A Theo Buckley ADHD/autism head canon that constantly cycles through my mind.
When Buck and Tommy get back together he unexpectedly becomes Theo’s safe person, when Theo’s having a behavioural meltdown or sensory overload he will seek out Tommy and non verbally ask to snuggle or pull on Tommy’s shirt in an attempt to hide underneath it. Buck comes home from shift one day to find Tommy lying on the couch, Theo draped over him with his head under Tommy’s shirt.
It’s not the first time he’s found them like this, not by a long shot, even if Buck is home when Theo has these moments of overstimulation, he’ll still seek out Tommy in his efforts to regulate himself.
“We had a rough day today,” Tommy says softly, one hand still rubbing gently over the boy’s back, “too much noise.”
Buck drops his bag and kicks off his shoes, heading straight for his boys on the couch.
“Hey, Theo,” Buck calls, announcing his presence before he carefully lifts the hem of Tommy’s shirt and peaks underneath. Theo’s head is resting just off centre of Tommy’s chest, right over his heart, and his little hand is tucked under his chin, fingers tapping the rhythm of the man’s heartbeat.
Buck bullies himself onto the couch next to Tommy, half straddling him to ensure he doesn’t slide off, and he ducks his head under the shirt to join his son. The fabric stretches and gets snug as he settles his head on the opposite side of Tommy’s chest. Theo’s eyes track his movement but he doesn’t say anything yet, still emotionally overwhelmed.
“Tough day, huh?” Buck asks, feeling Tommy’s arm wrap around his back to hold him against his body.
Theo gives a small nod, fingers still tapping the rhythm of Tommy’s heartbeat against his chin.
“Yeah, me too. You mind if I share your safe space for a bit?” He lays his hand on Tommy’s sternum, matching the beat of Theo’s tapping with his index finger.
Theo shakes his head this time, drawing a deep breath into his little lungs and exhaling it loudly through his nose. His body seems to relax a little, as though Buck joining him in his hiding place was what he’d been waiting for to be able to finally let go of the day’s frustration.
With Tommy’s broad hand stroking calmly over the length of Buck’s back, making him feel warm, secure, loved, he can’t blame his son at all for choosing Tommy’s as his safe person.
Tommy is the safest person Buck knows.
