Mental As Everything

10 minutes earlier

Buck and Eddie were nearing the end of a 24hr shift that had managed to hit the sweet spot of busy but uneventful. The team had been called out enough that they had no chance to pay attention to the time, and the calls had been straightforward and all in all relatively successful. Both men were therefore in good spirits, sneaking smiles and soft touches.

Three months into Eddie's probation year the rest of the 118 were still unaware of the nature of their relationship, bar Bobby, of course, who they were obligated to disclose their relationship to. Buck knew the rest of the team would be accepting of his relationship with Eddie, especially since they'd proven time and again that their relationship didn't cause issues for their work partnership. However, he was more hesitant to open up when you and Chris were involved. Not wanting his untraditional relationship to cause rifts with his team he was starting to view as family. Eddie on the other hand had no such qualms, not needing the same validation. He was just waiting for Bucks go ahead so he could loudly show off those he loved most.

But for now they were sitting on opposite ends on the sofa in the station's loft, having enjoyed a break in the calls. It was short lived however as the blare of the bells started echoing around the firehouse. The crew redacted swiftly and were dressed and peeling out of the station in under two mintues.

"Alright team, looks like we have a fire in a free standing residential building. A neighbour called it in, saw smoke billowing out from the eastern side of the house but didn't see flames." Bobby informed from his captains chair at the front of the engine. "Not sure if there are any occupants inside so we may need to do a thorough sweep of the house." He nodded at Buck and Eddie, indicating they'd be heading straight in to investigate. "We're two minutes out,"

Eddie gave Buck a soft smile, before glimpsing out the window to see that they are in a very familiar neighbourhood. "Uh cap, where exactly are we headed to?"

"House is on South Bedford St,"

"Shit," Buck muttered under his breath, eyes meeting Eddie's. Still he reasoned that it was a long street, the likelihood it was their house was low.

As the truck swiftly turned the corner and pulled to a sharp halt in front of 4995 South Bedford Street both of their stomachs dropped.

Wasting no time they hauled themselves out the engine and up the familiar driveway.

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You were wafting away at the smoke when you heard the front door slam open and thudding footsteps echo in the front hallway. A frantic shout of "Baby" followed and you knew you'd been caught.

"In here," you muttered, resigned.

Eddie and Buck quickly making their way into the kitchen, greeted by your sheepish grin.

"Oh thank god," Eddie murmered, wrapping you in a hug. Buck quickly joined, a soft kiss placed on your forehead.

"What happened?" Buck questioned, keeping you tucked between him and Eddie.

"Well it was suppose to be our dinner. But I made the dual mistake of not putting on a timer and having an impromptu nap."

"That'll do it," Eddie agreed. "We're just glad you're okay." The arms from both sides squeezed a little tighter and you pressed your head into Eddie's chest and you felt the delayed panic of the last ten minutes hit you full force.

The comforting hands that stroked your back quickly halted when you heard a pointed cough from the doorway.

"Oh hey Hen, Chim." Buck squeaked. "As you can see the fire is already contained."

"We can see that bud. Seems like it's not the only thing thats' contained, maybe you two can stop smothering our patient so we can check for smoke inhalation,"

"I'll do the assessment," Eddie almost growled, shifting you onto one of the dinning table chairs. "Buck can you grab a wet cloth please. Might as well bring some water as well,"

Buck rushed down the hall, coming back seconds later with the cloth in one hand and your water bottle that lives on the bedside table in the other.

Eddie began his assessment, while Hen was looking at the three of you suspiciously.

"Buck, how'd you know where to go? And Eddie why are you being so possessive?"

You and Eddie both turned to Buck, ready to take his lead on how to answer. He gave a resigned smile and you mouthed the word 'sorry'. Bobby gave a soft chuckle from the side of the room, clearly cottoning on to whats going on.

"Right well, this is my house. Our house,"

"Oh, so this is your flatmate? Or partner?"

"No. Well yes we are partners," Buck backtracked, introducing you to the team. "But I mean OUR house, Eddie's too."

"Oh, Eddie's become your roommate. That's sweet." Chim chuckled.

Buck could have taken the out, but he decided he was tired of hiding the most important people in his life, Chris included.

"Not just roommate. We're partners, all of us." Chim and Hen's mouths opened in shock and a few moments of tense silenced followed. Buck's easy smile began to slowly fall.

"This better not be a problem," Eddie deadpanned, eyes going back and forth between Hen and Chim "I would be very dissapointed if you judge how other people decide to love."

"No, sorry of course not. We we're just surprised," Hen placated, while Chimney nodded in the background. "But love? I think I was assuming this is new, since Eddie started at the 118."

"Not new, in fact we've been together for years," You confirmed.

"We also have a son, Christopher. Chris. He's eight, and is the most amazing kid." Buck confessed, all three of you smiling thinking of the final member of the family.

"He is a bit bias as Chris is basically Buck's mini-me,"

"Which Eddie never fails to point out when Chris gets in trouble. Yet we all know where he gets his sass from."

"I don't know how you managed to miss this," Bobby finally spoke up. " They clearly have been acting like an old married couple this whole time,"

You were briefly regaining your land legs as you waited with your family, and other excursion members, to board the smaller boat when you heard your name from somewhere in the line behind you.

Turning around you easily spotted the familiar face towering over the rest of the line. giving your family a quick smile you made your way back towards him.

"Hey Buck, fancy seeing you here. Are you also getting dragged along to this?"

"On no don't let him blame us for this, the idea was all his," his sisters' partner responded - Chim if you remembered correctly. "This man is obsessed with animals. He has been learning about all the native species of fish for weeks."

