(Semi)Professional Fangirl

"I'm so sorry for your loss," you heard for what seemed like the millionth time in the past 3 hours. Vanessa's funeral had just ended and now you and your father were hosting a repast at Gracie Mansion for selected mourners.

You nodded and thanked the speaker, not even noticing nor caring who it was. You were mentally and physically exhausted and needed a break from the constant (and probably more often than not, insincere) sympathy.

While your father was busy accepting condolences from the governor's aide, you took your chance and snuck away, heading upstairs.

Instead of going to the guest room that you had been staying in for the past three days, you went into your parents' bedroom instead, pausing to look at a photo of the three of you from your college graduation that was hanging on the wall just inside the room.

All of you were smiling in the photo, you in the middle in your cap and gown while your father and Vanessa both beamed with pride.

You reached up and touched the picture. They had both been so proud of you that day.

You continued further into the room, Vanessa's jewelry box catching your eye. It had been left open, most likely on accident as she had rushed to get ready to go to the boxing match after having returned from Albany to meet with the governor.

You walked over to it, reaching out and touching the pair of diamond-and-ruby earrings you had given Vanessa as a Mother's Day gift the year after she and your father had gotten married.

"Oh, these are beautiful," Vanessa had breathed after she had opened the box containing them.

You had nodded. "I was hoping you'd like them. Happy Mother's Day, Vanessa."

Vanessa had wrapped you in a hug. "Thank you so much, sweetheart. I'll cherish them forever."

Impulsively, you picked up one of the earrings.

You then walked over to the full-length mirror to check your appearance, hardly recognizing the person looking back at you.

You were tired — physically tired from not sleeping and mentally and emotionally tired from having to hold it together in front of others.

You stared into the mirror, either willing yourself to wake up from the nightmare you were obviously trapped in or for a portal to open up and take you to an alternate universe where you hadn't just buried the closest thing you had to a mother.

You quickly tucked the earring into your purse and turned as a reflection appeared behind you.

"Darling, there you are," Buck said, walking into the room.

You winced. Of course he would have noticed that you had disappeared. "Buck, I, um," you stammered. "I didn't— I mean I just needed—"

Buck slowly walked towards you. "You miss her. So do I."

You wrapped your arms around yourself protectively. "Vanessa was more like a mother than a stepmother to me."

Buck nodded. "I know."

You looked down to where you knew his gun was. "You know, we've never talked about the fact that you always carry a gun. Suit's supposed to cover it, but I still know it's there."

Buck looked down at his suit jacket then back at you, his eyes narrowing in what seemed to be confusion at the sudden change of subject. "You know it's part of the job, love."

"You've used it to kill people." It was a statement, not a question.

While you weren't privy to the full workings of your father's business, you weren't naive enough to believe that certain disappearances — such as that of Commissioner Gallow and the captain and first mate of the Northern Star — were just coincidental.

Buck took a step closer to you and said your name, a worried look crossing his face. "Are you okay?"

You side-stepped him and went to sit on the bed. You had refused to attend the boxing match — watching two men (one of whom was your father) beat each other up for sport was not your idea of a good time — and had been at home reading when you had gotten the call about the attack. You'd rushed to the hospital while Vanessa had been in surgery, where you had sat and waited with Buck's arms around you until your father had come back from the observation area and said that Vanessa was in recovery and could have visitors soon.

You had been there when she had awakened and had spoken to her briefly before leaving to go home to shower and change your clothes, not knowing that it would be the last time you ever saw her alive again.

"I keep having nightmares," you admitted. "Nightmares in which I was there that night and Vanessa is lying motionless in the ring, then suddenly it's my dad, and then it's you, and you're bleeding out onto the floor while the whole time Poindexter is laughing at me and I — I can't —"

Your voice broke. "What if I had been there? What if I had made myself go to the match?"

"Poindexter is a madman," Buck reasonably pointed out. "He probably would have tried to kill you too."

You looked up at Buck before quickly looking back down again. "I want to kill him," you admitted in a whisper. "I want to make him suffer."

"How?" Buck murmured.

"Shooting him is too good for him. I want to squeeze the life out of him, to see the light slowly leave his eyes."

"Show me."

You shook your head, feeling awful for even admitting to the thought. "No."

Buck knelt down in front of you. "It's okay, love."

He took your hands in his and raised one to his neck, then the other, his eyes never leaving yours.

Your heart constricted. Your loving, handsome, supportive, amazing boyfriend was asking you to channel all of your sorrow, all of your hurt, all of your rage, onto him.

God, how you loved him.

Tears fell from your eyes as you began to squeeze, imagining that it was Benjamin Poindexter's throat your hands were circling instead of the love of your life's.

You took a shaky breath and stood, Buck following suit as your hands tightened around his windpipe.

After what felt like an eternity but was likely actually only a few moments, Buck slowly raised his hands back to yours, his fingers looping gently around your wrists and guiding your hands back down to his shoulders.

You loosened your hold on him, panting with exertion both from crying and from the force with which you had been squeezing Buck's larynx.

Buck swallowed, then trailed his hands down your arms, holding you as if you could break at any moment.

You scanned his face for any sign of discomfort. While you wanted Benjamin Poindexter to feel every ounce of pain and suffering that he had brought upon Vanessa, you never wanted to hurt Buck — intentionally or unintentionally.

Buck tilted his head to the side as he studied you. "You feel better?"

You didn't answer, instead raising one hand and caressing his cheek.

Buck took your hand in his and gently pressed a kiss to your fingertips. "I'm here for you, my love," he murmured. "Whatever you need, whenever you need it, I will be by your side… Always."

What did I do to deserve him? you thought. "I love you."

"I love you too." Buck swiped his thumbs underneath your eyes, wiping away your tears. "Are you ready to rejoin the others?"

