8 Chapter 8 Eddie's pov

Eddie wakes up, his thoughts of last night appear, the hurt of been let down and the hurt of not having Buck was coming back. He was glad he was leaving later to get away from it all was good. He looked at his phone it is three-thirty am. He rolls out the bed looking around the room it was all neat and tidy. It was time to start getting ready, he was picking Christopher up from Hen's at five am. He looks at his spare phone. He still had not answered the guy back he just turns it off and puts it in his backpack he was taking to Austin. after zipping it back up he picks up the backpack and heads down the hallway and leaves it by the door with the other bits to be loaded in the truck.

He enters the kitchen and makes a drink he sits at the table knowing he would not be doing this for a week. As he sits there, with the time moving slowly. It's now only four am and he does not need to leave till half past, so he gets up washes his cup and heads for a quick shower and changes his clothes. He decides to go early, so he take the bags and loads them into his truck. Once he was all done, he checks the house making sure it was all locked up and jumps in his truck and sets off.

As he heads to Hen's he enjoys the quiet Sunday traffic, he wishes it would be like this all the time. he pulls up at Hen's and she is sitting outside with a coffee, she waves at him as he gets out the truck.

"you're early." She laughs as she greets him with a hug.

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep" He replies

"I bet, a long drive with a child. I don't envy you at all." She chuckles.

"Yeah, over twenty hours if we miss the traffic. Glad to start early, so I can get out of LA before the heavy traffic hits and hopefully we don't need stop too much." He says.

"Well make sure you take regular breaks, but I know you will and the way you drive I'm sure 20 hours will be reduced. At least you don't start till eleven am tomorrow." she says.

"Yeah." he says glumly and kicks the floor.

"What's up?" She asks curiously.

"Just last night didn't go to plan, I was bailed on." Eddie explains, Hen signals for them to head in.

They head in and go to the kitchen. She makes him a coffee and passes it him with a smile. As he picks it up and starts to take a sip, he sees Hen looking at him.

"So, what happened?" She asks

"Well he texted saying something came up and wanted reschedule." Eddie says realising he said he instead of her.

"Hang on, your date was with a guy what about Ana?" Hen says

"Shh and yes it was with a guy. Ana has a girlfriend she been helping me on the dating scene, and she was with me as back up just in case, but please keep it between us. No one knows about me, except Carla and Ana." He says looking at Hen.

"You didn't need to ask, it's not my secret to tell, just do what makes you happy. And maybe the guy had a real reason to not to come. Message him see what happens." She says.

"I'll see. They had their chance, and to be honest I am not in the mood now with the dating thing. They messed up so why should I care? I'm glad that the week away gives me time think." Eddie says

"Oh, so you're going be grumpy on the drive." Chris says and Eddie turns in shock.

"How long you been there?" He asks curiously.

"Long enough for to hear your grumpy as your date didn't go okay with my teacher." Chris smiles at him and Eddie smiles back knowing Chris had not heard he was meant have the date with a guy.

"I promise I won't, go get your things so we can get started." Eddie says.

"Okay." Chris says as he walks off.

"Don't forget to go to the toilet before we leave, I don't want to stop for a while." Eddie shouts and Hen laughs.

"Got to love our kids haven't we?" She asks.

"I don't know what I do without him." Eddie says.

"So, I need ask this mainly for my peace of mind." Hen looks at Eddie.

"Do I want know where this is going?" He jokes

"Well I noticed it but with you saying you're out with Ana I thought just been friendly but all your little nudges to a certain fellow firefighter and stares kind of makes me think." She stops as she looks to make sure Chris is not around "You fancy Buck don't you?" She says.

Eddie did not need to answer his red face gave him away and Hen started laughing, he knew he had been found out, but also knew she would not say anything.

"Yeah I do, and I know he does not feel the same towards me and I'm fine with that, I know you won't say anything it's been hard. Especially when he has been so distant and not himself, but he won't open up." Eddie starts.

"I know but Bobby obviously knows what's going on, so he will keep an eye on him." Hen says.

"Keep an eye on who?" Chris says suddenly.

"What have I said about listening in cheeky?" Eddie says smiling at Chris.

"Is it about Buck?" Chris asks

"It is mate, do you know what's wrong?" Hen asks looking at Eddie

"He hasn't said, but I think it's about the tsunami, I saw him freeze a while ago when it rained." Chris says, and Eddie looked at Hen.

"Hey, go say goodbye to Karen." Eddie says to Chris

Hen and Eddie walk to the front door so there further away.

"It was raining that day he was frozen at the balcony; how did we miss it?" Eddie says.