Buck blushed but nodded his head in agreement. "This area has one of the highest diversity of species in the world. There are species here that haven't been spotted outside these coral reefs and others that have been limited to this area due to changing conditions or invasive species."

"We were initially going to go scuba diving to get really immersed, but this little girl vetoed that so the glass bottom boat was the next best thing," Maddie said running her hand over her baby bump. "Actually you two should sit together - Buck's facts would be wasted on Howie and I. Mainly because we have heard them all."

Unbeknownst to you, Buck gave her a glare for meddling. "I'm sure you don't want to spend the whole trip listening to me."

"Actually I'd love to." You blurted out, purely focused on the chance to get to hear Buck passionately ramble again. "It is that or listen to my Dad make fish puns the whole trip. You'd be doing me a favour!"

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"Okay so see all the bright fish over there that kind of looks chrome?" You nod as you spot the fish amongst the coral, "That's a type of parrot fish. Did you know they are called that cause they have teeth that are so tightly packed it looks like it forms a beak?"

"Oh I see! That's really cool. Always nice when its a logical name"

"Right! And even cooler is that most of the species are born female and then change to male later. And it's the male's that are the bright colours, the females are generally a duller brown or red."

"Oh, so it's pretty likely that this fish is male then?"

"Yeah, and in it's terminal phase".

"I know your friend said you were doing this for fun, but are you sure you aren't a marine biologist?"

"I wish! Just an avid reader unfortunately."

"Then what do you do? If you don't mind me asking."

"I'm a firefighter actually. Not quite as cool,"

"Literally," You joked, "But I beg to differ. You're actually doing every kids dream job."

"Yours included?"

"Absolutely, I wore a firefighter costume three years running for Halloween. Eventually realised it might not just be all cool rescues, but actually is probably very emotionally taxing,"

"Yeah, the good days are great. But when things go wrong its hard. Luckily I have an amazing squad I work with, that really helps."

"I know you probably hear it so often, but what you do is heroic. Not many people would choose to put themselves at risk for others, and certainly not every day. But in saying that I'm certainly glad you are getting a break, I'm sure it is well deserved."

"Me too, but it feels a little bittersweet you know? I love Maddie and Chim but I can't help wanting to have someone to experience this with for myself."

"I understand. It's nice being here, but you can't help but think you are intruding. That it is just a pity invite."

"Yeah, you get it." Buck said, giving a wistful smile before shaking his head. "Sorry, not sure how we got here - might be time to lighten the mood."

"Okay, I think I can help. Do you know that you're not the only one who's done their research?"

"Yeah?"

"So you see those bright red corals there? They're called fire corals. Although they aren't really corals, but are more jelly-fish like!" You begin excitedly as Buck looks on in awe.

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The time on the boat with Buck had been amazing, he was so easy to talk to and really just the sweetest. You really didn't want it to end, so as you stepped off the boat side by side you decided to be brave.

"So I was planning on heading to the beach bar, would you like to come?" You asked, pointing around the bay to where sunbeds were set up in the distance. "Only if you want of course, I completely understand if you need to spend time with your sister. Or if you want a break.." You rambled.

"I'd love to," He smiled interrupting your monologue. "Just let me go tell Maddie." He jogged off while you found your own family to let them know. Some gentle teasing followed, but eventually you waved them back on the boat.

"Ready," Buck said making a reappearance. Following the bay around you chatted about the favourite things you spotted on the boat. You decided on a manta-ray, while Buck after much deliberation went with a red sea star.

The walk wasn't long, but it was certainly hot, so by the time you made it to the bar a cold drink was in order. After ordering the cocktails from the bartender you spotted a familiar face on one of the lounges.

"Hey Buck, is that Eddie down there?" You gestured to the sunglass clad shirtless man, sitting alone.

"Oh," Buck licked his lips unconsciously, "I think it is"

"Should we go join him? Do you think he'll mind?"

"I guess there is no harm in asking."

Approaching you gave a little wave, trying to get his attention. Eventually he caught sight of you both an his face broke into a gentle smile.

"Fancy seeing you both here," Eddie said, sitting up to make room on the lounge.

"Small island," You joked, taking a seat across from Eddie.

"Us? This is what you get to do on your day off? Clearly I'm in the wrong gig," Buck said, sitting down beside Eddie.

"I'm really sorry to break the news to you but I don't think dance instructor is a viable career for you Buck," Eddie snickered.

"I don't know Eddie. I think some of the older ladies will happily take any class he teaches."

"Uh-huh. Just older?" Buck said, looking you up and down.

"We all know the answer to that, but I'm not going to inflate your ego further by voicing it." You blushed. "Don't think you'd be short on male participants either to be completely honest,"

"Oh he wouldn't," Eddie muttered, eyes going wide as he realised he said it out loud.

"Don't worry Eds, I don't think I could steal your class away. You have the actual skills, and well to put it frankly - you're hot as hell,"

For a second you felt like maybe you should leave the two men to their devices as they maintained each others gaze - gentle smiles tugging at each of their lips.

"And you?" Eddie asked, turning to you and raising a brow.

"I was never even thinking about overthrowing Eddie and taking the class,"

"That's not what he asked and you know it," Buck quipped, his tone firm but teasing.

Your cheeks warmed, "I think you are both so attractive it's distracting,"

"Interesting," Buck and Eddie muttered in unison.

The ship itself was lovely. Grand staircases, fancy restaurants and a waterslide or two to really give it that je ne sais quoi. It was thankfully adults only, however, it seemed to be also heavily geared towards couples. The activities schedule was full of things like dance classes, couples massages and romantic movie screenings. Great for the rest of the family. Not so much for you.

