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EVAN BUCKLEY WEEK | DAY FOUR

Evan Buckley Week 2020

October 12th - Day 1: Evan + favourite scene

Season 3 episode 6: Monsters

Reveal and Feel

Buck got ready for boys night thinking about the Diaz duo.

Christopher had been invited to the actual movies by some school friend's parents for a little group watch of a new movie. While buck'd miss him he also felt so happy that Christopher was going to be having fun with his friends and probably come back with a prize or two from the arcade while being pretty tired.

He'd make sure to distract Eddie a bit because he knew the guy still felt anxious about Chris going out and how fast he was growing up.

Buck was fresh out of the shower and still had an hour and a half before Eddie would be coming over once Christopher was picked up or dropped off.

He sat laid out on the couch catching the end of an episode.

A hand on his shoulder startled him awake.

"Whoa. It's okay Buck. It's just me. They picked him up early so I got some tacos and came by early." Eddie smiled buck blinked him into focus after rubbing his eyes.

It was at that moment that buck realized that he was in only his boxers. No!

He steeled his expression hoping Eddie hadn't picked up on his worry but knowing he probably already did. "Oh. Uh. That's cool, so what's in them this time? Chicken, beef, or pork?"

Eddie looked at buck's sudden enthusiastic interest with suspicion. "I got chicken and beef. Figured we could share a few if you wanted. Aren't you gonna get up and change? I mean not that I'm telling you what to do, it's your place, but aren't you gonna get cold?" Eddie asked with a nod.

"I uh. No, I'm good. I'm so tired I don't wanna get up. We can just eat here on the couch like we do sometimes." Buck suggested keeping his leg plastered flat to the couch underneath him.

"Pizza's less messy than tacos buck. Let's just get up and eat. Go get dressed. Come on, I'll help you up man." Eddie offered his hand.

Buck was running out of excuses. Two thoughts warred in his mind. Eddie was his friend he could share anything with. Eddie didn't need to hear about buck's problems when he had his own.

Buck sighed. "Can you turn around?"

"Okay?" Eddie turned to the kitchen. "Look if you have a boner it's not the end of the world. Sometimes they just happen dude." Eddie said tilting his head but stopping short of actually turning fully.

"Please, don't-"

"What's wrong? Just tell me Buck. Do you want me to leave? I can go," I don't want to but I will. I'd do anything for you. Eddie pleaded internally and externally while standing still lost in thought.

"Could you? Can you, close your eyes for a bit?" Buck asked. His voice was small.

"I can if you want, yeah. What's wrong? I'm starting to feel worried here Buck."

"It's my leg."

"Is it hurting? I know a few remedies and stuff that might work." Eddie offered still with his back to buck and his eyes squinted shut.

"No one's- only the doctor has really seen it ever since I got the cast off. It's, well, gnarly."

"Buck. You know I don't care how it looks right? As long as you're better and it's not hurting, that's what matters." Eddie turned around to look at Buck, really look at him.

For being all of more than 6 feet and built Buck still had this openness and vulnerability to him that Eddie both was jealous of and didn't understand but wanted to. It was a trusted sight to see him like this, telling Eddie about it. He didn't want to mess up and he'd damn well do his best not to.

Eddie got a thought and took off his shirt.

"What are you-?"

"Shh. It's my turn." Eddie smiled softly.

With Eddie's shirt thrown on the couch he came closer but with space still between them.

"No one usually sees it but it's there. I can't say I understand the pain because I didn't break a bone there but it's not pretty and that's okay."

Eddie gently took Bucks hand and brought it to the left side of his lower back.

There was a jagged scar that looked like a misshapen half flower.

"It's hard to see unless you're really paying attention or if someone feels it while touching me but it's there. It's a reminder that I had people watching my back and making sure I survived to come back home to my family. Just like yours is." Eddie said.

Buck gulped.

"You were on a battlefield though Eddie."

"Buck. The equivalent of an E.E.D took out the vehicle you were on with your team. I'd say it's enough of an even comparison to me being shot at in a warzone."

"So I have to show you mine now?" Buck asked with the slightest hint of a smile.

