard will be heading there with her. Eddie is with Isabel and his sisters,” Xiaoli looked up from his phone, “People are going to be heading out and arriving soon,” he finished, “everything is going well,” he reassured him one last time.

The next hour had Evan pacing a few times before he was forcefully sat down by Bobby and Xiaoli.

XxXxX

Christopher had walked his dad down the aisle, as Bobby had done for Evan. Both men were smiling at each other as the officiant started the ceremony. Neither of them could take their eyes off each other as the man marrying them said, “The two would like to read out their own Vows.”

Evan was to go first and with a slight cough, he brought out the single note card he had used to put a few things on. “I had this whole thing in my head. Our first meeting stands out well in my mind. I thought you were an idiot, a married idiot that was trying to cheat on their loved one. Turns out, the wedding ring on your finger was a cheap ring you had brought, to keep people off yours and Shannon’s back. It worked well, as Shannon had to be called to reassure me that you weren’t cheating on her. And in turn, I gave you a chance and we talked the whole night. We got to know each other in the short time you were here, I got to know you, Shannon, and your very adorable newborn son, Christopher. I found a home and a family. Every call and moment we spent with each other helped us build our relationship. When everything came crashing down around me and I had to leave, it was the hardest thing I had to do in my life. I was lost and feeling more alone than I had ever felt before. I was at such a low point in my life for such a long time. And then, you walked back into my life. A letter, something so simple but holding so much. A letter from you, pictures of yours and Christopher’s life, and pictures that Christopher had drawn for me. Neither of you had forgotten about me, and slowly we started to rebuild our lives together. Now we have a daughter and a son, and I couldn’t ask for a better husband to spend my life with, I found my soulmate.”

Eddie smiled, squeezing his hand. “I don’t even have notes, so I’m just going to say that I love you, so much. When I saw you sitting there, drinking at the bar, I could see that you were lonely. I could see it because I felt like that as well. Shannon and I were friends, with no benefits at the time. And we were fine with that. I was looking for a good night out, and instead, I found someone who made my life complete. We talked about anything and everything, from books to films, to music and the stars above. Each moment I’ve spent with you has been a blessing and to know that I have many more moments with you by my side gives me more happiness and joy than I thought possible. We are family, we have two beautiful children, and I can’t imagine my life without the three of you in it. You are my soulmate as well,” he smiled at Evan.

The celebrant smiled at the couple as he carried on. Rings were soon exchanged and their first kiss as a married couple. Their friends and family, standing and clapping. With Chimney wolf-whistling alongside Hen at the two of them.

XxXxX

Evan was moving across the dance floor. Eddie led him around and around so that he felt lightheaded. But he didn’t know if that was because he was now married or he was getting dizzy from how fast he felt that they were moving.

“I can’t believe we’re married,” Evan said as he rested himself against Eddie, “And how the hell are you able to dance like that?” he asked as other couples began to make their way onto the dance floor.

“Shannon taught me,” Eddie answered her, “And to be honest with you Evan, I can’t believe it either. My dream has come true,” he said, kissing him lightly as he suddenly felt a tug on his jacket. “Mijo,” he greeted his son.

“Dad, Papa,” he grinned at them, he didn’t have his crutches with him. “Up, please,” he asked.

Evan was the one to pick him up, settling him on his hip. Glancing around he saw Abby in the corner with Aria in her arms. The older woman had taken a shine to the little baby. “Having fun?” he asked him.

“I am, Miss Abby said she doesn’t mind watching over Aria so mommy can dance with Li-bobo,” he said as he rested his head on Evan’s shoulder as they slowly swayed on the dance floor, barely moving from their spot.

“Bobo?” Eddie was puzzled, he had heard Christopher use it a few times.

“Mandarin,” Evan answered, “Basically means uncle. Xiaoli has been teaching Chris a little.”

“Ahh,” he nodded slowly.

“More dancing,” Christopher said as he looked at his two dads, “please, ” he added cutely, a little pout on his face as he widened his eyes.

“Xiaoli has been teaching you bad habits,” Evan muttered.

“No, that was Daddy,” he grinned, giggling happily.

Eddie looked at his son, “Betrayed by my own son, that will be the last time I teach you such tricks,” he huffed, mock offended.

Abby rocked Aria in her arms as the five-month-old gurgled and cooed at her, reaching out to try and grab the glasses on her face, “No, no taking them sweetheart,” she said softly, taking hold of one hand and letting her test her grip on Abby’s fingers.