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Day one - Sunday

Everyone had successfully boarded, clad in matching green and pink Hawaiian shirts the happy couple insisted the whole party wear. Food was devoured at the buffet, the safety briefing was half listened to and the ship was explored. Once the rooms were ready everyone split off into pairs, some couples to dance, some to the casino and some to the bar. Not wanting to intrude you decide to call it an early night, and try not to think about how lonely this trip might become.

Day two - Monday

Your parents had decided to hold a meeting over breakfast each day to go through the daily schedule. With military precision they had planned each day, dictating what activities they wanted the family to attend together and when everyone had free time. The morning activities were rather fun: you'd enjoyed the quick thinking of bingo and the creativity required for art class. Both conveniently were also activities you do solo.

But you couldn't help but dread this afternoons activity... ballroom dancing. Now you didn't know much about ballroom dancing, or really dancing to begin with, but even you could be pretty sure it wasn't something one typically did alone.

Yet here you were, 1:30pm sharp, standing in the theatre with your family and thirty or so other guests.

"Alright everybody," A voice carried from across the room. "Welcome to introduction to ballroom dancing" You whipped your head around to spot the instructor, and put eyes on a striking man making his way to the centre of the room.

"My name is Eddie and I'll be your teacher today. Now there is no pressure in this class, you are all here to have fun not to star in a remake of Strictly Ballroom. So we will be starting from the very beginning, today will be all about basic steps. That being said if you enjoy today, which I really hope you do, then remember this class will be on every sea day at the same time. Over the week we will build up your skills, and by Sunday you should be able to have created and performed a routine. First things first, pair up! Any singles please come up to me and I'll find you a partner."

You gave your family a wry smile and made your way into the centre. Most guests seemed to have already come in couples as expected, and honestly you were kind of hoping no one came forward so you could just call it a day and grab a cocktail. A few elderly vacationers made their way towards the centre of the room, causing you to start rehearsing possible excuses as to why you couldn't make the next class. Luckily Eddie seemed to pair them off together pretty quickly. Finally there was just you left, and as mortifying as that was, you could almost taste the pina colada.

Eddie gave you a gentle smile before turning to the room, "Anyone else need a partner?" Heads shook across the floor.

He turned to face you with an apologetic smile, and opened his mouth to speak but was quickly interrupted by the doors opening and three more people rushing in.

"Sorry we're late, got a little lost," A brunette woman apologised, dragging along two men behind her towards Eddie.

"No worries, you haven't missed anything. Just getting into partners."

"Oh shoot, my brother needs a partner." She said, pushing the taller man in front of her. The curly haired blonde gave an awkward laugh and small wave.

"That's perfect actually," Eddie smiled, tipping his head in your direction. You returned the mans awkward wave with one of your own.

"Now that's sorted," he bellowed, gathering the attention of the rest of the class, "Everyone find a space with your partner on the dance floor. We are going to give the new partners a couple of minutes to get acquainted, then we will get started."

Steeling your nerves at the fact you would be in close proximity to this handsome stranger for at least the next hour, you walked over to your new dance partner.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Buck." he smiled, causing your heart to flutter.

"Hi," you smiled and introduced yourself. "Thank god you came, I think I was a few seconds away from being told I had to dance with an imaginary partner."

"Don't be thankful just yet, an imaginary partner would be a lot less likely to stand on your toes." Buck joked.

"You are underestimating how much damage I can do by myself. At least with you hopefully I'll stay upright"

"Okay, how about we apologise for any mistakes and injuries we may cause now, otherwise I think 90% of our conversation might be the word sorry"

"Deal," You agree, grabbing his hand and shaking it. "I'm very sorry for whatever pain we are about to endure. But at least if we go down, we will go down together".

"Ditto" Buck agreed.

"Very sincere" You laughed.

"Alright guys, everyone ready to begin?" Eddie questioned, receiving nods and yes from the class.

"Great. The first element of ballroom dancing we need to get right, even before we take a step, is posture. I want everyone to turn to face their partner and stand about six to eight inches apart from hip to hip. If you can't visual that, it's about a hand width from thumb to pinky."

You move opposite to Buck, and quickly realise how tall he is. Looking up you catch his eyes as he looks back down at you. He places his hand out from his hip to judge the distance.

You blush as you swat it away, replacing it with your own and stepping towards him "No offence, but I think your hand might be a little larger than average"

"None taken."

"Great. Next I want everyone to stand as tall as possible, feet hip width apart. Imagine there is a string pulling you up from the top of your head, keeping you upright all the way. Once you are there keep that position but make sure your shoulders are relaxed. Also make sure that you are balanced, not leaning on one leg more than the other". You do as Eddie says, parting your legs slightly and drawing yourself up. Buck across from you is doing the same, adding even more height to his already towering frame.

"Now we want to get into our starting positions. Try not to move your body for now, just your arms. Within your couples decide who the lead will be. That person should place their right hand on the other persons back, below the shoulder blade."

"Are you okay if I lead?" Buck asked, "Or if you prefer you can. I really don't mind"

"Please do. Then I can put the blame on you if we knock other couples down"

"Clever" He chuckled as he gently placed the palm of his hand on your back. You could feel the heat radiating through your t-shirt.

"Now the followers left hand goes onto the right shoulder of their partner. Upper arm is fine if there is a bit of a height difference," Eddie chuckled as he looked at you and Buck.

You move your hand to Buck's upper arm and once he nods gently place it down, trying to school your expression as you feel the curves of his biceps underneath his shirt.

"Finally join your spare hands together halfway between you, just above shoulder height and slightly outwards from the body. Now hold that position for a minute as I quickly check everyone's forms."

"So what brings you here?" Buck questioned, gazing softly down at you.

"You mean the cruise or why I turned up alone to a couples dance class?"

"Both" he chuckled.