You nodded. "Yeah."

Buck offered a hand to you. "Then let's go together."

Buck stood near the entrance to the Grand Hall at the Governor's mansion and observed the crowd at the Governor's annual dinner while he waited for security to give the all-clear. He had agreed to keep an eye out while they did a perimeter check, although there had been no sign of any credible threat. Poindexter was in the wind and Murdock — ahem, Daredevil — seemed to be content causing chaos closer to home.

"On duty tonight?"

Buck glanced over as Dr. Glenn walked up next to him, glass of champagne in hand. "For the moment, just until security is done making its sweep."

"I'd have thought the Mayor would've let you off this evening."

Buck chuckled. "No need to feel sorry for me, Dr. Glenn. This affords me the best spot in the room."

"How so?"

"Well you see, from here I have the best view of the court — as in, royal court. Suitors, subjects, all swirling around." Buck nodded over towards the Mayor, who was conversing with the Governor as you and Mrs. Fisk looked on. "The King, of course, locking horns with the Governor, the Queen, obverving everything, cataloging it…"

Buck smiled softly and nodded over at you in greeting as you made eye contact with him and gave a little wave. "…The Princess, heir to the throne — should she choose to accept it."

You had finally decided to embrace the moniker "The Princess of New York" after the papers had picked up on Buck's and your relationship. (Granted, it hadn't exactly made the front page of the New York Herald since the story of Benjamin Poindexter's attempt on the Mayor's life obviously took precedent, but there it had been nonetheless, on page 3 — a photo of you and Buck standing next to each other at one of the Mayor's press conferences with the headline, "The Princess and the Bodyguard" along with a short write-up about your public debut.)

"And we are their humble courtiers," he continued, "each chosen for the talents we possess. Like Daniel, for instance…"

He nodded over at Daniel, who was standing with Shelia while subtly pumping the lieutenant governor for information.

Dr. Glenn took a sip of champagne. "The jester?"

Buck chuckled. "At first glance. But… Is there more than meets the eye? An heir unapparent — if the Princess should choose to abdicate the throne, that is."

"You like him, don't you?" Dr. Glenn asked.

Buck thought for a moment. Professionally, he had watched Daniel grow from a kid from Staten Island into a bright, calculating young man. As for personally, Daniel had been the one to convince Buck to take a chance on asking you out, and not only that, but he had also graciously and enthusiastically accepted Buck's request to decorate your apartment while you and Buck were in Long Island on your anniversary. "He's grown on me."

He nodded towards Sheila next. "And then we have Sheila, the chief of staff. Or… Iago, waiting with a sharpened blade."

Dr. Glenn chuckled and took another sip of champagne. "And you?"

Buck looked at her. "Me?"

"Mmm." Dr. Glenn nodded over at you, smiling knowingly. "That would make you the Knight, wouldn't it?"

Buck couldn't help but grin as he shook his head. "I am but the Princess's humble courtesan, fortunate enough to have earned her affection."

Dr. Glenn studied him. "You love her."

Buck nodded as he looked over at you again. "I do. Very much so."

"Have you told her?"

"I have, yes."

"Good. Hold on to her. You two seem happy together."

Buck smiled again. Little did Dr. Glenn know that he had set a plan in motion earlier that afternoon to do just that.

He had asked the Mayor to briefly meet before the Governor's Dinner and had made an excuse to you to pop out for a bit so he could stop by Gracie Mansion.

"Thank you for meeting with me, sir," he had said as he and Mayor Fisk has stepped into the Mayor's home office.

"Of course, Buck," the Mayor had replied. "Is this regarding business, or is it a personal matter?"

"A personal matter, sir."

"Ah." Mayor Fisk had raised an eyebrow, a knowing look on his face. "Then I assume it involves my daughter."

Buck had nodded. "Yes, sir, it does."

Mayor Fisk had waved a hand at him. "Go on, then."

Buck had taken a deep breath. "I wish to ask her to marry me, sir."

Mayor Fisk had huffed out a chuckle. "I see. I take it living together is going well, then?"

Buck couldn't help but smile. With his lifestyle and career he'd never thought he would be able to even have a stable relationship, much less come home to another person… until he had met you. "It is."

"And so you've come to me to get my blessing to ask for her hand."

Buck had nodded again. "Yes, sir."

Mayor Fisk had shaken his head. "Buck, you've been with me for a long time. You know I do not suffer foolishness, nor do I trifle with others — which is why I'm not going to beat around the bush here."

He had smiled and put a hand on Buck's shoulder. "I would be honored to have you as my son-in-law."

Buck had grinned. "Thank you, sir."

"Have you gotten a ring yet?"

Buck's mind had drifted to the engagement and wedding rings he had seen that matched the necklace he had given you for your and his anniversary a few months prior. "Not yet, sir. I've chosen one but I've been trying to figure out a way to sneak a ring out of Y/N's jewelry box without her noticing so I can get the correct size."

Mayor Fisk had grinned and shaken his head. "That's not necessary. I'll call my jeweler tomorrow. He has her sizing information."

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate that." Buck had paused. "I don't suppose I can ask you to keep this just between us for the time being?"

Mayor Fisk had nodded. "Of course."

He had clapped Buck on the back. "Now, let's go see what information we can get from the Governor, shall we?"

Buck mentally shook his head, lest he give away his thoughts. "I will. Thank you, Dr. Glenn."

He raised a hand to his earpiece as the Governor's security team gave the all-clear. "And that is my cue. Enjoy your evening."

Dr. Glenn raised her glass of champagne to him. "Have a good night, Mr. Cashman."

Buck removed his earpiece then took two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and walked over to you. "Here you are, darling."

You gave him a kiss on the cheek as you accepted it. "Thank you, love. Everything okay?"