"I don't know, but I'll have words with Bobby, and I'll let you know what he says okay?" She explains.

"Okay, thank you." Eddie says as he gives her a hug, Chris walks over smiling.

"All set?" Eddie asked.

"Yes Dad. Thank you Hen, for having me." Chris says as he gives her a hug.

"Any time. You enjoy Texas and look after your Dad." Hen says.

"I will." Chris giggles.

Eddie picks Chris up, and heads to the truck, after he places him in the truck, he turns and waves to Hen and drives off, starting their long trip to Austin. As they head on their trip they get out of LA and start on the roads, leading them towards Phoenix, they were hoping to get there before two pm. As they hit the major freeway they were able pick speed up and cover some ground, Eddie could see the endless roads in front of them. He looks in the mirror and sees Chris has nodded off, which makes him feel better as he does not need to distract him. A few hours in the trip, it gets to half eight and Chris's phone starts ringing, so Eddie clicks the button on the steering wheel, so the sound comes through the hands-off speaker system.

"Good morning, didn't expect you to be up just yet." Eddie says thinking it was a bit early for Buck be up.

"Just wanted check in on my main man, make sure he is all set for his trip." Buck says and Eddie smiles.

"Thank you, it's nice of you to check in on me." Eddie starts saying "It's not you Dad, it's me he's on about." Chris shouts and Eddie looks at him in the rear-view mirror.

"Yeah Eddie, stop trying steal me from Chris." Buck laughs.

"I'm already Bucky, Dad's been grumpy this morning. His date didn't go to plan, I heard him telling Hen when he picked me up from the sleepover." Chris says and Eddie looks at Chris giving him the Dad look and he can hear Buck laugh.

"Chris, what have I told you about listening in and telling people?" Eddie says

"Sorry Dad, but Buck should know,. he's your best friend." Chris says the word best friend hits Eddie that is all Buck is even though he wanted more.

"Yeah, Eddie you should tell me." Buck chuckles.

"Oh, should I? Like you should tell me what was bothering you the other day, when we came up and you were looking out over the balcony and you fobbed us off." Eddie replies, annoyed that Buck still has not said what the problem is even though Eddie now knows.

"I told you I was okay, but if you're going be like that I'll leave you to drive." Buck snaps.

"Please don't fight." Christopher says.

"it's okay, buddy. We will talk to Buck later when he's less angry." Eddie says to Christopher with a smile.

"Buck, it's now obvious that something is up. I will talk to you later see ya." Eddie says and hangs up before Buck can reply.

"Why didn't you let him say bye, Dad?" Chris asks.

"I'll explain in a minute. I need talk to Bobby, so please be quiet. "Eddie says looking at Christopher.

Eddie finds Bobby's number and calls him.

"Hey Bobby." Eddie says.

"Hi Eddie, are you okay?" Bobby asks

"Yeah, we're on our way, I just spoke to Buck and he's in a foul mood and I don't know why, I was speaking to Hen and Chris mentioned to us that Buck has been having problems with water and he freezes up just like he did the other day, could you please try and talk to him about it?" Eddie asks.

"Yeah, I will have words with him and try get it sorted, you are always looking out for him." Bobby says.

"We have each other's back even when the other is a moody idiot." Eddie says.

"Dad don't swear." Chris shouts and Bobby can be heard laughing.

"I better go, Cap we'll talk soon." Eddie says.

"See ya, Eddie. Have fun Christopher." Bobby says as he hangs up.

After a few minutes he hears a text but does not look at it. He just focuses on driving, a few hours pass, and he drives and drives, taking in the views on the side of roads. He can hear Christopher laughing, he has his headphones on and is watching a film. Eddie sees a sign for a service station.

'We haven't stopped since we left, we better take a break.' he thinks to himself.

As they pull into the station, Christopher puts his tablet down and looks at his Dad.

"What are we doing?" he asks curiously.

"Going to have a toilet break and stretch ourselves as it has been a while." Eddie says.

"Ughh, the movie just got to the best bit. Do we have to?" Chris says pulling his face.

Eddie laughs to himself; Chris has definitely picked up some of Buck's mannerisms which makes it harder to forget Buck.

"You're too much like Buck." Eddie says looking at him.

"Is that wrong? he is my Bucky." Chris says with a smile.

"No, it's not. It is adorable. Now, come on let us go get something drink and play in the park for twenty minutes." Eddie says.

"Okay" Chris says with a smile

Eddie gets out the truck and heads round and gets Chris out and hands him his crutches. They walk into the station quickly and pop into the toilet and afterwards, they go the shop to get some sweets and drinks. Once they were done, they head to the park and Eddie watches as Chris goes to play, he looks at his phone and see's the text from Bobby.

