Rory's fanplace

french nerd

[nerdysread]

I hate that I haven't been writing lately. I want to, I feel like I need to, but I can't. Problems in my family, then heat wave and now I'm exhausted because I haven't been sleeping well for weeks... Another heatwave is coming btw in France... And I had problems with my internship (which hasn't even started yet) for the past month...

I think I'll spend Saturday writing or I might just combust.

And on top of everything I have my master's thesis to work on

[nerdysread]

I can't lose you (then don't) - Chap 2

Title: I can't lose you (then don't) - Chap 2

Fandom: 9-1-1

Chapter One: Here

Alson on: AO3

Chapter Summary:

He exhales loudly, of course, Buck told Hen. "Yes, well, Buck is not my kid." Athena sighs sadly. This is not the place to argue, but they're not making any advancement. They need to bring Bobby back to the kid. "Then why do you sound so sad saying that?" Hen asks.

Or, 3 women and 2 necessary conversations

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Athena silently and slowly closes the door to Buck's room. They take a few steps away from it before talking.

"Okay," Hen starts, and she braces herself, knowing what's coming. "What the hell was that, Athena?"

Athena sighs, her shoulders drop, and she shakes her head. She looks briefly in the room and crosses her arms. She knows Buck's not sleeping. She's a mother, and the young man had spent enough time at their house during their recovery for her to know when he's faking sleep. But she knows how to read him, and she knows how he reacts to pain and medication; she knows he's overwhelmed and needs time to gather his thoughts. That's why she agreed to let him alone, for now.

Because there's another thing, she saw that look in Buck's eyes, one that she hates seeing in people she loves, one she never thought she'd be seeing again in this kid. She saw it numerous times while trying to talk people down from bridges or roofs. She saw it in May's eyes, but also in Bobby's eyes a few times.

"During dinner," she finally answers, looking back at her best friend. "Bobby told Buck that it wasn't the brass holding him back, but him. Bobby told the brass Buck wasn't ready to come back."

"What?" Both women's heads turn at the sharp voice, Eddie Diaz's voice.

This time, Athena sighs internally. She really doesn't want to deal with an overprotective and angry Eddie Diaz. The fact that Eddie is accompanied by Maddie, Chimney, and his son doesn't make it easier.

"Eddie…" Hen tries raising a placating hand.

"No, Hen!" He snaps. His face is as hard as stone, and if Athena were anyone else, his stare would have scared her. Instead, she stands straighter and fixes him with her own stare.

"Why?" It's Chimney who asks the question she can see written on everyone's face.

"Why do you think?" She answers with her own question; they can guess by themselves, and she won't betray her husband, because he might see it like that.

Hen let's out a long, exhausted sigh. "He wanted to protect Buck."

A heavy silence follows her revelation. Chimney's eyes widen like he feels stupid for not understanding sooner. Hen looks resigned, but it's Maddie who surprises her. There's something sad as she looks past her, to her brother's room. She looks like she's far in some memory as she murmurs, "Oh, Ev."

She wants to ask what this is about, but is interrupted by Eddie's scoff. "Yeah," the firefighter says, voice dripping with venom. "Because it worked so well."

Maddie flinches at Eddie's tone, Hen and Chimney startle, but Athena bristles. She might not agree with Bobby's choice, but she won't let anyone criticize him.

"Diaz!" Her voice is cold, and Eddie stands straighter, but doesn't look away.

"Dad?" Christopher's voice breaks the rising tension between them. Eddie softens instantly, looking down at his son, and so does Athena. "Can we go see Buck? Please."

Athena's heart breaks a bit more at the boy's plea. She had seen Buck and Chris bound, which only deepened after the tsunami. No wonder Chris wanted to be by Buck's side when the man was hurt again. Eddie swallows hard and nods, not saying anything.

"Honey," It's Maddie who speaks when she sees that Eddie is still too deep in his head. She shows him the bag she's holding. "Do you want to help me with the plaids I brought?"

Chris smiles and nods, "Yes. Buck always gets cold in the hospital."

Athena's heart melts, and if Maddie's expression is saying something, hers too. There's something so sad in the fact that this child knows Buck enough to know he gets cold in hospitals. Maddie gives Chris a small smile.