Buck nodded. "All clear."

"Glad to hear that. Shall we sit, then?"

Buck and you joined the Mayor and Mrs. Fisk at the Governor's table for dinner.

You took a sip of your glass of champagne. "Have an interesting conversation wtih Dr. Glenn?"

Buck nodded. "Indeed. It was… illuminating."

He took your free hand and gave it a squeeze. "Now, darling, let's enjoy our evening. After all, I'm here with the most beautiful woman in New York."

"—Fucking hell, sweetheart, that feels so good," you moaned into your pillow as Buck pressed into you with practiced skill. "Keep doing that."

"Yeah, darling?" Buck murmured into your ear. "You like it when I do… this?"

You bit back another moan as he pressed into you again. "Fuck, baby, yeah, keep going. Don't stop."

Things had been perfect the past 6 months — both the Safer Streets initative and the Red Hook Revitalization Project had passed with full support from the City Council and private matching donations, vigilante crime was at an all-time low, community satisfaction was at an all-time high, your father and Vanessa's relationship seemed to be stronger than ever, and best of all, you and Buck were now celebrating a whole year together as a couple.

"I've got you, love," Buck continued to murmur in your ear. "Just relax for me, yeah? You're doing so well."

You sank into your bed as the stubborn knot that Buck was massaging out of your shoulder began to ease. "Oh my God, yes."

"There we are." Buck eased up on the pressure he was applying to your scapula. "How's that?"

"Mmm, heavenly." You rolled your shoulders. "Breakfast in bed and a massage? Must be a special occasion."

Buck chuckled. "And the day's just getting started."

He gave you a kiss and got up to go wash the massage oil from his hands.

You sat up and watched as he sauntered into the hallway towards your bathroom. "Does that mean that I have to move from this spot?"

You could hear Buck chuckle. "You don't have to," he replied, "but if you don't you'll miss out on all the fun I have planned."

When Buck had asked what you wanted to do for your one-year anniversary, you had told him to surprise you, which apparently was exactly what he was planning to do. Since it was on a Saturday neither of you had had to work, and because your father and Vanessa had gone out of town for Valentine's Day weekend again there was a good chance Buck wouldn't be "on call", either.

You grinned and got up, picking up your discarded pajama top to toss into your laundry basket before joining him in the bathroom. "Damn, and here I was hoping to spend the day getting railed by my super hot boyfriend."

Buck smirked. "Oh that's definitely on the schedule, darling, just for later tonight."

"Mmm. Good to know." You gave Buck a quick kiss. "I know you said you wouldn't give me any details about today, but I do have a few questions."

Buck nodded. "Yes, my love?"

"First off, is there a dress code, second, do you want your anniversary gift now or later tonight, and finally, how tight of a schedule are we on, exactly?"

Buck shook his head. "We'll be outside part of the day, so dress accordingly — otherwise, no specific dress code. I was thinking we could exchange gifts later this evening, maybe after dinner, if that's alright with you. And as for the schedule, it's not extremely tight, why?"

You grinned. "Because I was hoping we could squeeze in a shower together? I might need some help washing this massage oil off of my back."

Buck wrapped his arms around your waist. "Mmm, I think we can fit that in."

You gave him another kiss then finished getting undressed before stepping into the shower and turning the water on, Buck joining you a few moments later.

After your shower (during which Buck made sure that all of the massage oil was thoroughly washed off of you), you wrapped a towel around yourself before drying your hair, brushing your teeth, and doing your makeup while Buck went to get dressed.

You walked into your walk-in closet and stood looking at outfit options for a few minutes before settling on a pair of comfortable maroon trousers, a cozy gray sweater, and a gray overcoat along with some warm winter boots and taking them into your bedroom to get dressed.

You had just decided against accessories when Buck walked back into your bedroom.

You turned towards him. "Holy shit, babe, you look hot."

It wasn't very often that you saw Buck in anything other than his usual business attire (or nothing at all), so you took time to admire his choice of outfit for the day — black slacks, a yellow polo shirt, and his black leather jacket along with glasses instead of his usual contacts.

Buck chuckled. "Why, thank you, love."

You looked down at your outfit. "This is okay for what you've got planned?"

Buck nodded. "You look beautiful, as always. We will have to come back here before dinner, though."

You nodded. "Okay, that's fine."

Buck's phone chimed with a text message. "Ah. Time to go."

You grabbed your purse then took Buck's hand as you boarded your private elevator together.

You rode the elevator down to the ground floor and walked through the lobby of your building to the doors leading outside, where a private car was waiting for you.

The driver opened the door for you. "Good morning, madam. Sir."

"Good morning," you replied before getting in.

Buck said something to the driver before joining you.

You looked over at him. "All good?"

Buck nodded as the driver shut the door. "Just verifying our first stop."

"First stop? As in multiple?"

"Mmhmm."

"And you won't tell me anything about where we're going?"

Buck shook his head. "Just that we've got a couple of hours' drive to get there."

You spent the next two hours alternating between talking to Buck and looking out the window at the scenery and trying to figure out where he was taking you. Maybe the Hamptons, you thought at the car crossed the Williamsburg Bridge and headed towards Long Island. Buck's certainly dressed for it.

Your guess was proven incorrect, however, when the car continued along the northern part of Long Island, finally pulling into a long driveway with a sign reading "Rose Hill Vineyards."

You grinned. "Are we doing a wine tasting?"

Buck nodded with a smile. "Several, actually."

The car stopped in front of a walkway leading to the main building. "Here we are," the driver announced.

Buck nodded and opened the door. "I'll text you when we're ready to head to our next destination."

"Yes, sir," your driver replied.

Buck got out of the car and held a hand out to you.

You took it with a smile and walked hand-in-hand to the building before heading inside.