"My parents anniversary. They decided that to celebrate they wanted a family vacation, but with minimal planning. Hence the idea of a cruise. It has also been agreed upon that they get to pick the activities, including this class, and have been using some frankly despicable guilt tripping techniques to get me to attend. What about you?"

"Similar story really. It's my sister Maddie's birthday," Buck said, using his pointer finger on the hand combined with your own to motion over to the brunette he arrived with, "she and her partner Chim have been wanting to go on a cruise because they have been religiously watching Below Deck. I know," Buck laughed, catching the questioning look in your eyes. "It's not the same and I keep trying to tell them that but apparently it's as good as they'll get on their salaries. Anyway, Maddie asked me to come along to both the cruise and this class, and I have the inability to say no to her so here I am."

Just as you were about to respond Eddie came over.

"There's my a-team. Sorry I didn't grab your names earlier," You both quickly introduced yourself properly.

"Both your forms are looking pretty good, mind if I quickly tweak it a little though?"

With quick nods in agreement Eddie gently grabbed your conjoined hands and raised them slightly. He then softly grabbed Buck's hips turning them slightly so they were parallel to his feet. Finally he delicately lifted Buck's hand from your upper back and moved it to below your should blade. Catching Bucks eye you both seemed to flush red simultaneously.

"Perfect," Eddie almost whispered, hand lingering over Bucks' on your back. "That's your starting position there. Practice getting in and out from it for a sec while I finish checking everyone else." The brunette man gave you both a charming smile before walking over to check the next group.

"Wow," you involuntarily sighed, eyes coming up to meet Bucks.

"Wow indeed," Buck responds almost giddily.

“Alright guys, everybody is looking good. I’m sure everyone is eager to get to the actual dancing so let’s start with our basic box step. There is six steps in total, and once out to music each step will be a beat. Get back into position with your partner, and bring your feet together. For the first step the leader is going to step forward with their left foot, the follower back with their right.” Buck slowly moves his foot as instructed and you follow his lead.

“Great. Then the leaders right foot is going to be stepped out to the side of the left, try not to move it diagonally but rather forward and then sideways. Partners should be going back and to the side with your left foot.” You get a jolted a little with Bucks movement this time, but regain balance and move your foot backwards.

“Next the leader will bring your left to the right so your feet are together. Follower right to left.”

You both do so in time - “We’re naturals,” Buck whispers with glee.

“Fourth step we are going straight back with your right foot, forward with left for followers. Fifth back to the side with your left foot and then finally move your right foot to beside your left. Now hopefully you’ve all ended roughly where you started.”

“Well than wasn’t terrible,” you joked, “all our feet are so far intact,”

“We’ll be just like Baby & Johnny before you know it, how do you feel about lifts?”

“Promises, promises,” the holiday romance a la Dirty Dancing didn’t seem like a bad option, even if you Buck was just referencing the dance moves.

"Alright guys we're going to speed it up with some music."

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Half an hour of practicing to music and you were exhausted. As soon as speed was involved your mind and feet decided to stop working in tandem, leading to mistiming, missed steps and a lot of running into Buck. Luckily you weren't the only member of the pair making mistakes, Buck wasn't wrong when he said your toes weren't safe. Then arms got involved and poor Buck was dodging your elbows.

Still it was an amazing experience thanks both to your partner and the teacher. Enough that you were hoping to come back.

"Thats all for today everyone. Remember it's a port day tomorrow, but we will be picking it up Wednesday for anyone who wants to continue."

The rest of the class began filing out, and you subtly shooed your family off so you could say goodbye to your new partner.

"Well we survived."

"Barely. There was a couple of moments there I thought we were going to go A over T."

"I blame the sway of the boat," Buck decided.

"I think I'll stick to blaming the leader," You rebutted, Buck putting his hand on his heart in mock hurt.

"As long as no one is blaming the teacher," A voice interrupted from behind.

"Now there's an idea, what do you think Buck?"

"Works for me!"

"Wow, my favourite students turning on me. After all I've done for them."

"Technically you only have yourself to blame, you paired us up," Buck nodded in agreement.

"I'm sorry, clearly I should have given you each a senior citizen to dance with, though they might have been to advanced for you both to handle. I was going to check if you both were coming back, but maybe my confidence couldn't handle it."

You gave a questioning gaze to Buck - "I'm game if you are?"

"It would be rude not to, the class needs an example of what not to do" Buck agrees.

Eddie had grabbed a seat across from the nurses station and had a perfect view of you taking a sip out of a coffee mug only to grimace at the taste.

Simultaneously as you thrust it back onto the desk in disgust a paper coffee cup appeared before your eyes.

“I think you could use this,” Eddie smiled, gently nudging your hand with the, blissfully, still warm coffee as you stared at him in confusion.

“I guess I now know why my ex didn’t believe me when I swore up and down I liked his cooking,” you quipped, gratefully grabbing the drink.

“If it helps the fact that the mug had been sitting untouched since I sat down nearly twenty minutes ago also indicated whatever was in that cup wasn’t going to go down well,”

“Hmm I’ll except that explanation, solely because I’d like to stay blissfully unaware if my face is an open book or not.” You took a sip of the coffee, the heat almost making up for it being from a shitty hospital drink machine before coming to a realisation.

“Hang on, does that mean I just stole your coffee?”

“Stole is an interesting choice of words when I literally handed it to you. But no, you technically stole my colleagues.”

“Even better, get me in the bad books of someone I don’t even know.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll only tell her that you claimed it while my back was turned and proceeded to call her all sorts of bad names,”

“Wonderful, I’m assuming she’s a firefighter too?” You asked having caught sight of the man’s LA Fire uniforme. He nodded in affirmation. “Great, it’s not like I’ll ever see her again,” you noted sarcastically.