"Lead the way then." She says, following the kid to Buck's door.

Athena brings her attention back to Eddie, "You should go with him, Eddie," she does her best to keep her voice gentle. "He's going to need you when he sees Buck like that."

Eddie's sharp eyes flick to her, his mouth is pinched in a thin line, but he ends up agreeing and follows his son and Maddie in the room. In the end, only she, Hen, and Chimney are still in the hallway.

Another heavy sigh, this time it's Chimney's. Athena can only agree with him.

"Wait," he holds a hand up. "During our last shift, Bobby told Hen and me that Buck was coming to spend the night at yours. And he never told us that it was him holding Buck back."

She notices the paramedic's insistence; how can she not? Bobby had wanted Buck to spend the night, yes, but things led to another.

"Buck ran away when Bobby told him the truth." She pinches the top of her nose, a headache suddenly appearing. "Not that he was the best at explaining himself either."

"The kid thinks Bobby hates him." Hen states, and it hurts because yes, he does, and he's close to giving up.

"What?" Chimney asks.

Athena tunes her best friend's explanations. Buck thinks Bobby hates him and is giving up. Never would she have thought she'd see the day of Buck giving up. Athena loves her husband, but she doesn't like his stubbornness in accepting his and Buck's relationship. Of course, she understands. How could she not? She understands his guilt and how he thinks he doesn't deserve it. But right now it's just hurting the two of them.

She also hates Buck's impulsiveness and inability to listen when he only listens to his emotions. After all, it's the reason that got him in trouble with her more than once.

"So what do we do?" Chimney asks, pulling her out of her train of thought.

Hen looks at her before looking back at her other best friend. "We make them talk." She turns to address her again. "Where's Bobby?"

Athena raises an eyebrow.

"The chapel." Hen nods. "You and I are going to get him. Chim-"

He cuts her with a resolute look on his face. "I'm staying with them." He says, nodding toward the room. "Call me if you need me to drag Cap there. Even if we have to drag him kicking and screaming."

Athena knows what the paramedic is doing, and it works. She snorts, and so does Hen. He claps them on the shoulder before entering the room. Hen looks back at her.

"Ready?"

Athena gestures to the hallway, "Lead the way."

Another thing she doesn't say, Bobby is sure Buck hates him now.

***

They find Bobby on one of the pews, sitting head low, rosary beads in hand, lips moving silently before making the sign of the cross. They sit on each side of the captain. Bobby doesn't acknowledge them right away. He stays quiet, head still down. They don't push; they can be patient. Finally, Bobby loves, his head rises, but his eyes are on the cross.

"He's going to be okay, Bobby," Hen says, breaking the silence.

They see when Bobby's shoulder tenses, and Bobby finally looks at Hen, who understands for the first time the weight of Bobby's guilt.

"Is he?" It's the only thing he can say, and his voice is raspy and tired. It's the first time he talks since the doctor told him everything is fine.

A hand on his arm, his wife's. His anchor, his lighthouse in the storm of his mind. The storm is full of grief and guilt. He looks at her, at her eyes. There, he finds understanding and confidence. But they also shine with sadness and some pleas that Bobby hates to see, because he's not sure he can answer them.

"He will," she states, leaving no room for argument. Still, Bobby can hear it, and he braces for what comes next. "But you have to talk to him, Bobby."

Athena's voice is gentle, yet he feels like he's been slapped. He flinches and looks back at the altar. Jesus is there judging him, but it's easier to be judged by Christ than by Athena and Hen. Jesus died for the sins of humankind, and Bobby is full of sins, mortal sins that killed his wife and kids. Sins that almost killed his other- no, he can't think like that. He doesn't deserve to. He only deserves Christ's judgment.

"No." His voice is sharper and louder than he intended, but he doesn't care. Because he can't face Buck right now, because Bobby Nash is a coward. A coward who put his the kid in the hospital and can't face the hatred he might see in the kid's eyes. A hatred well deserved since he almost killed him. Again.

He feels the look exchanged between Athena and Hen; he can almost hear their silent communication. Of course, Hen is there trying to help him. She doesn't know.