"Welcome to Rose Hill, how may I help you today?" A woman greeted you.

"Yes, we're here for a wine tasting," Buck replied.

"Okay, wonderful." The hostess nodded. "And may I see your IDs?"

You and Buck handed your IDs to the hostess, who copied down your names and dates of birth into a ledger before handing them back to you. "Okay, right this way, please."

You and Buck followed her to a table outside.

"Here we are," the hostess said, then pointed to a QR code on the table. "You can scan this to take a look at our tasting menu. I'll be right back."

You nodded. "Thank you."

You and Buck used your phones to scan the QR code and pull up the menu.

"Hmm, I wonder how much wine you get with each flight," you said. "If we're going to mutiple vineyards I don't want to drink too much too early."

"How about we share a flight then?" Buck suggested. "And perhaps some whipped ricotta to balance it out."

You hummed in agreement. "That sounds delicious. The winter flight, then? That seems to be a mix of both red and white wines."

Buck nodded. "Sure, that sounds fine."

You looked around as you waited for the hostess to come back. "This is beautiful. I honestly didn't even know there were vineyards around here."

Buck smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

The hostess returned. "Okay, have we decided?"

Buck nodded. "We've decided to split the winter flight and get some whipped ricotta to pair with it."

The hostess nodded. "Wonderful choice. I'll go get that ready for you."

You thanked her once again as she left.

Your phone chimed with a text message alert.

You pulled it out and smiled as you saw that it was from Vanessa. "Vanessa wishes us a happy anniversary."

Buck smiled. "Tell her thank you for me, will you, love?"

You nodded and replied to Vanessa. Thank you! Buck says thank you as well.

You took a few photos of the scenery, then put your phone away just as the hostess returned with your wine and cheese.

"Okay, here we are," she said. "Let me know if you'd like to take home a bottle of any of these."

You and Buck both nodded. "We will," Buck said. "Thank you."

"Which do you want to try first?" you asked as the hostess left once again.

Buck looked at the wine descriptions accompanying your flight. "Mmm, maybe the merlot?"

"Okay, then I'll try the Reisling."

You each picked up your respective glass of wine. "Happy anniversary, love," Buck said with a smile.

You smiled back at him. "Happy anniversary."

You clinked your glasses together and each took a small sip.

Your brow furrowed as you considered the depth and flavor of the wine. "Hmm."

You dipped a piece of bread into the whipped ricotta then popped it into your mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "Oh my gosh, this is amazing."

You took another small sip of wine, leaving the rest for Buck. "Yeah, I don't know about this one. How's the merlot?"

"It's okay," Buck replied. "Earthy."

He tried the whipped ricotta and took another sip. "It does pair really well with the olive oil in the ricotta though."

You swapped glasses and took a sip of the merlot. "Mmm, yeah, that is pretty good," you said.

Buck took a sip of the Reisling. "Hmm, I know what you mean about this one," he said. "Almost like it doesn't know if it wants to be dry or sweet."

"Yeah, exactly," you said. "Could be the wrong pairing, but I don't think it goes with the cheese either."

Buck tried it with the ricotta. "Mmm, no," he mused. "Not my favorite."

Next you tried something called the 'concrete blonde', which was a concrete-aged sauvingon blanc while Buck tried the 'wild boar doe'.

You nodded. "Oh yeah, I like this one."

Buck nodded as well. "This one is excellent too."

You both tried it with the cheese then swapped. "Oh, yeah, this one is definitely one of my favorites," you said after you tried the bordeaux.

"This one as well," Buck added.

The final glass was the vineyard's signature 'rose hill rosé'. "This one is really good as well," you said.

Buck tried it and nodded. "Yes, definitely. What do you think, darling? Should we get a bottle each of the bordeaux, sav, and rosé?"

You nodded. "Did you like the merlot enough to get a bottle of that as well?"

Buck thought a moment, then shook his head. "One of the other vineyards might have a merlot I like better."

"Okay then, that sounds good to me."

Once the hostess came to check on you, Buck gave her your wine bottle order.

"We can certainly do that," she replied. "Give me just a moment."

You waited as she brought your wine and the check. "Okay, here we are."

Buck gave it a glance before handing it and his bank card to the hostess. "Thank you."

After the hostess returned for the final time, Buck texted your driver to let him know that the two of you were ready to go.

A short car ride later, you arrived at your second location, Sparkling Pointe Vineyards and Winery, where Buck had booked a private tour and wine tasting for the two of you.

After touring the vineyard, tank room, wine cellar, and the winery, you sat down for a guided tasting of the winery's signature sparkling wines.

You and Buck found one you both liked and decided to take a few bottles home, then headed back out to the car where your driver was waiting.

"Which winery are we going to next?" you asked on the way to your next destination.

Buck smiled and shook his head. "Actually, our next stop isn't a winery."

Your brow furrowed. "It isn't?"

Buck shook his head. "I thought it might be fun to take a chocolate-making class together, break up the day a little."

You nodded with a smile. "Yeah, that does sound like fun."

A few minutes later, the car pulled up to Atelier Disset, an artisan chocolate shop known for its hand-crafted confections.

Buck opened the door for you. "After you, my darling."

The clerk behind the counter smiled as you and Buck approached. "Good afternoon," he said in a friendly tone. "How many I help you today?"

"Hi, yes, we have an appointment for a chocolate-making class," Buck replied.

The clerk typed something into the computer. "Your names, please?"

You gave your and Buck's names to him.

The clerk nodded. "Ah, yes, I see you right here. Let me just get you checked in… Okay, you're all set. Come with me, please."

He led you and Buck down a hallway and through an open doorway into a small room with a table in the middle. "You'll be right in here. I'll go let Ursula know you've arrived."