'Don't worry I talked to Buck. It is all okay. The team will not have their phones on them while on shift, so do not panic. Buck will message you tomorrow. Drive safe.'

'Thanks, we are just having a break. I will talk to him when I get there.' Eddie replies.

As it sends out, he looks up and smiles as Christopher plays. He watches as he sees other kids with their parents he wishes Christopher had two parents. He knows there nothing he could do about what happened to Shannon, he was lucky Buck was there and that he practically helps raise him. He decides he needs talk to Ana so calls her.

"Hello, how is the drive?" She asks

"it's going great, just having a pit stop at this rate we will be there just after midnight, Chris is just in the park" Eddie replies

"Good to hear, so what can I do for you?" She asks

"I need advice?" He asks

"My advice is to just tell Buck you love him. It will all be okay." She giggles

"No, told you that can't happen, it's about the date. Do you think I should give him another chance? I spoke to Hen she said I should." Eddie says

"So, she knows about you and more importantly, Buck." She asks.

"Yeah, I kind of slipped up saying that my date was with a guy, and then she figured out I like Buck from the way I am round him. She will not say anything, though. She knows where I stand with him." Eddie explains.

"Ah, at least that's a good thing, and she is right you should give him a chance. He did say it was a family thing." She says.

"Yeah, I'll see how I feel about it by end of the week. Anyway, I best get going. Talk to you soon." Eddie says

"Okay, drive safe and have fun." She says.

"Will do. See ya." he says

He hangs up and waves to Christopher to come over, he watches as he walks over and smiles at him.

"Come on, we better be going buddy." Eddie says.

"Okay, Dad." Chris says with a sad smile.

They head off to the truck and hit the road again and after a few hours it starts getting dark, Eddie starts wondering how his family is going be like, he knows his parents will be pushy, but he is ready. He knows LA is where he needs be. The sat nav finally says they are less than hour away he rings his parents.

"Hey, were close be there round one am, Christopher is asleep. Is his room ready?" Eddie asks

"Yeah, they are ready, both his and yours. what time are you working tomorrow?" His mum asks

"I'm due there at eleven am but going head there early and make a good impression." Eddie says

"Yeah, it's a good idea. Maybe get in with the team and you can move back here." She says.

He knew any little thing to hint at him been able move back she would jump onto it.

"I've said this before, I'm staying in LA. I'll see you when I get to your place, bye." Eddie says as he hangs up.

He could feel the frustration building he has not even got there, and they are already trying make him move back. He starts driving down old familiar roads, heading towards his parents' house. He eventually pulls up outside their house. As he gets out, he sees them coming out the door. He walks round and carefully picks up Christopher and carries him in, they do not say anything as not to wake him up. Eddie walks through the old family home and into the room set up for Christopher. He carefully changes him and tucks him in. As he comes back through, his Mom is in the living room, and he can see his Dad bringing their bags in.

"Edmundo, can we not argue?" Helena asks her son.

"We won't as long as you accept the fact that we are staying in LA." He says and walks past her to go help his Dad bring the bags in.

"I'm sorry that she already started. You know how she gets." His dad explains.

"I know. I just wish she would understand that I'm happy out there, and so is Christopher." Eddie says as they walk in and Eddie places the bags in his room and his Dad follows suit.

He spends some time sorting out the bags and then heads into the living room and sees his parents there dressed ready for bed.

"I'm going head to bed, I want get into the station early, so I'm going leave at half nine gives me time settle Christopher." He says

"We understand." His mum explains.

Eddie heads to his room, he strips down and sets the alarm. He looks at Christopher's phone he really could not wait for his new one. As he put it on charge, the screen lit up showing Eddie, Chris, and Buck. Eddie smiled at it as he nodded off.

He wakes up to the sound of his alarm at eight thirty am and rolls over, he wasn't ready for his first shift after the day before with the drive catching him up, but he wasn't going let Bobby down. He was there to represent his team. He climbs out the bed heads to the bathroom and has a quick shower and get dressed. As he leaves the bathroom, he sees Christopher wandering down the hall and can hear his mother making a fuss of him. He pops into his room, gets Chris's phone and heads down the hall. As he gets there, he sees his mother holding a plate and a cup of coffee for him. He smiles and sits next to Christopher as they eat.

"You ready for your first shift?" She asks.

"Yeah. It will be weird but will get on with it. It's weird been a Monday and not having to take this one to school." Eddie says as he tickles Christopher.

"Yeah, we have a fun day planned for him." She says smiling.

Eddie continues to eat his breakfast he looks up and its nearly half nine, where had the morning gone, he must have taken more time getting ready than he normally would.