"Bobby." Athena sighs, and he turns to her.

"Athena." He stares at her; she has to understand, after all, she didn't agree with his decision. But she stared back at him, unflinching. A rock in the middle of his storm.

Athena sighs; it's one of the times she hates her husband for being so headstrong. She glances at Hen, who nods.

"You know," she starts slowly and quietly. "Sometimes I want to lock Denny inside my house just to protect him. But it wouldn't be for him, it would be for me."

Bobby's eyes go wide, and he briskly turns toward Hen. "What? How?"

He looks back at Athena, and she sees it, the betrayal in his eyes. "Don't look at me like that. I didn't tell them."

Bobby frowns because how could they know? Not that he doesn't trust Athena, but how?

"Buck told me," Hen says, there's no judgment in her voice. He's not sure he deserves her kindness.

He exhales loudly, of course, Buck told Hen. "Yes, well, Buck is not my kid."

Athena sighs sadly. This is not the place to argue, but they're not making any advancement. They need to bring Bobby back to the kid.

"Then why do you sound so sad saying that?" Hen asks.

It feels like he's been slapped. He has to look away. He would have preferred anyone else to talk to him than his wife and Hen, who can read him so easily. Those two women who are not afraid to tell him what they think. He doesn't answer, sets his jaw, and focuses back on the cross.

Athena has a silent discussion with her best friend. This is not working, and their next solution is not one she likes, but it's the last one, the one that might actually work. Hen raises her eyebrows, and Athena nods. She softens her features and voice in the hope of softening the blow.

"Buck thinks you hate him." She says in a whisper. Bobby flinches, and she hates herself for that, but he has to hear the truth, or they might actually lose the kid for good this time.

"I don't!" Bobby replies fiercely, and they can hear the love he has for the boy in his voice.

Someone clears their throat, and they look up to find the priest in front of them. "Excuse me, but you are disturbing people. I'll ask you to take your conversation outside, please." He says, his tone gentle but firm.

"I'm sorry, Father," Hen says, head low. "We'll leave now."

The priest nods and smiles before leaving. Hen gets up, so does Athena, but Bobby doesn't make a move. Athena nods toward the exit, and Hen leaves. She catches her husband's eye in a battle of wits. One, she knows she'll win. In the end, Bobby gets up and follows her.

They step further away from the chapel before Bobby breaks the silence. "I never hated Buck. I just want to…" his voice breaks at the end of his sentence because it's just too much.

Athena puts a hand on his arm, "I know that baby." She says gently. "But you have to talk to him."

A hand through his hair, he leans against the wall, the weight of everything on his shoulder. "Can I even do this?" 'Does he even want to see me?' His mind supplies for him.

"Bobby," Hen leans next to him. "I understand why you did what you did. It might not have been the best solution, but it's done. Now you have to face it before it's too late."

"Too late?" The doctors have said that he will be okay; it's just a step back. Another one, maybe the one too many.

Another silent communication between his wife and Hen, they're holding back from telling him something, and he hates it.

"What is it?" He asks, scared that he already knows the answer.

Athena looks at her husband, using her first-responder skills to judge if he can hear the truth. His eyes are pleading, and if she lies, she knows he'll know it. The truth, no matter how hard it is, is what he needs.

"He thinks you hate him, that you haven't come to see him because you were proven right, he's a liability." Bobby's eyes fill with tears, and she almost stops, but she needs her husband to hear what is truly happening so they can really talk. "You need to explain. You need to talk to him before he gives up. Before we lose him."

And it feels like the ground opens under his feet.

***

Bobby is in the too-silent room. He feels awful, and Buck looks too small and young in that hospital bed. He hates it. Across from him is sitting Maddie, who wanted to stay here while Athena went to grab some coffee. Hen had to go home to Denny, Chris, and Eddie left, not without Eddie staring hard at him, clearly not happy. Chimney went with Athena. He's not stupid; he knows Maddie wants to say something to him. Or else Athena wouldn't have left, nor would Chim.

"You know," Maddie starts. Her voice is gentle, her eyes filled with unshed tears. "When Buck told me about the Fire Marshall position, I was so happy. I knew it was selfish, but I wanted to keep my baby brother safe. After… after everything, all I needed was to know that he was out of harm's reach."