“Im not sure you will, since I for one have never seen you before,”

“That’s because I’ve just moved here. Regrettably I don’t know the good hiding spots yet so I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of each other,”

“Well I for one look forward to it, I have plenty of other colleagues I can turn against you,”

“Great,” you laughed, barely managing to stop sitting out the coffee.

“Well there she is now,” He pointed at a women across the room waving at him to get a move on. “Nice to meet you Dr…. Sorry I didn’t get your name,”

You laughed, introducing yourself and shaking his hand.

“Right well I’m Eddie,” he said, giving you a nod as he turned away,”

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Buck’s first meeting with you was a bloody mess, literally. It was only a few weeks after Eddie had first saw you, and in true Buck fashion it was chaos.

Los Angeles had been hit with a Tsunami, the worst in the US since 1964, and the hospital was overwhelmed with patients. Luckily Cedars-Sinai was far enough inland that the hospital hadn’t been damaged, but others had. Meaning that they couldn’t take on emergencies but they also had to transfer critical patients who were already there.

The hours since the Tsunami were a blur as you moved through emergency patients addressing their injuries enough to keep them stabilised, before moving them off to specialised wards.

You were currently in the bay waiting on an incoming ambulance, with a critical but awake patient onboard. From what you could gather the poor guy had been at the pier when the tsunami hit, spent the day rescuing others despite being already injured, before collapsing at the makeshift VA hospital. They’d sent him across as he needed to be imaged to make sure their wasn’t internal damage, and with the VA running on generators they weren’t able to do it there.

The ambulance pulled up abruptly, knocking you out of your thoughts, and the paramedics open the door to a man who was smiling despite the downright awful day you had. You followed the paramedics into the ER, listening as they rattled out Evans, Buck as he apparently preferred, injuries and symptoms.

“Hi Buck,” you introduced yourself, “sound like you had a rough day,”

“Wasn’t my favourite. Although I’m sure yours hasn’t been a walk in the park either,”

“More like a marathon dash if I’m honest. However between the two of us I think I’ve had it easier, I got to stay dry after all,”

“Not a fan of swimming?” Buck laughed.

“Love swimming, just never liked waves. Silver lining to all this is that I get to call up my mum and tell her how wrong she was calling my fear ‘irrational’,” Buck started laughing again, but quickly grimaced and held the left side of his upper abdomen.

“Alright, time to pause my one woman show and get you check out. You lie back and relax okay,”

“Thanks Doc,”

You quickly went through the motions of your head to toe assessment. Buck had clearly suffered rib bruising and had cuts that had been hastily patched but needed better dressings, otherwise externally he was in surprisingly good nick. It was the leg you were worried about, ordering a CT to make sure it was all okay. You placed Buck back into a quite corner of the ER to get his bandages redressed and wait out the results while you dived back into the fray. After a few hours you got to give him the good news.

“Hiya Buck,” you greeted pushing through the curtains. “Your looking a bit more spritely,”

“It must be the food they serve here, ever since I got my hands on a sandwich I’ve been feeling a million bucks,” he winked.

“Oh ha ha. I also don’t believe you, I’ve tried the food here and I don’t think anyone’s had a higher reaction than ‘meh’. Should I call for a psych consult?”

“Threatening a sick man. That’s low,”

“Well the good news is I wouldn’t call you sick, just slightly bruised and battered. You’ll have to promise to rest up but I don’t see why you can’t go home straight away,”

“That’s great news! Thanks for everything today, this hospital stay has been one of the more pleasant ones due to you,”

“Bet you say that to all your doctors. Now is someone available to pick you up or do you need me to give anyone a call?”

“My partners just outside making a call, I’m all good to go! Thanks again,”

“Bye Buck,” you smiled closing the curtain behind you.

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Eddie was exceptionally grateful tonight that both of his boys were safe and relatively uninjured under his roof.

Chris had taken some coaxing to get to sleep but he’d eventually drifted off. Buck, after Eddie had told him to stop being a idiot and thinking he was in any way to blame for the events of the day, was in a surprisingly good mood.

So good he was in fact humming under his breath a rather upbeat tune as they lay in bed.

“Sweetheart,” Eddie whispered, turning Bucks head gently towards him so they were lying facing each other. “Are you sure your okay? Not that I want to doubt you but you’re taking today exceptionally well,”

“Ed’s don’t worry, I am now. I wasn’t to be honest initially but the doctor at the hospital was great and she calmed me down, and got me laughing,”

“That sounds like excellent beside manner,”

“The excellent-est. I would like to request her for any future, likely inevitable, injuries I sustain.”

“Shut up Buck, I don’t want to see you hurt again if I can help it.” Eddie groaned, placing a kiss on his forehead. “Which doctor was it?”

Buck relayed your name smiling, and Eddies face dropped. “Oh.”

“Oh? What’s oh mean Eddie?” Buck questioned sitting up and turning his body to Eddie.

“I’ve met her that’s all, and she’s young and pretty. Funny too.”

“Was that oh jealousy?” Buck asked exasperated, “you silly man,”

“Its just she would be perfect for you, and I imagine a lot less baggage.”

“Sweetheart, while I admit she’s appealing, I love you. Your what I want, and I happen to love Chris,”

“I know, I’m sorry. I can’t helped being worried.”

Buck pulled him into a kiss. “Don’t be,” he whispered against his lips before pulling away.

“Wait hang on!” He paused as Eddie tried to chase his lips. “You noticed all those things about her too, yes?”

“Maybe…”

“So does that mean you are also attracted to her?”

“Buck I would never do anything to jeopardise…”

“Ed’s I know that,” Buck cut him off, “I think this is a good thing”

“How so?”