"Right. Have fun and I'll see you when I finish." Eddie says giving Chris a kiss on the forehead.

He says his goodbyes to his parents and jumps in his truck and heads to the station. Going through the town brought back old memories and as he follows the route and sees the station as he pulls up it is just after ten am. He hears his phone ring and Buck's name appear; he knew that he hadn't spoken to Buck since yesterday. He wanted to say sorry for just hanging up, especially after Christopher had basically told him off.

"Hey Eddie." Buck says sheepishly

"Hey Buck, I'm sorry for the other day I shouldn't have hung up." Eddie says he was not going say about Christopher telling him off.

"No, I'm sorry for starting. It is the last thing I wanted. I'm sorry that I haven't been in touch, Bobby made us leave our phones in lockers." Buck says

"Yeah, he sent me a text to let me know." Eddie says

"Oh, right cool, so how is it there? Are you working?" Buck asks

"Yeah, it's all good. No, I'm due to start at eleven, I just pulled up as I wanted to be early, so I'll talk to you later." Eddie says

"Don't work too hard, look after yourself." Buck says

"I will, see ya." Eddie says

"See ya." Buck says as he hangs up.

Eddie sits there as he watches people walk in and out. He sees a cop talking to a guy in a firefighter uniform and he sees them kiss. He smiles and turns away and sees other people walking in. He decides now is a better time than any other to walk in.

As he walks in, he looks round and it is a totally different layout and more modern to what they have in LA.

"Ah, you must be Eddie Diaz, I'm Captain Strand" The Cap says.

"Yeah, it's nice to meet you." Eddie says

"Well, thank you for coming down this way." He says with a smile "Okay, team round up need you meet someone." the captain shouts.

Eddie watches as the team turns up.

"Everyone this is Eddie he's covering for Judd while he's off. Eddie this is the team we got: Paul, Marjan, Mateo and TK for the fire team and this is Captain Blake, she oversees the first aid side, we work differently here. The fireteam runs by me and the medical side is dealt with Captain Blake there separate. I know in LA you do both, but you are here for the fire side of the work. TK, can you show Eddie to the spare lockers? Everyone else get your chores started." The captain says

"Nice to meet you all." Eddie quickly says shaking their hands as they headed off.

"Follow me." TK says, then continues "So, what's it like in LA, didn't you have a tsunami not long ago?"

"It's okay. Yeah we did, it wasn't good, but everyone worked together, and we got through it, what about here?" Eddie asks.

"Yeah, well me and my Dad - the Captain came here to start a whole new team as the previous house all, but one died on the job, so were still getting use to each other." TK explains walking him through the back of the station.

"Oh, right bet that's fun for you working under your Dad?" Eddie says.

"It's okay. We had a rough patch when we first started, people were not happy. But it is all good now. Here's the spare locker." TK says as he points to it.

"Wow it's so modern here, compared to my fire house." Eddie laughs as he puts the phone down and starts changing.

As he pops into the toilets to change, he hears his phone go off, once he gets changed he starts walking out and see's TK stood there smiling.

"What's up?" Eddie asks.

"Nothing just saw your phone screen when it went off. You have a cute family, you and your guy been together long?" TK asks, Eddie is taken back he did not realise that is how the picture would look

"Oh no he's not my guy, he's my best friend, he helps out with my son. I need a lot of help as he has CP and Buck is always there. To be honest I wouldn't know what do without him." Eddie says not realising he is gone red and smiling.

"Yeah, looks like a best friend, there always the hardest to get over. I have been there myself a few times. My advice is to enjoy what you got while you can." TK says.

"Thank you, it's hard. Especially when you know they are not interested, and you see them flirt with a woman. Sorry, do not know why I just said that. Normally I am tight lipped, it must be the tiredness from the long drive, so you and the policeman is it serious?" Eddie says.

"I have that arura round me that makes people talk to me, and yeah it's been weird I came here to get away from a bad relationship breakup where I tried kill myself, but got here met him and it's been great." TK Says

"Oh, sorry to hear about that. well, if you want to talk, I am a good listener. Mainly because I don't really open up myself." Eddie says with a chuckle.

Before TK says anything, the bell rings and they head off to the call. It is weird for Eddie not to help with the medical side but he watches and learns, they go on call after call the day flies by and Eddie bonds with pretty much everyone as the shift ends at nine pm. He gets showered and changed he says his goodbyes and heads home he gets in round ten pm, his mum has food in the oven and Chris is still up.

"He wants to say good night to Buck. That is all he talks about, Buck this, Buck that." His mum says giving him a look.

"Well, I don't know if he's up." Eddie says looking at Chris.

