Schrodinger’sBuddie

Got hit with this out of nowhere, debating finishing it up!

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It happens in the middle of the night, usually. It took hours to get Theo down, and Buck is just climbing into bed himself when he hears a cry that rattles him down to his bones. He doesn’t even register leaving his bedroom - he’s simply sat on his mattress one minute and then beside Theo the next. 

Theo is sobbing his heart out, chubby cheeks flushed and tear-stained as he sits upright in bed. “Daddy,” he wails, arms reaching for Buck. 

“Shh,” Buck soothes as he scoops up Theo into his arms. “I’m here.” It’s been months and yet the nightmares never seem to end. Always Theo calling out for his dad. As much as Buck loves Theo and sees him as his own, he would give anything to be able to deliver Connor to him, to answer those pleading calls at night. 

He knows he’s a poor substitute for the family Theo lost, that he and Eddie and Chris are just a patchwork job. But damn if his entire heart doesn’t ache for this kid. His son-but-not-really-but-also-yes-his-son. 

So imagine Buck’s surprise, when a week or so later, Theo takes a tumble off a play structure and as his little head turns this way and that, looking for an adult, his eyes lock on Buck (who's already racing over) as he yells “Daddy!” right before big fat tears fall. 

And Buck gets it. The fall startled Theo, he’s looking for his dad (who isn’t here, who won’t ever be here again) and Buck just happened to be there. He scoops Theo up, looks him over, and presses big, over dramatic kisses to the side of Theo’s face, the top of his head, both of his palms. “All better?” He asks, because the fall wasn’t from very high and Theo (thankfully) landed bottom-first, but if there was something else, Buck wouldn’t forgive himself.

Eddie, teasing: What if I stabbed you in the back with a fork?

Buck: Wow. It’s like you don’t even listen. I said put it in my neck, Eddie.

Chimney: You told him to do what now? Oh, I am so telling Maddie this.

Buck: Wow! Backstabber!

Eddie: Oh how the stabbed becomes the stabber.

Hen: You were literally stabbed just the other month.

Eddie: What . . . are you doing.

Hen: Trying to cut the sexual tension between you two, we're all sick of it.

Eddie:

Buck:

Maddie: Okay. Okay. Wow. How are we feeling about this?

Eddie: Good. Great, even. You know, I’m an ally. I post a rainbow on my Instagram every pride month!

Maddie: So now you’re more than an ally—wow, I’m getting an incredible sense of déjà vu right now.

Eddie: I’m in love with your brother, by the way.

Maddie, sighing: At least you reached the right conclusion. Tell him, please. I can’t suffer any longer.

It's been hours of Theo running around and causing chaos around Buck's house. By the time Eddie and Chris arrive for their visit, the house looks like a series of natural disasters took place.

"Sorry guys. I completely lost track of time," he sighs when he opens the door.

Both Chris and Eddie's eyes widen at the state of Buck's house. Toys scattered on the floor, marker scribbles over the walls, building blocks lying all over, and Theo still zooming about.

"It's alright," Eddie says sympathetically. "Maybe you should go get Theo cleaned up and Chris and I can order pizza or something."

"I've tried everything, he won't budge," Buck murmurs. "I tried giving him a bath earlier but after less than 5 minutes, there was more water on the floor than in the bath."

Eddie's eyes trail over Buck's exhausted state, "Okay new plan. How about you go and get pizza to clear your mind a bit while Chris and I watch after Theo?"

"No, no, it's fine. I'm fine," Buck shakes his head.

"Well you look horrible," Chris comments.

"Thanks, bud," Buck murmurs. "Okay, fine. I'll go get dinner. But if there's anything - just call me and I'll come back."

"Don't worry, we've got this," Eddie reassures.

Buck takes about half an hour to get back home after grabbing dinner for everyone.

When he places the key in the lock, the house sounds suspiciously quiet. Part of him wonders whether Theo managed to lore Eddie and Chris into a plan to jump out and scare him when he steps inside. Who could say no to that cute face?

However when he opens the door, he's met with the last thing he expected.

All the toys are packed away, the walls are free of scribbled drawings, and Theo is sat in his pjs next to Chris watching a cartoon Buck doesn't recognize.

Eddie emerges from the kitchen with a sippy cup filled with what looks like juice.

"How did you-" Buck frowns, gesturing to Theo.

"C'mon, Buck. I've had years of practice," Eddie shrugs.

"Chris never acts like this though," Buck says in confusion.

"Who said I was referring to Chris?" he raises a brow. "I'm talking about you."

Buck narrows his eyes in slight offense.

people keep reposting my comics without credit or permission so heres a dump of my comics frome my twitter @/cuptoast

Ravi: I know, right? Like, they have to hate each other for a while longer for that real tension, you know?

Eddie: Exactly!

Buck: I should’ve hated you for longer. Would’ve solved all our problems. Round two here we go! Eddie, I hate you.

Eddie: No, you love me.

Buck: Yeah, I love you.

Eddie: I love you too!

Hen: Wow. Round two lasted even shorter than round one. What the fuck.

Babianca and babico playing aww aww the aw