“Well we both like her. So why don’t we both date her?”

“Im sorry what?”

“You. Me. Her,” Buck punctuated. “Doesn’t that sound good,”

“I don’t think it’s that simple Buck,”

“Why not? If she wants this too than what’s the issue? And don’t you dare say it’s not accepted, because you and I both know that caring what people think only hurts.”

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay Buck. If she’s also interested then let’s do it”

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The last few weeks had been filled with thinking about Eddie and Buck. You managed to meet two lovely men, who talking with seemed as natural as breathing, so you could help day dream about them both individually and rather embarrassingly together.

So when the two men walked into the ER together you were almost sure you were daydreaming again. They’d approached one of the nurses who mortifingly pointed straight at you, ensuring the boys caught you staring. You gave an embarrassed wave as they came towards you.

“Hi Doctor,” Buck winked.

“Hi Buck, Eddie. Nice to see you both…together,”

“Ah yes, literally actually. We’re boyfriends” Eddie acknowledged, his face flushing red.

“Oh that’s great,” although the disappointing feeling washing over seemed to disagree, “I don’t doubt you’re amazing together,” you said genuinely. At the very least it gave you hope that two of the most genuine people you had met were together. “Here for a follow up?”

“No actually, I hope this isn’t too upfront but we we’re hoping you’d like to join us for dinner sometime soon?” Eddie asked, Buck nodding beside him in encouragement.

“Oh, as a thank you? You absolutely don’t need to do that,”

“No, although I definitely want to thank you,” Buck replied, “as a date,”

“A date?” You squeaked.

“We know it’s unorthodox but we both couldn’t stop thinking about you and once we realised we were thinking about the same person we had to try,”

“You do realise we’re going to be a scheduling nightmare right? I mean doctors and firefighters aren’t know for their set hours”

“Worse comes to worse there is the hospital cafeteria, they have some of the best sandwiches” Buck jokes.

“And coffee,” Eddie added.

“Delusional the both of you. It’s like you want this to fail”

“Is that a yes?”

“I get off in 15, meet you in the cafeteria?”

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Well that escalated. Thank you lovely Anon for your request.Hope you all enjoyed. Any medical knowledge (or lack there of) is brought to you by 24 hrs in A&E.

Buck shrugged at Eddie as they made the way down the hallway, peering in doors as they passed. It wasn't till they opened the door to the living room that they found any signs of life. Twinkling fairy lights were hung across the walls, basking the room in a light golden glow. Soft instrumental music was playing gently from the speaker and the table was set for four.

"What's going on?" Eddie whispered to his partner, Buck for his part looking just as bewildered. "Where are they?"

Buck shook his head in confusion, making his way into the living room. He spotted you and Chris pretty quickly, both sunk into the sofa fast asleep. Eddie followed him over and both men couldn't help the grin when they saw their partner and son, clearly accidentally napping while waiting for the boys to come home.

"Hi mijo," Eddie whispered, gently pulling Chris from your embrace and into his arms. "Dad! Bucky! You're home," He whispered wiping the sleep from his eyes.

"Mom and I were supposed to surprise you, we didn't mean to fall asleep,"

"We can see that superman." Buck whispered, "What's the big surprise?"

"Ay dios mio," Eddie suddenly exclaimed, staring down at Chris in shock.

"What Eds?" Buck questioned.

"Look at Chris' shirt Ev,"

Chris grinned stretching out so Buck could read it properly. There sprawled across his tiny chest were the words 'BEST BIG BROTHER'.

"Oh my god," Buck gasped, mouth opening and closing but no other words coming out.

"Surprise," You whispered nervously, having woken up from your nap to Eddie's shout of shock. Both boys whipped around to face you, as you grinned sheepishly.

"Baby, is this true? It's not a prank right?" Buck whispered, placing his hand across your stomach like he already expected a big bump to be there.

"It is, I found out yesterday. Chris and I had a big plan to tell you both, there's even a bun sitting in the oven," When Evan got a look of concern on his face you followed up with "the oven is turned off, I promise."

"You're sure? About being pregnant I mean."

"Positive, literally." Handing over multiple tests to each of the boys, all with the same result. "Chris was actually the one who mentioned it, I may be slightly bias but I think our son is a genius,"

"So Amy from school, her Mom is pregnant too and she was talking about how she is feeling sick and getting tired more often." Chris chattered happily, "So then when Mom was like that the last week I thought that maybe she was."

"That's great superman," Buck said absentmindedly.

You couldn't help but notice that Eddie hadn't even spoken yet, and Buck's tone was making you worried. While you had discussed expanding your family before, it was always talked about in the vague future and the idea that maybe they weren't ready was chewing you up.

"Hey Chris honey, I think you should get the card we made for your dads! I think it's sitting in your bedroom." He excitedly agreed, giving you a short time to talk to your partners.

"I know this is a shock, but is this okay? It's sudden but I love you both soo much and.."

"Baby," Buck interrupted, wrapping you in his arms. "this is the greatest gift you could ever give me. I can't wait to have another child with you two, honestly I can't wait to see Chris as a big brother." You sighed in relief knowing at least one of your partners was on board.

"Eds?" Buck whispered while directing the other mans head up gently with his hand and gently placing a kiss on his forehead. You both noticed the tears in his eyes as he struggled for words.

"I am so so grateful to you [y/n], for allowing me the opportunity to get to be a dad to another child again. I love you more than words can express." Tears of happiness began to fall down your cheeks as he pressed a soft peck to your lips and place his hand gently on your belly.