Just as he says it, he gets a text he looks at it.

'Hey Eddie, hope your day has gone well, wish I could have spoken to Christopher before he went bed, talk soon.' Buck. It was Buck.

He does not even text back, he just calls him and hands the phone to Christopher.

"Hello?" he hears Buck ask.

"Hey, Bucky." Chris says and Eddie smiles.

"Isn't it past your bedtime?" Buck asks.

"It is, but Dad said I could call you to say good night." Chris explains.

"Aww, well goodnight and have sweet dreams won't you?" Buck says.

"I will, you sleep well too." Chris says.

"Night, Superman." Buck says smiling. Well, Eddie did not see it, but he knew he was smiling.

"Night Bucky." Chris says and there is a ruffle sound as he passes the phone to Eddie.

"Hey, Buck." Eddie says.

"Hey, thanks for letting him call." Buck says.

"Your joking right? He been pestering my Mom all night to call you, but obviously I still have his phone." Eddie says with a chuckle.

"Ah, so he stayed up?" Buck asks.

"Yes, he refused to go bed till he spoke to you. He is heading off now, how was your evening? I tell you what, it's so different here." Eddie says.

"I went to Bobby's and made pumpkin pie ready for thanksgiving and you need sort out a new phone. Why it different?" Buck asks.

"Firstly, I hope you save us some pie to try and second I have ordered a new phone but it going be delivered to the station due to me being here in Texas, so I asked them send it there. So, look out for it please? It's just this place is a lot posher and more modern." Eddie says

"Of course, I will, and I bet Christopher will be happy get his phone back and maybe we need talk to Bobby about a restoration job." Buck laughs

"Bobby won't do that. Yeah, Christopher keeps moaning about wanting his phone back. Anyway, I need to go. I got an early start tomorrow. I will text you through the day. talk later." Eddie says.

"Yeah will do, buddy. Night." Buck says.

"Night." Eddie says and hangs up.

Eddie puts his phone in his pocket, so that he can get his food. As he eats, his Mom sits across from him, Eddie looks at her he knows what is coming.

"Do you think it's healthy for Chris that this Buck person is around all the time?" She asks and it totally throws Eddie.

"What you on about?" Eddie asks confusedly.

"All day he's spoken about Buck and how he does this and that, why is he always at yours or you're both at his." She asks, and he can see his Dad coming over.

"First off you know that Buck is the one who saved Christopher in the tsunami, he helped me sort out care for Christopher, how he was there after Shannon died. He helps out as that's what best friends do." Eddie starts.

"Well at least your friends and not you know in a relationship with this Buck person. You know that's not healthy for Chris to see that." His Dad says.

"Where do you get off saying things like that? if I was in a relationship with him it wouldn't affect Christopher at all. One of his friends has two Moms and I work with one of them, so do not try use that b.s. with me. I know what this is all about, I'm heading off to bed, I have got a busy few days ahead of me." Eddie says.

Eddie pushes the chair back, quickly puts the plate in the sink and heads off to his room. He sits on the bed and punches the pillow; he decides he better to sleep and shuts his eyes.

He spends Tuesday and Wednesday working, he offered to do extra shifts so that he has be away from his parents for a bit longer he had seen the text off Buck about his new phone and could not wait get it. He made sure Christopher speaks to Buck before and after shifts, making sure Christopher does throw in 'love you Buck' literally just to wind his parents up. He explained to TK what had happened and how he didn't want to stay there but had no choice and it was only for a few days. and he could head back Sunday. After a few calls TK asked Eddie about how dating was with having a kid, Eddie had explained about the guy that bailed and that had put him off. The team started talking about what their plans were for Thanksgiving and Eddie wasn't looking forward to it. He was working an early shift which means he would be back in time for the actual Thanksgiving meal and most likely another argument.

Thanksgiving arrives and Eddie is up early. It is four am so he is creeping round not to wake anyone. Today, he has decided he is taking his spare phone in with him, as he is toying with asking the guy to another date after speaking to TK.

He gets to the station and gets changed, he sits with TK and shows him the messages the guy had sent.

"He seems keen, so maybe he was serious about what happened." TK says.

The alarm goes off and they head out and after a few more they get back at nine am, Eddie walks off and calls Buck and there is no answer. After a few attempts with no answer, he starts to worry so calls the one person he knows Buck will answer.

"Hey Maddie, you heard from Buck? He's not answering his phone, keeps going to voice mail." He says

"No, I'm meant to be meeting him soon. I'll ring him and let you know what's going on." She says.

"Thanks, Maddie I better get back to it." Eddie says.