You took a look at the items on the table while you waited. There was a portable electric stovetop with 3 simmering pots of water on it, 2 bowls each of chopped dark, milk, and white chocolate, several candy thermometers, various chocolate molds, and a few different glitters and what you assumed was edible paints.

A few moments later, a woman with dark brown hair with red highlights walked in the room.

"Good afternoon," she said, then confirmed your names.

You and Buck both nodded.

"My name is Ursula, and welcome to your confectionary lesson. Please wash your hands and take an apron, then we'll get started."

You and Buck both washed your hands in the sink at the back of the room then took an apron off of a hook by the door and put them on.

"Now," Ursula said, "there is an artistry in making the perfect confections, so today I'm going to teach you the basics — which starts with melting your chocolate."

She explained how each type of chocolate tempered at slightly different temperatures then instructed you and Buck to set the larger bowls of chocolate on top of the pots of water. "Don't worry, they won't break," she reassured. "You just need to make sure that the bowls don't actually touch the water."

As you waited for the chocolate to start melting, Ursula asked, "so, are we celebrating anything special today?"

Buck nodded. "It's our anniversary."

"Oh, how lovely! How long have you been married?"

"Oh, sorry, no, we're not married," you rushed to correct. "It's our dating anniversary."

Buck put an arm around you and planted a chaste kiss to your temple. "We're celebrating a year together," he said with a soft smile.

"That's so sweet. How did you meet?"

"At work," you replied with a smile of your own. "I got lost trying to find our boss's office and Buck came to my rescue."

You had just arrived back in New York and were supposed to have been meeting your father for lunch, but you had gotten hopelessly lost trying to find his office and were wandering the halls of City Hall when your knight in shining business suit had appeared.

"May I help you, miss?" he had said.

You had sighed. "I hope so. I'm supposed to be meeting the Mayor for lunch and I got a bit lost looking for his office."

Buck had looked at you curiously, then said your name like he had been asking a question.

You had nodded, surprised that he knew who you were. "Yes, and you are…?"

Buck had given you a warm smile and held his hand out for you to shake. "Buck Cashman. I'm the Mayor's personal assistant and head of security."

So this is 'Buck', you had thought. Your father had mentioned him a couple of times but you'd had no idea that he would be this attractive.

You had shaken his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Buck had gestured down the hall. "Your father's office is right this way."

He had led you down the winding hallway to your father's office. "Here you are."

"Thanks." You had bitten your lip. "I guess I'll see you around then?"

Buck had given you a wink, setting your heart aflutter. "I guarantee it."

You smiled to yourself. Little had you known that that would be only the first time Buck had come to your (both literal and figurative) rescue.

Buck gave you a fond look. "I was instantly smitten," he added, "but it took a few months before I found the courage to make my move."

You huffed out a laugh. Buck had told you when the two of you had first started dating that he had gone to your father for his blessing to ask you out — which you honestly found quite adorable. "Which brings us to now."

"That's wonderful." Ursula checked the chocolate. "Okay, once your chocolate starts to melt, you're going to stir it…"

With Ursula's help, you and Buck managed to get your chocolate tempered then poured into your molds.

Ursula gave a satisfactory nod. "Okay, we're going to let these set while we work on our filled confections."

She showed you how to fill your chocolate molds with melted chocolate then tap off the excess without wasting too much and how to add just the right amount of filling before topping them off with more chocolate.

"Very good!" she praised as you and Buck both popped passable-looking confections out of your molds. "Now, our final step — use our cocoa butter paints and edible glitter to decorate them as you see fit."

You decided to decorate a few of your chocolates with your and Buck's first initials with a heart in the middle, "Happy Anniversary" on another, and the day of your first date on a third, while adding little hearts and generic swirls to the rest.

Ursula nodded in approval as you boxed up your confections. "Not bad at all for beginners!"

"Thank you so much for the lesson," you said. "This has been fun."

"Yes, thank you," Buck added.

"Enjoy the rest of your day," Ursula said as she led you back out to the front. "And happy anniversary!"

"Thank you!" you and Buck both replied.

"Before we go, I want to get Dad and Vanessa some chocolate-covered strawberries," you told Buck.

He nodded. "Not a problem, darling."

You ordered a dozen strawberries along with a few other goodies then waited while the clerk boxed them up.

"How was the class?" he asked.

"Oh, it was fantastic," you replied. "Ursula is a great teacher."

The clerk nodded. "And did I hear it's your anniversary?"

You smiled and glanced over at Buck, who was standing near the entrance quietly talking on his phone. "Yeah, we've been together for a year today."

"Well, happy anniversary."

"Thank you."

Buck hung up and walked back over to you as the clerk handed you your purchase. "Ready, darling?"

You nodded and took his hand. "Yep."

"Thank you again," Buck said to the clerk.

"Thank you," the clerk said. "And come again!"

You and Buck stepped outside just as your driver was pulling up to the curb.

Buck opened the car door for you. "After you, love."

You got in and buckled your seatbelt as Buck shut the door and went around the other side to get in.

"We have one last wine tasting before we head back into the city for dinner," he said once he was settled and the car began moving.

You nodded. "Okay."

After a final wine tasting at RGNY (which specialized in a white merlot Buck loved so much that he bought three bottles), you and Buck were back on your way into the city.

About halfway back, Buck's phone chimed with a text. "Sorry, love," he said. "Just a second."

He read the text then typed something back in reply.

"Everything okay?" you asked.

Buck nodded as he put his phone back in his pocket. "Just confirming dinner."

Your stomach grumbled at the mention of food. You hadn't eaten anything since Sparkling Pointe and was ready for something with more sustenance than dips and cheeses. "Oh, okay."

You huffed out a laugh. "You know, when we left the city this morning I didn't think we'd be coming home with an entire case of wine."