"And Buck, I can't wait to watch you be a Dad to this baby. You are an amazing parent to Chris but I am honored to be a dad with you again to this baby, to get to watch you Buck, and you too [y/n], get to experience every little moment together. Between us and Chris this baby is going to be so loved and cherished,"

Buck and Eddie wrapped you between them in a hug, whispering words of excitement and joy. You only parted when Chris came back in the room, a grin on his face as he thrust the card towards Eddie and Buck.

“Absolutely?” You queried as Lauren gaudy heels clicked away. “You didn’t have to say that, I’d have understood if you wanted to see her. We’re done with dinner anyway,”

“Trust me I didn’t say it because we’re busy, my answer would have been a no regardless.”

“And the other part?” Paul cocked in his head in confusion. “Telling her you’re interested in me? Was that just to get her off your case?”

It was amazing how insecure you were feeling, but you couldn’t help compare yourself to the blonde who just departed. The girl, while maybe a tad over the top, was clearly your typical small town beauty queen. Her platinum blonde hair, shiny clothes and pointed nails were of a stark contrast to your mud covered khaki and plaited hair littered with twigs. It felt like you were back in high school and that thought made you nauseas.

Normally you were more sure in yourself, but despite knowing Paul only a few days he seemed to destroy your sensibilities. For some reason your heart, despite your brains best logic, seemed to think that Paul could change the course of your future. You weren’t sure you were ready for the answer.

“Sorry, sorry. You absolutely don’t have to answer that. We can revert right back to before Lauren came over and pretend none of this happened if you like! I totally understand I’m probably not the type of girl you are usually in to, so don’t worry no need to let me down gently,”

“[Y/n],” he stated ending your panicked rambling. Grabbing onto your hand, he used his other to turn your blushing face so you were making eye contact. “Why wouldn’t you be the girl I’m typically interested in?”

“I know you don’t know me very well but this is it. I don’t have a girly, giggly side. I’m not the typical girl guys go for, especially guys like you.”

“Like me?”

“Well yeah. Attractive, smart, funny guys like you. I’m not their go to type,”

“You are assuming a lot about me, while simultaneously undermining how amazing you are. You aren’t doing either of us any favours.”

“What assumptions am I making?”

“My type in woman. Why did you think I was lying? I said nothing but the truth to Lauren.”

“But that means you’re…”

“Absolutely interested in you.”

“Oh. Can I ask why?”

“You can, but just know that it hurts me that you think it’s a valid question. I am interested in you because you are amazingly witty, so much so prior to the last five minutes I haven’t wiped the smile from my face. I’m interested because you are so insanely intelligent and passionate about what you do. I’m interested because you are openly kind and caring, and I can see how interested you are while still carefully respecting my boundaries. And I’m interested because you are the most beautiful woman I’ve seen, mud and all,”

“Right, is that all?” You gulped trying to make a joke, but instead your voice came out shaky and high pitched.

“Not even close. So now that I’ve made it abundantly clear how I feel, just tell me if I screwed up by clueing you in.” It was Paul’s turn to look anxious as he tried to pull back his hand still locked in yours.

You grabbed onto it, linking your fingers together. “No, you didn’t screw up. Quite the opposite really. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since we meet. But don’t you think this is crazy, we have known each other for a few days? I’m not sure we should be feeling like this,”

“Just because it seems fast doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”

“I can’t imagine this ever feeling wrong,” You declared, biting your lips in anticipation.

“Me either, so who cares if some arbitrary rules say this is too fast. At risk of sounding like a cliche - if you know you know - and it sounds like we both know,”

“So does that mean we’re all in?”

“Absolutely,” Paul muttered as he placed his hand on the back of your head, gently pulling you towards him while giving you ample time to stop. Instead you leaned in pressing your lips gently to his. You could swear you felt sparks, and somehow kissing over discarded plates of chips in the corner of a small dinner was the best moment of your life.

“Well let’s hope we follow our subject matter.” You muttered as you reluctantly pulled away, “did you know wolves mate for life?”

Paul chuckled, you have no idea he thought.

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"That's hilarious," Jared chuckled moments after Paul shifted for parole and his day came spilling out through their connection. "You couldn't even make it a day without falling head over heels in love with her"

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Hi all, sorry for the delay - but I hope this absolute sap will get me back in your good graces! I am finally finished with uni so actually have some time on my hands now.

The idle chit chat continued across the table as you and Paul finished your meals. The diner itself was small and cozy, with tribal artwork splashed across the walls and delicate wood carvings etched into the furniture. The food too was delicious, and definitely worth coming back for throughout your stay.

Paul was also proving to be just as good company inside as he was outside.

He happily chatted about the tribe, and the natural forests around the error. He was clearly linked to the land he grew up, despite the earlier comments about moving away. However he did seem to steer clear about his upbringing, never mentioning any parents or siblings.

It was hard not be nosy, you had an intrinsic desire to learn every little thing about him, but you managed to hold off.

“So how about tomorrow, did you get the short straw?”

“The short straw?”

“Being my babysitter.”

“That straw isn’t short. I initially didn’t, Jared was suppose to help out tomorrow. But I may have already texted him to let him know that I am taking over. There’s no way I’m letting him have the satisfaction of seeing the first wolf sighting.”

“Should I be honored, or is this purely to one up your best friend?”

“The latter for sure. If I knew how to operate the camera I’d ditch you as well and head up there myself. Steal the glory.”

“Well at least your honest. But just know I will be sending a heads up to everyone in my phone contacts. Wouldn’t want you to get rid of me once we have the photo.”

“Darn, you foiled my plan.”

Your chuckling was abruptly interrupted by a nasal voice piercing both your ear drums.

“Paul, fancy running into you here” A blonde haired, pink sweatsuit clad, lady declared from the edge of the table.

“Oh. Lauren, hi,” You could hear the drop in Paul’s voice, seemingly just as upset at the intrusion as you were. “What are you doing on the reservation?”