She starts to play with his hair, a sad smile on her lips. "Of course, I know my baby brother, I know that it wouldn't last. His love for this job, this family, is stronger than anything, even his own preservation."

Buck grunts and Maddie chuckles, not seeing Bobby tensing. She kisses his head, and Buck doesn't stir awake. Bobby watches as Maddie settles back in her chair. She looks up and meets his eyes, her smile not leaving, just a bit sad.

"What I mean," she adds. "Is, I understand, because I would have done the same. It's selfish, I know, but I'd do anything to protect my baby brother."

Bobby can't handle her kind look; he has to look away, his eyes settling on Buck's sleeping form.

"It's not the same," he says. His voice is weak, but something is reassuring knowing that Maddie, the one whom Buck loves the most, would have done the same. "I know you raised him, and you're his big sister."

That's what Buck told him. How much Maddie was there for him during their childhood, how she raised him, and he wanted to ask more about his childhood, but he eluded. Maddie offers another smile and shakes her head. She stays silent, looking at her brother, and Bobby studies her. She looks like it's a normal thing for her to be in the hospital. She knows Buck so well and can tell exactly how he feels. But he also sees her exhaustion. Still, she seems way better than when she came in after their call.

"Our parents," she pauses, her eyes still fixed on Buck. "You saw how they are. Well, more like you didn't."

She lets out a sad chuckle, and Bobby can only nod, watching her. She looks resolute, like she's not waiting for them anymore. But yes, Bobby saw their absence. He knows Buck called them when Maddie got captured by Doug, and they didn't show up. He knows Maddie called them after the truck and the embolism, and they didn't show up either. It has made Bobby's blood boil. He had been so angry for them, but the siblings had looked like they were expecting it.

"I did my best to raise him, but I was just a kid, not a parent." Maddie looks back at him, and there's so much sadness and grief in her eyes, and Bobby has to fight his instincts to hug her. "Our parents only paid attention when he got hurt, even if it never lasted."

At Maddie's revelation, Bobby feels his breath catch; he has to focus on it so he doesn't slip into a spiral. The thing is, that it sadly makes so much sense when he thinks of Buck's way of acting. He swallows back the bile in his throat.

"During his first Christmas here, he sent me a card and the way he talked about the 118, about you," Maddie gives him a true smile. "I knew he found his place, the family he'd been looking for since he was a child."

She stays quiet for a bit, a small but real smile on her face, and her eyes looking far away, like she's in her memories. Bobby let's her be.

"Then I came back. And the way he was talking about the team, you, I couldn't wait to meet all of you." Bobby understands the implications of Maddie's words and insistence. He's not sure he can take it. "And then I met you in person, and I saw how he talked to you. Looked at you and I understood."

Her eyes flicker between the two men before settling on him, and he feels scrutinized under her gaze, but not judged, and he's glad for that.

"And I saw how you looked at him, Bobby. I saw the way you reached out to him. You're the one who took him to most of his P.T, and don't tell me it's because you were feeling guilty about the truck. Would you have done it if it were anyone else?"

Bobby opens his mouth, of course, he felt guilty because the bomb had been for him, not anyone else. Yet, she's right, and he can't deny it. He would have been here, but not as much. Buck had spent a lot of time at his and Athena's house. Once or twice, he caught Harry and May talking about Buck to their friends, and telling them he's their big brother. It has made him feel warm and sick at the same time, feeling like he was overstepping. But then Buck had taken his first steps toward him, and Bobby had only felt pride.

"I can't." He whispers, but he doesn't know what he can't do: deny it or be what Buck needs. Maddie gives him another smile.

"I'm not asking you to sign adult adoption papers. Even if he would totally agree." She laughs, and Bobby can't stop the chuckle escaping him. "But please. There's only one thing that truly scares Buck, it's being left alone. It's finding a family, and them turning their back on him."

Her voice is shaking, and tears are falling down her cheeks. She sniffs. "I can't force you to do anything, but I'm just going to ask you one thing. Please, don't be like our dad. I know you're not, he wouldn't love you this much otherwise. But our parents kept things from him, kept him at arm's length. And there's a reason why he hates silence so much."