Buck shrugged, a grin on his handsome face. "At least we're stocked up for a while, right, love?"

You nodded with a grin of your own. "Yeah, that's true. By the way, today has been wonderful, sweetheart."

Buck leaned in and gave you a kiss. "I'm glad you've enjoyed it so far."

You spent the rest of the ride home reminiscing about your day — Buck surprising you with breakfast in bed and a massage, the amazing time you had had at each winery, the chocolate-making lesson Buck had booked for the two of you...

You looked over at him. To be honest, you had no idea if he ever wanted to get married. You knew he loved you and was committed to your relationship, but you also understood that his career could complicate things. But then again, Dad and Vanessa got married and that's mostly worked out for them…

As it was, you at least hoped one of the surprises you had planned for Buck didn't fail spectacularly.

Your thoughts were interrupted by the car pulling up to your apartment building.

Your driver popped the trunk so you and Buck could get your purchases out then walked around the car to open your door for you.

You gave him a smile as you got out. "Thank you."

"My pleasure, ma'am," he replied with a smile of his own.

You grabbed the bag with your chocolates while Buck grabbed the bags containing the wine.

He shook your driver's hand then handed him some cash. "Thank you again."

The driver nodded in appreciation. "You're very welcome, sir, miss. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

You and Buck headed inside to your private elevator then up to your apartment.

You gasped as the elevator doors opened and you stepped into your foyer. "Wha —"

Fairy lights had been strung along the wall, giving the space a soft glow, while electric candles lined the hallway into your galley.

As you walked in, you noticed that your table had been set for two, with a bouquet of your favorite flowers in the middle.

You turned towards Buck. "How?"

Buck grinned. "I had some assistance."

He set the bags of wine down in your pantry then walked back over to you before wrapping his arms around you and giving you a sweet kiss. "Happy anniversary, my darling."

You wrapped your arms around his waist. "Happy anniversary, sweetheart."

Suddenly your doorbell rang.

"Ah, that'll be dinner," Buck said.

Your brow furrowed. "Dinner? So we're not going out?"

Buck shook his head. "Be right back."

You began putting your purchases away as Buck went to answer the door.

When he returned, he was holding a rectangular box that you recognized from the bistro around the corner from City Hall.

A smile spread across your face. "Is that…"

Buck nodded. "I thought we could end our anniversary by recreating our first date — just with no interruptions this time."

Your heart warmed. "I love you so much, you know that?"

Buck nodded. "I love you too."

The two of you sat down to enjoy your dinner together.

"Mmm, delicious," you mumbled as you took a bite of your slice of pizza.

You and Buck ate quickly, both apparently hungry from your full day of fun.

After you were both done, Buck loaded your dishwasher while you went to go get his anniversary gifts.

You came back to find him seated on the sofa in your media room and a small, wrapped box on your coffee table.

You shook your head, a soft smile on your face. As much as Buck had spent on you that day, you definitely hadn't been expecting a gift as well.

You sat down next to him.

Buck picked the box up off of your coffee table and handed it to you. "Here you are, love."

You smiled. "Thank you, sweetheart."

You unwrapped the box and opened it to reveal a circular Cartier necklace with the word 'love' engraved on it. "Oh, Buck, honey, this is beautiful."

Buck took it out of the box and held it up. "May I?"

You nodded and turned so he could fasten the necklace around your neck. "I love it."

You gave him a kiss then handed him his first gift. "Here you go, sweetheart."

Buck smiled at you. "Thank you, love."

You waited as he opened the box and pulled out the Arsenal Football Club jersey you had special-ordered for him. "I didn't know who your favorite player was, so I got it custom-printed."

He looked at the back and smiled at "CASHMAN" printed in bold letters. "That's actually really brilliant, darling, thank you."

You handed him his next gift. "I'm glad you like it, because I thought you could wear it to this."

Buck's smile widened into a delighted grin as he opened it. "You got me Arsenal tickets for when they're here this summer?"

You nodded. "Dad helped me get them before they even went on sale so I could be sure to get the best seats. Sometimes being the daughter of the mayor of New York City has its perks."

Buck chuckled. "Thank you so much, darling."

"There's something else." You stood and took Buck's hand. "Follow me."

You led him up your hallway stairs to your walk-in closet, half of which was empty.

Buck smiled. "You're giving me closet space?"

You nodded and took the other box you had been hiding out of your pocket. "And one other thing."

Buck opened the box, a small look of confusion on his face as he pulled out a key.

"I know Dad already gave you a key card for the penthouse elevator in case of emergency when I first moved in here," you explained, "but I wanted to give you one for the front door too, because... well, because…"

Buck looked at your closet, then at the key, then at you, a look of recognition dawning on his face.

He said your name then paused briefly. "Are you asking me to move in with you?"

You took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah. If you're not ready to take that step though, I completely understand —"

Buck cut you off with a kiss. "It would be an honor and a privilege to share a home with you, my darling," he murmured against your lips. "To wake up next to you each morning, come home to you each night… Make love to you in our bed."

He tucked the box that held his apartment key in his pocket. "Mmm, and speaking of, I did say that was on the agenda for tonight, didn't I, love?"

You grinned as Buck wrapped his arms around your waist. "Mmhmm. I just have one request."

Buck raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"

"Glasses stay on."

You stood in a corner of the Grand Ballroom at the Mayor's Annual Black and White Ball, glass of champagne in hand while you waited for Buck to arrive. He'd had something to take care of for your father beforehand but had been given the rest of the evening off to enjoy the Ball as a guest and had planned to meet you there.

You waved at Daniel, who had just been promoted to Deputy Mayor of Communications — which honestly was a relief on you since you'd now only have to focus on your actual job rather than PR and media management in addition to dealing with the wants and needs of the community.