"Bye." She says

"Bye." He replies and hangs up

Eddie and TK sit at the kitchen table its eleven am, they sit going through the messages again as they eat food and have a drink.

"See, no matter how many times you read it, I get the same impression he wants you it's obvious." TK says.

"Yeah, your right." Eddie says and TK looks at him with a grin just then Eddies phone goes off and Eddie walks off to answer.

"Hey Eddie." Maddie says.

"Hey, any joy?" He asks.

"Yeah, he is fine. He just fell asleep on the sofa and his phone is dead. Why are you worried about him?" She asks

"He's not been himself recently and he won't say what's wrong. I was hoping you would find out the cause." Eddie explains.

"I will try. You know how he is, I better go, we're due at Athena's soon." Maddie says.

"Okay, have fun." Eddie says as he hangs up.

As he walks back around, he sees TK coming off the phone and has a big grin on his face.

"What has put a smile on your face?" Eddie asks curiously.

"Oh nothing, I just found out something completely funny. I'll explain soon enough." TK says.

"Come on, let us get changed and head home. I'm sure you have plans." Eddie says.

He gets changed and heads home. He arrives at home at twelve pm on the dot and he hugs Christopher and his mum and dad are sat there with some of the family.

"Eddie, we have been talking, we want you to move back here you could ask the captain for a job he knows how good you are, and we want Christopher here with us." His Dad says.

"I've told you; we're not going anywhere. We are staying in LA." Eddie snaps angrily.

"We know you say you have support, but we think it will be healthier for Christopher be here with family, and not strangers like this Buck person." His Mom says.

"Buck is not a stranger, he saved me and looks after me, I'm happy in LA and so is Dad that's where I want to be." Christopher says as he comes round the corner, overhearing what Ramon and Helena were saying.

"Christopher, we didn't want you hear this" Helena says.

"Its fine. I have said what I want. Dad can we call Buck, I want to wish him a happy Thanksgiving." Christopher says with a smile.

They walk off and head to Eddie's room and calls Buck.

"Hey." Buck answers.

"I See you're in the land of the living." Eddie says.

"Yeah, I am." Buck laughs.

"Bucky, Happy Thanksgiving!" Chris shouts down the phone

"Happy Thanksgiving Superman, how is it?" Buck says.

"It's okay. It would have been well better if you were here, but Dad says were having a special second Thanksgiving next week when we're back." Christopher says.

"That we are, buddy." Buck says.

"Come on, Chris I want talk to him." Eddie says, giving Christopher his 'Dad' look.

"Ughh" Chris groaned, but surrendered the phone and moved away, the sound of the crutches carrying over the phone

"Sorry, you know how he is when you're on the phone. How is it going? Have you made it there yet?" Eddie asks

"Well, we are just getting there, so I'll talk to you later." Buck says.

"Yeah, the last thing I want is Athena after me. Talk later." Eddie says agreeably.

"Very true. bye." Buck says as he hangs up.

"Ready to face the firing squad again?" Christopher says with a giggle.

"As long as you protect me." Eddie says hugging Christopher.

They go out and have food with the family and no one mentions about Eddie moving back they all keep to themselves, only asking Eddie about Ana and he went all grumpy. He did not want talk about it and Christopher laughed at him. It got to half seven and Eddie and Chris are relaxing on the sofa when they see Buck is calling.

"Bucky!" Chris answers with excitement and Eddie smiles.

"Hey Buddy, how are you? How's your day gone?" Buck asks.

"It's been fun, Dad was a bit grumpy when Nana asked about his girlfriend, I've eaten so much I'm sleepy." Chris says

"Good to hear that you have had fun and well better get settled before your grumpy Dad moans." They hear Buck laugh down the phone and Eddie watches as Chris giggles.

"I will, night Bucky." Chris says.

"Night, buddy." Buck says.

"Hey Buck, how was the meal?" Eddie asks.

"Hey Mr Grumpy Gills." Buck says with a laugh.

"Ughh Chris said I was grumpy didn't he?" Eddie asks.

"How you guess?" Buck says with a giggle.

"The fact you are referring me as Marlin from Finding Nemo. I am going have to stop you two watching Disney films together. You two gang up on me." Eddie says laughing

"No fun in that though, have you had a good time though?" Buck asks.

"Yeah, I'll be glad be back in LA though." Eddie says with a sigh.

"Why is that?" Buck asks.

"Well, my Mom and Dad want me move here permanently as they can help with Christopher more." Eddie says.

"Would you? "Buck asks

"No, I have this argument with them each and every time, so it's nothing new" Eddie says with a shrug.

"That is good then, I mean you have such a good support group here. I can't see how they would think you would struggle." Buck says.