"Only if you want to. I chose to show you just like you have to be the one to choose when you want to show me. I'm not pushing but I'm here if and when you ever want to talk." Eddie let go of buck's hand and turned as it dropped to look Buck in the eyes.

Buck let out a shaky breath. "Don't say I didn't warn you." Buck sniffed.

"There's nothing about you I- are you sure?"

Buck sat down on the couch and propped up his leg allowing the back to be fully seen while Eddie sat closer.

At Eddie's scrunched up face Buck felt a little worried. "What?"

"It reminds me of the lightning that jumps from cloud to cloud." Eddie said.

"Ha. And you say I'm obsessed with the weather." Buck laughed.

"When Christopher is spouting off quotes he got from you I have to fact check. They've all been right so far." Eddie smirks. "Can I touch you?" At Buck's nod Eddie reaches out bringing buck's leg to rest between them on top of his own.

"The food?" Buck asks.

"We'll warm it up. I'm gonna massage your leg while we watch TV and you relax. It can wait."

"It doesn't hurt that much. But if you're offering though. And you're missing your shirt still mister masseuse, just so you know," Buck whispered.

"Just turn on a movie. And it's masseur," Eddie chuckled.

"Guess I can learn some stuff from you too."

Evan Buckley Week 2020

October 13th - Day 2: Evan + family

the firefam ❤️

Bonus: the actual family I love seeing

Hit Me with Your Best Shot, Fire Away

The team was bone tired. It had been a grueling first half of a 24 hour shift.

They were ready to nap if possible and get a small bite if they weren't too tired.

"Hen, how many kids were on that bus?" Buck asked while nursing a water bottle.

"Less than a dozen. Two future doctors and a nurse, one president, a couple of entrepreneurs, and two marines and a pilot." Hen smiled.

"Gotta love career day. Too bad none of them were gonna be joining us." Chim smirked laid out on the couch next to hen.

"Who knows, maybe one day they will. I didn't know I'd be here a few years ago. And I look forward to every day with y'all." Eddie smiled bumping buck's chair startling him and earning a glare back.

"That's good to hear Eddie. You've been a great addition to the 118." Bobby said while bringing over plates of food.

"Cap you spoil us." Buck laughed while digging in.

Bobby was just starting on his own plate when the alarm went off.

In seconds they were up and fully awake for the next situation as adrenaline pushed them on.

"Cap, what's the call about?" Eddie asked.

"Dispatch said it's a tinkerers junkyard."

"A what?" Buck asked.

"Something about a malfunctioning robot."

-

"What the hell is that?" Buck asked making a shocked face.

"Oh it's Barbra. She's my baby." The lady said while smiling with pride.

"And why did you make an automated crossbow turret again ma'am?" Eddie asked.

"Because I was bored and to keep them animals away from my reserves ." Melissa said with a shrug.

"Please help!" The person said.

"Alex we'll be with you in a bit. Stay calm and still where you are at." Bobby ordered while they asked and thought of what to do with Barbra.

"How did Alex get in without being shot?" He asked.

"Her night vision has been acting up. My guess is the thief there was trying to steal from my supplies before the morning light. I just found him after breakfast." Melissa said.

"And you haven't tried turning Barbra off?" Buck suggested.

"Oh gee. I hadn't thought of that. No, I gave her her own power supply in case of a power outage and her wireless connection is weak for range. I gotta be close enough to shut her off with my phone but her bolt is ready to fire at anything that's in her range though." Melissa explained.

"So. We gotta give her something to shoot at?" Eddie suggested.

"Yeah. But it's gotta be at least the size of a dog or a bear. I programmed her to only attack something big enough to be dangerous."

"Well that's great." Buck sighed and shook his head.

"Cap we don't have anything on us that could withstand a crossbow bolt do we?" Hen asked.

"Hmm." Bobby thought.

"Could a riot shield work. We could call athena and the police, or a bulletproof vest maybe two." Chim suggested.

"Ouch." Alex said drawing their attention.

"Alex, you okay?" Bobby asked along with Hen.

"I uh. I cut my hand."

"We can treat you after the police get here to help us out." Chim said.