You narrowed your eyes as you spotted Jacques Duquesne coming towards you. Your last conversation with the man hadn't gone well and to be honest you were still a bit salty about it.

"Ah, Miss Fisk," he greeted you as he approached.

"Mr. Duquesne," you replied rather icily.

"I must apologize for our last encounter," he said. "I'm afraid I… underestimated the lengths the Mayor would go to get the Red Hook project pushed through."

You nodded. "Yes, well, it's an important project. The port has long since been in need of revitalization."

"And I agree with that, I just don't think that port revitalization is what's within the best interest of the community at the moment."

You did not know what this guy's problem was. "Well according to our research, the community says otherwise."

You smiled as you spotted Buck enter the room. "Now if you'll excuse me, I see someone else I need to speak with. Enjoy your evening."

You left Mr. Duquesne and walked over to Buck, who looked amazing in the tux that he wore. "You made it."

Buck smiled at you, a hungry look on his face as his eyes swept over you. "Darling, you look ravishing," he murmured. "Absolutely delectable."

Your face heated. Since Vanessa was wearing red tonight, you (at her suggestion) had followed suit and settled on an A-line, cold shoulder spaghetti strap dress with flowy chiffon sleeves in the lightest shade of pink you could find. "Thank you. You look gorgeous too."

"Is the Mayor here yet?"

You shook your head. "He and Vanessa should be here any minute."

As if on cue, an announcement came over the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed New Yorkers, welcome to the Black and White Ball."

You and Buck both turned as the door across the room opened to reveal your parents.

"May I present your hosts," the announcer continued, "Mayor Wilson Fisk and the First Lady of New York, Vanessa Fisk."

You and Buck joined in the applause as your parents made their grand entrance.

They smiled and posed together for a few moments, then went their separate ways to greet guests.

Buck put an arm around your waist. "Come on, darling. Let's go say hello."

You approached your father first. "Hi, Dad."

Your father said your name and gave you a hug and kiss on the cheek. "You look lovely, my dear."

"Thanks."

Your father then shook Buck's hand. "Buck, everything taken care of?"

Buck nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Very good." Your father gave you a quick, affectionate pat on the hand. "You two enjoy your evening for now. I have some business to deal with."

You shook your head to yourself as your father walked away. Always working. Ah well, such is the life of the mayor, I suppose.

You and Buck made your way over to Vanessa, who was speaking with a brown-haired, somewhat melancholy-looking woman.

"Sweetheart, you look beautiful," Vanessa said before turning to the woman. "I don't believe you've met Dr. Glenn?"

You shook your head. "I haven't had the pleasure. Dr. Glenn, it's so nice to meet you. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to help my parents through this difficult time in their marriage."

Dr. Glenn nodded. "It's been my pleasure. Mr. Cashman, it's nice to see you again."

Buck nodded politely in return. "Dr. Glenn."

Vanessa smiled at you. "I'll see you two for the first dance?"

You nodded. You and Buck had talked things over, and since the media had been distracted with the Muse case and you seemed to be more accepted at work by your colleagues (who had finally started to realize that you were more than capable of doing both your job and probably most of theirs), you planned to publicly reveal your relationship by joining your parents in the middle of the first dance of the evening. "Yeah, that's the plan."

"Wonderful. I'll see you soon then."

You and Buck made your way around the ballroom, speaking to various other guests and enjoying your evening until it was time for the first dance.

You smiled as you watched your parents take to the dance floor and begin to sway together. They seemed genuinely happy and more content than they had in months — you assumed thanks to Dr. Glenn. Must've had a breakthrough in therapy.

As your father spun Vanessa away from and back to him, Buck took your hand. "That's our cue," he murmured into your ear. "Are you ready?"

You nodded, a smile on your face. "Let's do it."

Buck escorted you to the center of the room to join your parents, a soft gasp ringing throughout the crowd followed by a smattering of applause as he pulled you close.

Buck grinned. "I do believe we meet with the crowd's approval, don't you, darling?"

You smiled up at him, huffing out a light laugh as a wolf whistle rang out. Ah, Daniel. "Yeah. Seems we do."

You glanced over at your parents and saw them watching you and Buck, smiles on both of their faces.

You and Buck continued to sway in each other's arms, eyes only for each other.

Buck placed a gentle kiss to your cheek as the song ended. "There's something I need to tell you," he murmured.

You took a deep breath. Now seemed like the perfect time to tell him exactly how you felt. "Me too."

Suddenly Buck's phone began to buzz.

He cursed under his breath. "I have to take this. Be right back."

You nodded. "Okay."

You followed him to the edge of the dance floor and watched as he stepped away.

"So how long has this been going on?" Daniel's voice said to your right.

You turned to him and huffed out a light laugh. "A while, actually. We've just been keeping it private until now."

"Well I'm happy for you. The two of you look good together."

"Thank you. I appreciate that." You watched as Buck walked up to your father and murmured something to him, then nodded as your father murmured something back. "Excuse me, will you please?"

Daniel nodded. "Sure."

You walked over to Buck. "What's going on?" you whispered. "You have that 'something's wrong but I'm trying to act all mysterious and casual' look."

Buck sighed. "Benjamin Poindexter killed a prison guard and escaped tonight."

You gasped. "Oh my God."

"Security is on it, but your father wants us to keep it under wraps."

You looked over at your father, who was now dancing with Dr. Glenn while Vanessa danced with… Matthew Murdock? What was he doing here?

You shook your head in confusion. "Do you think he's going to try to come here?"

"I don't know, but—"

Suddenly a gunshot rang out.

You screamed.

"Gun! Balcony!" Buck yelled, pulling you behind him before drawing his own weapon (which you didn't even know he was carrying that evening since he was technically off-duty, although you were admittedly thankful).