“You look quite happy with her in your arms,” Shannon said as she walked over and sat down.

“Never thought I would if I was honest. I think I’m past motherhood, but maybe I’ll do what Buck and Eddie have done with this one and adopt,” she said, looking up for a moment before going back to watching Aria.

“I can understand that,” Shannon said as Maddie walked over to them. The woman had been introduced to everyone and she felt a little safer with the two women than she did with some of the others. Though Athena made her feel as though she could take on the world.

“Mind if I join you?” Maddie asked as she stood there a little nervously.

“Of course,” Shannon said, “Abby and I were just talking about children.”

“I… wanted them, but I… I couldn’t bring a child into the world with him,” she shuddered, thinking of all the harm that could have been done to her own child should Doug be upset at them.

“I can understand,” Shannon nodded as she knew the situation, Eddie and Evan quickly informing her.

Abby was quick to catch on to what was going on, “You’re free now. You have a chance to make a new life here. Find a job you love and everything should fall into place. Buck and Eddie will help,” she smiled.

Maddie nodded, “I know, I know they will, but I still don’t know where I’m going to stay.”

“Already said that I don’t mind you staying with me. Xiaoli has offered you the same,” Shannon reminded her.

Abby looked at Maddie and suggested, “What about my place? I’m… I need to leave for a while, remember who I am. I spent the last two years looking after my mother as she deteriorated, and now that she’s gone. I just feel like I… Like that was all I was and am.”

“Finding yourself, that’s what I told Evan to do when I gave him the jeep,” Maddie smiled as she looked at her brother and Eddie as they still stood there swaying together with Christopher in their arms.

“Yes,” she nodded, “So, I’ll be leaving in a couple of days, you’re welcome to stay there for however long you want. I’m going to be away for at least two months, maybe three. Evan helped me plan out around the world type of trip. I have plenty of savings. My brother has agreed that he’ll keep an eye on the place if not. So no pressure, rent and utilities will be paid for.”

“Are you really sure?” Maddie asked, “I don’t want to impose or anything like that.”

“Well, it’s either you move in, or it remains empty with Buck going there occasionally to keep the place a little clean for me,” Abby said, “And I can guess your situation as well like I said I’m going to be around for another few days so I can help you get settled in.”

“Thank you, I… I might,” she nodded, “I don’t know if I will.”

“If you’re worried about security, there are building managers,” Abby told her.

“Might be an idea to give them a picture of the dickhead so they know to call the cops,” Shannon added, sipping her drink.

“Can I have Aria?” Evan asked as he walked over, Christopher now in Eddie’s arms as the man followed his husband.

“Of course, I’m just getting in all the cuddles I can before I leave,” Abby smiled as she handed the baby girl over.

“Hey petal, let’s go and have a family dance,” Evan said as he walked with his husband back to the dance floor. The music wasn’t that loud, easy to hear the people around as the family of four began to dance together. Aria giggled as she was moving around, and Christopher gave a joyful shriek as he was twirled.

“Love you, Daddy, love you, Papa,” Christopher grinned as they began to sway again, “So happy today.”

“So am I mijo, so am I,” Eddie kissed his head, doing the same to Aria.

“Love you all,” Evan responded, tears in his eyes as he smiled happily at his husband, only to find his lips captured as they shared another kiss.

“Got so much to look forward to,” Eddie told him, as he moved back slightly.

“Yeah,” Evan nodded as they danced a little longer before food was to be served.

Chapter Sixty

Eddie had been working hard at the Academy and Christopher was quick to settle at Durand, even though he had entered the school shortly before the school holidays. His seventh birthday had been celebrated with the combined Diaz family and those of the 118. Maddie had settled nicely at Abby’s apartment. Abby had even talked her into giving being a 9-1-1 dispatcher a try.

Evan smiled as he picked up Aria, the ten-month-old was starting to stand up now, getting ready to take those first steps. He couldn’t wait. But he had quickly been reminded that Christopher didn’t have that. He didn’t stand like she had. There had been so many things going through his mind as he compared them. It had shocked him that he would do so. “I don’t want to do that,” he muttered to himself as he settled Aria on his hip and walked into the kitchen. It was Eddie’s first day at his probationary station. The man hadn’t told him which one yet.

Eddie smiled as he cooked them all some pancakes. A few chocolate chips in Christopher’s one. The seven-year-old cheered as he watched. “Only because it’s your first day of school as well,” he told him as he plated Christopher’s ones and handed them over.