A sob escapes her, and Bobby has to blink away the tears that gather in her eyes.

"Mads?" Buck groans without opening his eyes.

Maddie sniffs and gets up, playing with her brother's hair. "It's okay, Ev. Go back to sleep, I'm okay."

Buck hums, and he's back into unconsciousness in the next second. Maddie kisses his forehead and sits back. She sniffs, blinks her tears away, wipes her face, and chuckles.

"I'm sorry. It might be too much."

Bobby chokes but shakes his head. "No," his voice is unsteady, and he has to clear his throat. "No. I'm sorry, Maddie, it might be for you. But I promise, I'll do my best."

Maddie smiles at him, and it's such a 'buck smile' that Bobby is taken aback. Right now, he doesn't see Maddie, the adult who survived her husband, but he sees her like he often sees Buck. He sees her as a kid, a kid who was too young to go through things she shouldn't have. He wants to hug her and tell her that things will be okay, but he doesn't have this relationship with her. He's not sure she'll accept. Well, if she's like Buck, and she is, she will. Still, he doesn't get up, and doesn't circle the bed to go to the other side and hug her. He just gives her his most reassuring smile.

"That's all I'm asking for. Thank you, Bobby." Her shoulders go down, and he sees the moment the weight of the last two days finally leaves her.

Just after that, the door opens and Athena and Chimney step in. Bobby suspects they were waiting for them to finish talking, and from Athena's satisfied smile, he knows he's right.

Maddie gets up and hugs Chimney before making her way toward Bobby. "I have to go, I have a shift, and Sue couldn't find a replacement. But I know he's in good hands."

Bobby gets up without thinking because he saw Buck acting like that, and Maddie looks just like him right now. It's kind of overwhelming. Maddie gives her a tight hug, and Bobby holds her back.

"Thank you for being here." She mumbles. "Don't worry, things will get better. I know my brother."

Bobby can only muster a weak "okay" before Maddie lets go and kisses her brother, who smiles in his sleep. She whispers something in his ear that Bobby doesn't try to understand. Buck doesn't wake up, of course, but relaxes even deeper in the bed. Athena gives Maddie a side hug.

"I'll keep you updated, Buckette."

Maddie laughs, and with Chimney holding her close, she leaves, not without one last glance at her baby brother.

Bobby sits back in the chair, and Athena gives him his coffee. She sits on the other side of the bed, right where Maddie was. She doesn't speak right away. Bobby knows she's letting him process everything. Bobby doesn't look at Buck or at his wife. He looks at his coffee. It takes a sip and is surprised to find it's not coffee, it's tea. The one he, May, and Buck drink when they feel stressed. May is the one who introduced it to them one day after a bad day during Buck's recovery. Since then, it's been their to-go drink when they don't feel okay.

"Thank you," he finally says, offering his best smile and trying to convey everything in those two words and in his eyes. His gratitude, his love, how lucky he knows he is to have her in his life. Everything.

Athena smiles, and Bobby knows she understands. "Of course, Baby." She grabs her bag that is on the floor. "Now, I found this in the shop and thought that our boy might like it."

She grabs a thick book, and Bobby laughs. He laughs at the book and at Athena, saying 'our boy', their unspoken bond finally out in the world. For the first time since that dinner, he feels like things might actually be okay. Athena opens the book and starts reading.

"In the myriadic year of our lord — the ten thousandth year of the King Undying, the kindly Prince of Death! — Gideon Nav packed her sword, her shoes and her dirty magazines, and she escaped from the House of the Ninth."

[nerdysread]

Okay so I've been thinking about a 9-1-1 fic. Don't ask me why I want to read it again, but it just popped in my head and I'm like "I should read it again" but I can't find it.

The fic is set during season 1, hen is talking about Athena being with May after May's attempt and Buck is like "oh, its not that bad. I mean maybe a bit sad but Athena doesn't have to be with May" and Hen is like dude wtf are you talking about. I thought you were better than this. And Buck is like "I mean it's kind of a rite of passage when you're young. My parents didnt care" and then Hen is like "Buck it's not okay or normal" and she's flabbergasted. I think Chim is there and maybe Bobby later...