He directed you towards your parents then ushered you all through the door your father and stepmother had used to make their grand entrance to safety.

Once you were in the hallway, he put his gun away and took your hand. "This way, quickly now."

You followed him and your parents to a limo waiting outside.

He opened the door. "Get in."

You climbed in and sat across from your parents, gasping in shock when you noticed red staining your father's white suit. "Dad, you're bleeding!"

Your father shook his head as Buck climbed in and shut the door. "It's not my blood. I'm okay, it's… it's not my blood."

You huffed out a breath. "Oh, thank God. So who was shot?"

"Matthew Murdock."

Your eyebrows raised. "Really?"

 "He jumped in front of me at the last second, I…" Your father trailed off.

"Where to, sir?" the limo driver asked through the partition.

"Home," your father said.

"Yes, sir."

"I want an emergency response meeting at City Hall in thirty minutes," your father said as the limo began to move. "The two of you, Daniel, and Sheila, plus Gallow, Powell and North. Buck, send out the call."

Buck nodded. "Yes, sir."

You sighed. So much for off-the-clock tonight. "Yes, sir."

Vanessa gave your father a sideways glance. "Are you okay, my dear?" she asked you. "I'm sure that must have been quite a shock."

You nodded, leaning against Buck for comfort. "Yeah, just a little shaken up."

Buck took his tux jacket off and draped it around you. "Here darling, you're shivering."

You clutched Buck's jacket to you, letting the familiar comforting smell of him ease your tension.

You rode in silence, looking out of the window at the passing streets of Manhattan until you arrived at Gracie Mansion.

"I'll be right back," your father said.

You didn't respond, instead waiting long after your parents had gone inside before speaking. "I didn't know it was going to be like this."

Buck looked at you warily. "Didn't know what was going to be like what?"

"This." You shook your head and waved a hand around. "I expected working for my father's administration to be easy, not that it was going to need to come with hazard pay."

Buck huffed out a light chuckle and wrapped an arm around you, pulling you close before pressing a kiss to your temple. "Well that's one of the reasons I'm here, darling, to protect both him and you."

You leaned back to look at him, realization dawning on you. "You did, didn't you? You protected me."

Buck nodded. "Of course I did, darling, I'll always protect you."

He took your hands in his, his eyes searching yours. "I love you."

You sucked in a breath. Had Buck just voiced what you had been wanting to say to him for months? "I—"

You were interrupted by the limo door opening and your father, now wearing a fresh white suit, getting back in.

"I have a plan of action," he announced, seemingly unaware that he had just interrupted a private moment between you and Buck.

You sighed and leaned back. You would have to continue your conversation later. "What is it?"

"—You're going to go out there and hunt down not just Poindexter, but all vigilantes," your father reiterated twenty minutes later as you stood in his office along with Buck, Sheila, Daniel, Commissioner Gallow, and Officers Powell and North along with a couple of other Task Force members you didn't immediately recognize. "There'll be no body cams, no due process, no warrants."

"—Sir, that not only goes against the operating principles of the NYPD, it's illegal," Commissioner Gallow interrupted. "I mean, next you'll be condoning the use of lethal force—"

"Condoning, absolutely not," your father countered. "Encouraging, Gallow, encouraging! I want the bridges shut down! I want the tunnels closed!"

He banged his fist on his desk as he spoke, marking his point.

"Sir, a lone gunman attacking the mayor is a massive affront, of course, I see that," Sheila gently protested, "but to seal the city, you need a large scale, real and present threat to public safety."

Your father put a hand up to stop her. "Shelia, your concerns are noted," he said more gently. "Now, you all have a job to do."

You began to follow Buck out of your father's office. Your task was to write a public statement to be sent out to the media condemming the attack.

"Buck, one moment please," your father added.

Buck gave you a quick kiss. "Go home. I'll meet you there as soon as I'm able."

You nodded. "Okay."

You left Buck and your father to speak alone, walking down the hallway to where Sheila and Daniel were talking.

Sheila turned towards you as you walked up. "You don't honestly think this is right, do you?" she asked.

"A man escaped prison and tried to kill my father tonight," you replied coolly. "I think he should be found and brought to justice by any means neccessary, don't you?"

"I certainly think so," Daniel replied.

You gave him a genuine smile. "Thank you, Daniel. Now if you'll excuse me, like the Mayor said, we all have a job to do and I'd like to do mine so I can get some rest."

You headed home and typed up the public statement, CCing your father, Shelia, and Daniel (as the newly-minted Deputy Mayor of Communications, this technically would've been his job, but your father had said he'd rather you take care of it) before sending it out to the media and posting it to the Mayor's website right before the power grid shut down.

Thankfully your building had emergecy backup power via a private generator, so you then took a shower and scrubbed off your makeup before changing into a silk pajama set and sitting up to wait for Buck.

Finally, you heard the private elevator to your apartment ding.

You stood and walked into the foyer as Buck exited the elevator.

His eyebrows raised in surprise. "Darling. you're still up."

You nodded. "Wanted to wait for you."

"Everything alright?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

Buck walked over to you and wrapped his arms around your waist. "Your father has it handled."

You laid your head against his chest, relaxing against him and letting all of the tension of the evening drain away. "You said something earlier."

Buck leaned back to look at you. "I said a lot of things earlier, darling. I'm going to need a bit more context."

You shook your head. "Three words. Eight letters. Very important significance."

A look of realization dawned on Buck's face and he smiled softly. "Ah. That."

You nodded. "Did you mean it?"

"I did." Buck caressed your cheek then gave you a tender kiss. "I love you."

"Good, because I love you, too."

Buck smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah?"

You shivered as he trailed his fingers underneath your pajama top along your bare sides. "Yeah."

Buck hummed. "How about you let me show you just how much I love you?"