“Not too much syrup,” Evan warned him, giving the seven-year-old a look to make sure he listened to him. Settling Aria in her high chair, he put some cereal down for her to munch on before Eddie put a plate of cut-up pancakes before her and let her nibble on them.

“We’re going to have to clean her up again before we go,” Eddie said as he watched her smash most of one piece into her hair. It was getting a little longer now, growing well for the nine-month-old baby girl. “Going to have to learn to put her hair up if it keeps growing like that,” he muttered.

“I learned a few things,” Evan said as he looked over at Eddie, coaxing Aria into eating as the man then went back to cooking breakfast for the two of them.

“Can’t believe I start today,” Eddie murmured to himself, still a little shocked that he had come through the academy with some of the highest marks alongside Evan.

“It’s exciting,” Evan grinned over at him.

“Are you going to be working together?” Christopher asked, fork mid-air as he looked at his two dads.

“No buddy,” Evan answered him, “Bobby would have told me if we were getting someone new in,” he sighed, he had hoped the man would have been able to get Eddie, but it hadn’t happened.

“I wish we were as well,” Eddie said, looking at Evan with a smile on his face as he dished out for the two of them. This time blueberry pancakes were drizzled with syrup.

“Yeah,” Evan smiled at him as they began to eat.

“I’ll clean the kitchen,” Eddie said as he finished, “You can wash the little princess,” he added as he saw the mess that the ten-month-old was in.

“Dada da da dada,” Aria babbled as she banged the tray of her highchair, bits flying everywhere.

“Okay, you can clean up here and I’ll get this one bathed and ready for when we leave,” he said, picking up the baby, glad that he hadn’t changed into his uniform yet. He wondered what Eddie would look like in his, but he would have to wait when he saw him in twenty four hours. They both had a full shift scheduled that day, with Eddie starting a little earlier than Evan.

“Wis Wis wis,” Aria yelled out, reaching towards her brother.

“Sorry Aria,” Christopher grinned, “You have to have a bath,” he said, reaching up and tapping her on the nose.

Aria’s eyes crossed as she tried to watch what he was doing. “Bweah!” she pouted as she was carried out of the dining room and towards the bathroom.

Christopher went to finish getting ready for his first day of school as his dad took care of the breakfast things. Soon enough the family of four were out of the house. Two separate cars, since they would have to split up at Christopher’s school. Eddie had to get to his station and Buck had to take Aria to Maddie, she had demanded to have some auntie niece time. Though it was more because Doug’s sentencing had happened the day before.

“Love you, Daddy, Love you, Papa! Love you Aria!” Christopher said as he was settled into his new class.

“Love you too, buddy,” Evan smiled, wanting to hug Christopher again.

“Love you, mijo, enjoy your class,” Eddie smiled.

Aria waved her arms at her brother, “Wis! Wis!” she yelled out, not liking her brother being so far away from her.

Walking back to where they had parked, Eddie and Evan shared a sweet kiss, “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Evan pouted, still not happy about not working together.

“Yeah,” Eddie smiled at him, “Going to miss you.”

“Same, text me occasionally,” he suggested, looking hopeful as he strapped Aria into her seat.

“Of course,” he rolled his eyes, “I’m going to be doing so as much as I can get away with.”

Evan smiled and nodded, “Great.” He sighed again, hugged Eddie tightly, and kissed him. He could feel the eyes of some of the parents on them, but he really didn’t care. He was going to miss his husband while they were separated. Evan had been hopeful that Bobby would have been able to convince the brass to let Eddie join them at the 118, even though they were married. It wasn’t against the regulations at all, it was up to the Captain if it was fine or not.

Evan watched him head to his truck before getting in his jeep and heading to Abby’s apartment. Abby had come back a few weeks ago, Maddie was still living with her, she hadn’t yet found her own place. Arriving and heading up, Abby was the one to open the door and take Aria from him.

“Hello to you too,” Evan laughed as he followed her inside, bag on his shoulder. He dropped it on the dining table and went to find where Abby had absconded to with his daughter. It didn’t take him long to find them on the sofa, Maddie curled up against Abby as they both cooed over the baby girl.

“Hey Evan,” Maddie greeted as she looked up and smiled at her brother.