"No. I'm hemophilic, please. Hurry!" Alex screamed.

Bucks and Hens eyes went wide as Eddie said "shit" and Bobby and chim said "no,".

"Guys, we're sitting in a junkyard. We can find something." Buck said while moving to get out of the blocked off shed they were in.

"Excuse you, recycling center for inventors." Melissa scoffed.

"Sorry ma'am!" He shouted back.

"Alright, let's move. Anything sturdy enough to work but light enough to carry." Bobby said while they moved to follow.

After a minute they had a sheet of metal from a broken roof.

"No. Too thin. Could go right through maybe," Chim said.

Another minute found both a manhole cover and a car door.

"Manhole cover's thicker. But a little heavier. It's our best shot." Eddie said while taking it to the entrance. "Melissa can I have your phone please. Open whatever we need."

"No! Eddie. I can't let you do this." Buck said grabbing his arm to hold him back.

"Buck, I've gotta get him out."

"But I'm faster." Buck shot back.

"You're still on the thinners though." Eddie countered.

"No. I'm not. I just got off them." Buck explained.

"Buck? Is that true?" Bobby asked, he knew buck had a checkup recently.

"I'm gonna draw it's fire. Follow in after me. Only get closer after I've got it to shoot." Buck said thinking about Alex's time passing by.

"Buck, remember it's got a hole, dead center," hen said.

"I know. I'll be careful. I'll try." Buck was already setting into a running stance.

"Melissa, how long does it take to reload?" Bobby asked.

"Umm. 5 to 7 seconds. I think."

"Okay. I'm gonna get it to fire. Ready Eddie?" Buck asked while holding the manhole cover up as a shield.

At Eddie's nod buck took a breath and started running at a steady pace.

Chim and Hen had their gear ready to follow once Eddie ensured it was neutralized.

Eddie ran as he saw it swivel back in buck's direction. Buck hoped that the others would forgive him for lying later but he had the least to lose and he knew he could do this. He had to, Alex's life was counting on him.

Just as it got a clear view of buck in its crosshairs a light indicator flashed red as it shot the bolt out.

The world slowed as buck brought it up to better cover him while being mindful of where the hole was located. Even if the bolt could go through it didn't hit him now.

It made contact and snapped in half from the force of the hit that buck felt push him back as Eddie was already near to Barbra.

With only a few seconds left Eddie brought the phone close enough to turn off Barbra. Her lights powering down.

The others quickly brought the backboard and set Alex down as Eddie grabbed the bolt that was to be loaded next and the spares ready to be used throwing them on the ground just in case.

Buck breathed a sigh of relief as he and Eddie let the others work making sure Barbra didn't disturb them by coming back online.

Back in the truck buck sensed the air change as Eddie sat down.

"Eddie."

"You lied didn't you?" He glared.

"I didn't have a choice. I couldn't let you risk your life and I was right, I am faster than you." Buck said with a frown.

"But what would we do if you got shot?"

"Treat both of us or call for a backup ambulance. I know what could have happened it was a calculated risk but it turned out okay. I'm sorry but I'd do it again. Christopher needs you Eddie." Buck was thankful Bobby was on radio with dispatch to check if there was another emergency for them to help as they were done.

"He needs you too. We need you buck. So you can't just risk your life like it's nothing. You're important."

"Well, I can't lie and promise I won't do anything like that again but I'll always try to do my best to come back in one piece. Who else has your back like I do Eddie." Buck smirked.

Eddie nodded. "Damn right."

Buck smiled back now as Bobby relayed their next stop, a fire.

See me and Free me

Eddie was listening absently but doing a good job of not letting it show as the others talked about a story from one of the more memorable calls that the team had done before he'd joined. It was similar to one they'd just done today with better success than before even.

"Hey Eddie, mind helping me change the sheets in the bunk room?" Buck asked.

"Buck you were supposed to do that this morning before that last call. Get to it. Kid, Eddie shouldn't have to help you with yo-" Bobby began.

"Sure. I don't mind." Eddie spoke up quick looking for an out and clinging to it the first chance he got.

Buck smiled and nodded before starting in that direction.

Before they were inside the room Eddie made a realization.