"That is true, thanks Buck. You know how to cheer me up, anyway better let you go aren't you on an early shift?" Eddie asks.

"Yeah, and then I've been roped in to going out with Maddie as she watches Josh on a date so at least I'm outside." Buck says.

"Sounds like fun, just don't cause too much trouble." Eddie laughs.

"Night Eddie." Buck says.

"Night." Eddie replies this time Buck hangs up before Eddie can.

Eddie laughs to himself understanding why Buck did and knowing it was payback for that original hang up call. He decides to watch a film and after it finished he headed to bed. He was on another early shift. He was meant be off tomorrow but wanted to do the extra shift to get away from his parents. He nods off quite quickly and sleeps though until his alarm goes off at six am.

He gets up and ready and heads to work, once there he sees he has had a text on his spare phone.

'B.B.B 5:05am - Hey, I know you haven't messaged me since I bailed and I'm sorry about that, but if you are willing give me another chance, would you like to go out tomorrow night, meet at the same place at 8pm.'

Before Eddie can even think about answering it, the alarm goes off and there out pretty much all day, he tells TK about it and that he would love to but cannot as he will be working with them till Sunday. TK understands and they continue to work, through their shift, he sees TK talking to his dad and pointing at Eddie, he thinks nothing of it as it could be about anything. So, he gets back to work on the call, they finally head back in at one thirty pm.

"So, you decided if you're going message the guy about going on the date?" TK asks

"I want to but I'm here aren't I so he will think I'm messing him around." Eddie says.

"True" TK starts to say.

"Diaz, have you got a second." Captain Strand shouts.

"What's up Cap?" Eddie asks.

"Nothing. After this shift you are free to go. We have been impressed with the work you've done, including the few extra shifts you have covered. So, the guys you covered are going to cover your last shifts." He explains.

"You sure Cap? I don't mind." Eddie says with a smile.

"No, it's all sorted, and TK is hitching a ride. He has something take care of in LA, so he can go back with you and share the driving duties and he'll fly back Monday, if that's if okay?" Cap asks.

"Yeah, that means I haven't got to drive all that way on my own and I can have an adult conversation instead of kiddie ones." Eddie jokes.

"Yeah, I used to have that problem with TK." Cap jokes.

"Well I'll go get all packed and head off. I'll talk to TK before I leave to arrange a time to pick him up, I will want leave tonight if possible." Eddie says.

He shakes the Cap's hand and says his goodbyes, as he walks to the locker room he smiles and starts saying more goodbyes to the rest of the team, as he enters the locker room TK is sitting there all changed and ready.

"Thank you." Eddie says.

"Its fine, I saw how much you wanted go on this date." TK says.

"But, can I ask what you have got planned that you needed to come along with me?" Eddie asks.

"Well it not just me. It is Carlos too. We will drive, you sleep. I'm thinking even if we leave at six pm, we won't get back to LA till three pm even if we miss traffic." TK says

"Why is he coming? And yeah, it gives me time to relax and get ready." Eddie says in a considering tone.

"Well, we will sit in the bar and watch nearby just in case it's a crazy date, plus we can have a night away from here which be nice for us." TK explains.

"That's fine, I'll head home and pick you both up at half five, if that's okay." Eddie says.

"Yeah, that'll be fine, here's the address and see you later." TK says with a smile, handing him a slip with the address.

Eddie smiles and quickly gets dressed it is now half two, so he sends a message to the guy.

'Hey, I know I might regret this, but yes I will meet you tomorrow at the same bar at eight pm, but if you bail again, that will be it.'

Eddie smiles and heads home and he explains to his parents he is going today and gets Christopher to pack his things and he hears Christopher's phone go off. It is a text, but he wants to get packed and head off. When it gets to half four, he gets a message on the spare phone he looks at it.

'B.B.B – I completely understand and agree with you, but I'll be there I promise, see you tomorrow.'

It gets to half five and Eddie has packed the truck and Christopher is saying his goodbyes, Eddie speaks to his sister for a bit then leaves her he sees a text from Buck.

'Hey Eddie, I know you're driving back Sunday and you will be tired but was thinking maybe I can come round with some pizza? It would save you from your awful cooking.'

Eddie decides to call him.

"Hey" Buck says in a groggy tone as if he woke him.

"Have I woken you up?" Eddie asks in apologising tone.

"It's okay, I was trying get a nap, but I managed a bit, my alarm was due go off in ten minutes anyway." Buck says.

"Ah okay, not too bad. Sorry, I did not message back. It's been a manic day, I'll let you go and get ready, but yes to Sunday night." Eddie says

"Ok, cool I'll see you Sunday, but I'll message you tomorrow. Enjoy your last day in Texas." Buck says.