“You three look rather cozy,” he said, looking at the two women. He knew they were sharing a bed, as it was a one-bedroom apartment, he wondered if their relationship was more than just a deep friendship. No matter what, he would wait until his sister said something. He just wanted her to be happy.

“We are,” Abby smiled at him before grabbing one of the toys that were on the side table and playing with Aria.

Maddie stood up, “How were Eddie and Christopher this morning?” she asked, hugging her brother.

“Christopher was excited and happy about starting school again, he enjoyed the few weeks he was at it last year. He reorganized his school bag four times last night and again this morning. Eddie took it away from him and stuck it in the truck to stop a sixth time,” he answered her, “Eddie is excited as well, I know he can’t wait to start work. I just wish we were at the same station.”

“I know, you’ve been talking about it since Eddie got his assignment,” Maddie rolled her eyes. He had been moaning about the fact for the last two weeks since the assignments came in.

“Eddie hid his, he didn’t tell me what station he was working at,” Evan pouted, “I could have talked to the captain about maybe swapping him or letting him come to us. But Eddie refused to say anything. I know Bobby would have been fine with it,” he sighed as he hugged his sister again, “I just want to know that someone is watching his back. And I know I could do that, he went for the same things I got, so he’s a heavy rescue specialist,” he pointed out.

“Well, nothing for it now. For the next several months at least, you’ll have to make do with being separate until his probationary period is over and he should be able to transfer after then,” Maddie told him, reminding him of what he had been saying.

“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered, still pouting; six months was a very long time after all.

Abby looked up, “It will go quicker than you think,” she told him. The woman looked well, very well. She had spent three months traveling around and then spending a month with her brother in Las Vegas. She did a little more traveling before coming back to LA. She had told Evan that she had been very unsure about coming back. In the end, seeing Aria starting to grow and talking occasionally through skype just wasn’t enough. She wanted to see Christopher and Aria herself and so had returned; living with Maddie in the apartment.

“Well, thank you both for looking after Aria, Christopher finishes school at the usual time,” Evan said as he went over a few things. “Thank you, I know you both have today off. And Shannon is back tomorrow from her trip, so she’ll be around. Carla is as well if you need her too,” he told the pair.

Abby smiled, “You don’t have to worry, this isn’t the first time we’ve taken care of them. We’ve already set up the small bed for Chris, Aria has her cot, we’re good. You don’t have to worry,” she reassured him.

“Can’t help it, I always worry,” Evan muttered.

“I know,” she laughed as Maddie did the same, “Now get going before you’re late.”

Evan checked the time and kissed Aria, “Bye bye, Aria,” he said to his daughter, kissing her cheek a few more times before he hugged the two women. He left the apartment and quickly headed to the 118.

XxXxX

Evan walked into the firehouse, a skip in his step. “The only good thing about Eddie not being in this firehouse is that he isn’t competing for the calendar,” he said.

“You’re really going to be taking part in that?” Hen rolled her eyes, shaking her head at the very thought of it.

“And why not?” Evan asked, “It raises money for charity, that’s a good thing. Yes, it objectifies men, but it’s for a good cause.”

Hen huffed, “If you say so,” she sighed, “I just wish that it didn’t. It’s just some… macho bullshit.”

“I know, and if it wasn’t for charity I would most likely not do it. But since it is, I will go for it,” Evan told her, “Eddie said the same thing, for charity it would be worth it.”

Chimney walked over, “I think Xiaoli and I have a good chance as well, nothing like a new Asian Sex Symbol.”

“Speak for yourself,” Xiaoli said, “Though, yes, I did enter,” he laughed as Evan just looked at him. All three stopped as they spotted something behind Evan.

“Wow, now that is a very beautiful man,” Chimney smirked as he looked at someone behind Evan.

Xiaoli smirked, “Hot like burning hot,” he wiggled his eyebrows.

“I see no lie, and I like girls,” Hen agreed as Bobby turned up and smirked at the three trolls.

Evan turned a scowl on his face as he said, “Who th-” he cut himself off as he saw exactly who Xiaoli, Hen and Chimney were talking about. There stood Eddie, putting on his uniform, “Damn, Eddie!” he broke out into a large grin, smiling quickly at Bobby before he ran towards his husband.

“No PDA in the firehouse or at least keep them to a minimum, hugs after hard calls maybe a kiss if I feel lenient!” Bobby called out to him, shaking his head as the other three began to follow him to welcome their friend and new teammate.

Evan turned and glanced at him, nodding with a large grin on his face, “You got it!”

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