"Okay. Now that we're here, what did you want to talk about that the others couldn't hear. I know you already did your chores." Eddie asked seeing the sheets done up.

"You." Buck said after shifting from foot to foot.

"Me?" Eddie squinted. No.

"I could tell you weren't feeling right so I decided to ask you in here. Privately. Is something wrong?" Buck asked while taking a seat on a bed.

Was he trying to relax and look smaller or was his leg bothering him.

"No. I'm fine." Eddie replied.

"You're a good liar. You know that?" Buck pursed his lips.

"Ha. Takes one to know one buck." Eddie shot back.

"Don't try putting this back on me. I know I've got problems, sure, but I want to help. If there's anything, literally anything that I can do Eddie, and I mean it, you'd let me know, right?" Buck asked.

"Buck, look-"

"I'll be open and be honest with you if it's a two way street man. Please Eds." Buck look into his eyes.

"Okay. I uh, I had a nightmare, a uh, a flashback I guess." Eddie said with his eyes closed pinching the top of his nose. Thinking back to the morning before.

It was hard to talk about. He knew that from his buddies but he still couldn't even if he knew he should.

"Of overseas- ? Sorry." Buck shut his mouth and gestured for him to continue and sit down if he wanted.

"Yeah. I woke up and was looking for my gun. I freaked out for a solid minute waiting beside my bed for cover before I realized where I was." Eddie swallowed.

"Did Chris hear?" He hated asking even more what the answer might be.

"I don't think so. I went back to laying down after checking on him. He was still out. But I catch myself before I fall asleep."

"That's uh, fu- tough. Have you, thought about talking to Frank about it? I mean, I'm not like a trained professional you know. So, maybe he would be a better help with this, but I'm always here if you need someone to listen. He could have tips or stuff others use who've experienced it too," Buck frowned. There wasn't much he could do.

"No. I- it feels good to talk about it. I feel comfortable in saying that to you, sharing what's on my mind. Maybe you should see Frank too if you feel like giving it a try Buck, " Eddie didn't come out and say what he was thinking about yet but now was as good a time as ever.

"Is this what he taught you to do? Talking about your feelings? Umm. I'll think about going," Buck questioned with a shrug.

"Something like that yeah. I'm trying, it's just, I'm not good at it yet, I don't think. And it's up to you to decided that, but it could help," Eddie's voice was gentle.

"You're good at a lot of things Eddie. With time and practice I'm sure you'll be better at this too," Buck smiled while imitating the shoulder touch Eddie often did.

"Why were you spacing the other day? During that sports day gone wrong we covered." Eddie asked surprising buck for a second.

"I wasn't. Well maybe I kinda was I guess but- I managed to stay focused and continued following you and the others lead. The guy we helped was all wet and sticky from the sports drink that got poured on him triggering his asthma and making the rest happen. I don't know why but it reminded me of Christopher. When we were on top of the fire truck. All I could think for a bit was how cold he must have been and to stay close enough to try keeping him warm. But then there were more people and after that he-" buck sighed. It still hurt to remember.

"We don't blame you," Eddie said with finality, it was probably nearing the fiftieth time he said so.

"But I do Eddie. You weren't there, you didn't see it all." Buck said.

"Oh I don't have to. I know. I wasn't there but Christopher and I both know. Hell the other survivors you helped saw. You jumped in after him. You looked for him for hours. You were there when we found him. You did so much for him and me that day when you had your own stuff you were going through. I know you wouldn't just let that happen buck. I trust you for a reason. I know you'd do the same thing I'd do. You'd look out for Christopher with your life and you nearly did back then. We could have lost you. And I'm entirely grateful for that but I can't lose either of you Buck. I couldn't do this without you." Eddie said his voice quieting toward the end.

Buck gaped as nothing passed his lips and he couldn't look away.

"We should probably get back." Eddie said while offering his hand to help buck up from the bed.

"Yeah. I uh- guess we should." Buck nodded snapping out of his daze.

"Good talk" Eddie smirked.

"Are you asking me or saying it was?"

"I think you know the answer to that" Eddie moved to the door holding it open behind him as buck followed.