"Yeah I'll see you Sunday, but …" Before Eddie finishes Buck hangs up.

Eddie laughs again at Buck hanging up on him so texts him.

'So, fucking rude! See you Sunday.'

Eddie says his goodbyes to his parents and heads off to pick up TK and Carlos, he had explained to Chris that they were coming and he was going be in the back with Chris, as he get to their place, they say their hellos and start driving, Eddie sits in the back and they spend a few hours playing games and joking and eventually Christopher lays down and falls asleep so does Eddie. He wakes up and looks at his watch its ten am.

"Wow, I must have needed that." He says.

"Yeah, both of you must have." TK says.

"We were going wake you as we're going have a break." Carlos says.

"That'll be cool, and I can drive for a bit if you want let you rest." Eddie says.

"We will see" TK says.

They drive a bit more and pull into the service station. They all get out and stretch and Eddie treats them all to breakfast. They watch as Christopher plays, and Eddie sends a text on the spare phone.

'Still on for later, see you soon.'

He places the phone in his pocket, and they head back to the car, TK wouldn't let him drive, so he was in the back again. After a few hours it got to one pm, he decided to call Buck. But no answer so calls Maddie as he knew he was out with her.

"Hey, Maddie." Eddie says

"Hey, you calling to get the real story behind last night?" She asks without prompting.

"What you on about? I was calling as I have not heard from Buck, what happened is he okay?" He asks.

"Yeah, he is fine. He most likely will have a black eye, some guys attacked Josh last night, so Buck protected him." She explains.

"You're joking, what is he like? as long as he is okay. I'll message him until he answers me." Eddie says.

"Okay, goodbye." Maddie says.

"Bye." Eddie says and hangs up

Eddie sends Buck a few messages but no answer, they continue to drive. Soon enough, he will arrive at his and will start getting ready for his date. He had already asked Abuela to have Christopher for the night. It gets to five pm and they arrive in LA faster than they thought. They pull up at the hotel.

"Why are we here?" Eddie asks confusedly.

"This is where we are staying when we're here." Carlos says laughing.

"Oh right, cool well thank you and I'll meet you at the bar at seven pm. I want buy you both a drink before he gets there." Eddie says

They say their goodbyes and Eddie gets to his house its six pm. He quickly takes Christopher in and then bags he then quickly changes out of his clothes he wore. He puts a smart red shirt on and blue jeans. Once he's done he picks Christopher up and an overnight bag and orders a Uber to pick up from Abuela's and heads out its half six. As they start heading towards Abuela's and he sees Buck calling.

"Buck are you okay? Maddie told me about last night." Eddie says with concern.

"I'm okay, it's just a black eye, what did she say?" Buck questions.

"Just you had saved Josh from some idiots and you got yourself punched." Eddie replies.

"Yeah it is okay, they ran off. I am fine. Look I'm heading out to Maddie's, you off out as well or just on a drive? can we talk later?" Buck explains, finishing with a questioning tone. Eddie huffs at someone who cut him off, blaring his horn at the driver.

"Yeah, we're on a drive and yeah, sure we can talk later." Eddie says.

He drops Chris off and gives him a kiss and Abuela and jumps in the Uber that was already waiting. It is 6:40pm. He sits in the back butterflies appearing, but doubt was setting in too. Was he going get stood up again?

'Shit haven't told Ana about tonight' he thinks to himself.

He instantly sends her a message and he hears the spare phone go off and looks.

'B.B.B 6:50PM -on way, see you soon'

'Me too. I wanted to get there early to get a drink looks like we both had the same idea. I'll be there in 10 minutes.'

'B.B.B -Okay, I'll be there in twenty.'

Eddie smiles looks like it is happening this time. The car finally gets there five minutes before hand. He walks in and sees TK and Carlos he explains the guy is not far behind.

"Go get him tiger." TK says with a grin.

"Just hope he isn't an old man." Eddie jokes.

"I'm sure you will fall head of heels for him." Carlos says as they make their way over to a table where they can see the bar.

Eddie sits at the bar and orders a drink he keeps himself busy his spare phone goes off.

'B.B.B. -I'm here so what are you wearing so I can find you at the bar.'

'I'm the one with the red shirt on. I stand out, everyone else is in black lol.'

'B.B.B -ok I'm in a green shirt so we will stand out together.'

Eddie ducks his head down and dreads what will happen or who it will be he feels a tap on his shoulder he slowly turns.

"Hey, I'm Buc-" the guy says.

"Eddie?" Buck says shocked.

"Buck?" he says in the exact same tone.

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