“I was spending the day on the beach with my friends, just thought I’d stop in for a coffee before I drove back to Forks. I’m glad I did!”

“That’s nice, well it was lovely to see you. Looks like your coffee is ready so you’d better get it and head off”

“Don’t be silly, I can drink it here with you ,”

“I’m really sorry Laura, but we’re actually busy at the moment. I’m sure Paul can talk to you some other time.” You interjected, not comfortable with the intense stare she was giving Paul. The girl hadn’t even looked in your direction once. Hopefully you weren’t misreading Paul’s feelings on the girl, but the grimace on his face seemed like a good indicator.

“It’s Lauren, actually. And who are you?”

“This is [y/n], and we were actually having a private conversation.”

“I can wait! Then we could go out….or stay in. Up to you,” Lauren playfully pouted. You almost groaned in the second hand embarrassment.

“I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen Lauren. I’m not interested in you like that,”

“Are you kidding?” She hissed, “and you’re interested in her?” Pointing a sharped clawed finger in your direction.

You prepared yourself for a polite no, but when Paul opened his mouth you thought you had misheard him.

“Absolutely.”

But one comment, made sitting around Emily and Sam's dinning table took it too far.

Sitting with what to you seemed like a delightful combination of peanut butter and hot sauce bagels topped with orange slices, it was enough to elicit a groan.

"This seems to be getting way beyond normal now. I'm beginning to wonder if you are actually having these cravings or if you just like to make everyone else uncomfortable!" Jacob declared jokingly, but with your out of control emotions it was enough to stop you mid bite and feel shame.

"Right? I think next she'll just eat straight from the trash, it's not like she is far off!" Laughed Quil, causing laughter around the table.

Your eyes watered as you choked out "I'm sorry,"

"No, don't you dare apologise." Paul stated, gently placing his hands on your shoulders. "It's these morons who have no right to be teasing you." Turning to address the pack he gave them a hard stare. "You are all being absolute dicks. She's trying to survive extreme changes to her body, something we should be particularly understanding about, but instead your being rude and judgemental. If you all don't get your shit together and start being supportive then I will absolutely see if beating some sense into you in wolf form will help the process,"

The next evening you were all once again sitting around the dining table. The pack, showing their support, were all eating your newest and rather tame craving - chocolate covered bacon.

Sam got everyones attention and raised his fork in a toast "To our newest pack member,". The rest of the pack raised their own cutlery and echoed the sentiment.

This time the tears in your eyes were from happiness.

Paul watched you in awe as you examined the ground for paw prints and the brush for any animal made tracks. After a few minutes you saw an area of flattened grass a few feet off the trail that peaked your interest. The animal made path left the small clearing and continued on downhill, meandering past rocky outcrops and large pine trees. Importantly you can hear the faint sound of flowing water in this distance, making the path a possible trail from den to the stream.

“Can you bring me my backpack?” You yelled to Paul.

“Here you go,” Paul passed over the bag a few minutes later. You went searching for the small motion sensor camera tucked at the bottom. “You found something?”

“Yup, our first spot! There is an animal trail here, you see? I’m not a hundred percent sure it’s our wolves, but the location makes sense with the water down that way and possible den locations up higher. I think we place it here for now and come back in a few days to see what it’s captured.”

“Why don’t we follow the path up or down?” Paul questioned.

“Honestly this is the easiest spot for us to access and find. If we do capture photos I think we could probably go place another camera down near the stream. I probably wouldn’t risk going up to the dens, they only use them when they are rearing pups and I don’t particularly want to piss off a mother wolf when we go to collect the camera.”

“I’d protect you,”

“I don’t doubt that cowboy. But what if it’s Jared with me when we are collecting them? You and I both know he’s sacrifice me to save himself,”

“Good call. Here it is,”

You wrapped the strap of the camera around a sturdy tree trunk at the bend of the track. Hoping you’d capture wolves coming and going from both directions.

“Okay, I need you to test this out for me!”

“You what? No thanks,”

“Oh come on, you just have to walk up and down the path. I promise to only put one of the photos in the data report, got to credit you somehow” You joked.

“Oh ha ha,” He stated starting to head up the trail. Once he was out of your sight you called him back, and he performed a turn any catwalk model would be jealous off. After walking down the track a few yards you checked the photos captured and gave your go ahead. Quickly snapping a photo of the site, noting the coordinates and saving a location on your phone it was done.

“Well that’s us good to go, nice modelling work there. I think the elders would be silly not to put out some Quileute merch and leak those photos,”

“I have no idea what you are talking about, I just happened to be channeling my inner wolf.”

“Of course, I forgot wolves are known to be natural stutters.”

“And don’t you dare leak those photos, because I’m sure as shit that the elders would have no clue how,”

“Don’t worry cowboy - whoops I’m sorry wolf boy, I’d make sure to get photos of Sam and Jared as well. The world deserves to see all three of you rock khaki,”

You reserved almost an animalistic growl from Paul for your comments, that probably should have startled you but realistically made you feel hot and bothered.

Paul himself wasn’t sure if it was in appreciation of the wolf boy comment or the jealously towards Sam and Jared.

“Come on smart arse,” he quipped, helping you put your backpack over your shoulders, “We better start to head back to the car before I give into the temptation to leave you here,”

“Go right ahead - I’ve been leaving a breadcrumb trail all day, so I can easily find my way back without your help,” You stuck your tongue out, and confidently stated heading in the opposite direction of the car.

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Next chapter

But of a short (but hopefully sweet) chapter. Is Paul absolutely OOC when he’s with reader, yup. If anyone thinks that’s wouldn’t how he would be one on one with his imprint then fight me xx