Anyway if you know the fic please tell me. I need to find it or it will obsess me for a while.

[nerdysread]

FOUND IT!!!!!

It's more recent that I thought that's why. It was written in 2025 and not tagged Buck & Hen but Buck & 118

[nerdysread]

Okay so I've been thinking about a 9-1-1 fic. Don't ask me why I want to read it again, but it just popped in my head and I'm like "I should read it again" but I can't find it.

The fic is set during season 1, hen is talking about Athena being with May after May's attempt and Buck is like "oh, its not that bad. I mean maybe a bit sad but Athena doesn't have to be with May" and Hen is like dude wtf are you talking about. I thought you were better than this. And Buck is like "I mean it's kind of a rite of passage when you're young. My parents didnt care" and then Hen is like "Buck it's not okay or normal" and she's flabbergasted. I think Chim is there and maybe Bobby later...

Anyway if you know the fic please tell me. I need to find it or it will obsess me for a while.

[dreaming-marchling]

Saturday Snippet - Bobby's Kid III

Tagged by: @devirnis (thank you!)

---

“Somehow I don’t think she realizes just how the rest of us feel about her,” Bobby said. “She doesn’t realize she’s skirting the edge with all these calls to Maddie.”

“That part might be true,” Athena said, her eyes meeting his again. “But she absolutely knows what we think of her. She wouldn’t have fled the state so fast if that weren’t the case. Her argument with Eddie should have painted a good enough picture for her. I know what Buck thinks about her and how she can’t acknowledge any fault but I think that’s the image she projects. She’s got him trained to not even try.”

That was a point that Bobby hadn’t considered. “Do you really think that?”

Athena gave him a look that was deeply unimpressed but he was fairly sure that was for Margaret and not for his lack of… perception? Deductive reasoning?

“She functions in society, doesn’t she? Goes out to her country club and plays the part of a rational person? I don’t doubt she’s got issues but I think she was allowed to be wild in her grief at home and she thrived on that. Think of children who don’t get properly punished for misbehavior, they learn they can get away with the same thing over and over again. They throw tantrums so their weak-willed parent doesn’t even try to correct them after awhile. That’s Margaret. Maybe not in any sophisticated planned out way but she’s absolutely trained Maddie and Buck to not question her or ask anything of her. That’s how they learned to operate to survive, doesn’t mean that anyone else will do that for her. She’s got to have some ability to contain herself or she would have been arrested and held on a psych hold by now,” Athena said with a hefty dose of disgust in her voice that ran through each and every word. It was clear that she had thought a lot about Margaret and her behavior. Athena was practically profiling her.

Bobby knew the answer to the question he asked next without needing Athena to reply but he couldn’t help himself. “You ran a background check on her, didn’t you?”

“Oh, of course,” Athena said unrepentantly.

“And? Anything interesting?” Bobby asked.

She shook her head. “Literally nothing. I wish I had done it before they came here because I would have seen her deceased child on there and we might have been less blindsided. No arrests, not even a speeding ticket. She’s either a model citizen or her husband fixes any problems for her with a mixture of money and playing the grief card.”

Bobby wasn’t sure which he believed. Athena’s point about how Margaret was capable of behaving herself when she wanted to was interesting though. “I can see what you mean but it’s not something I’ll mention to Buck. I think it’s easier for him to deal with the idea that she can’t control herself over having to accept that she can but she actively wants to hurt him.”

---

Tagging: @smilebackwards, @mythbri and @princessfbi if you have anything you’d like to share?

Also tagging @birthmarkedbabyblues, @nerdysread, @asmuchasidliketo, @stormysummers, @iamfaithmanages, @the-annoying-fangirl and @lowenharts for commenting on previous parts (I can add or remove anyone if desired!)

[fedzzzart]

buckley-diaz family outing🎈🎡💛🍃

[rcvenly]

the reason why i like so much the trope where a grumpy mid age takes a kid under his wing and would do anything to protect them it's probably 'cause my father was never really there. He never said he loved me, he never said he was proud. I'd barely see him, just at dinner. He continues to do it and he only talks to me to tell me what to do like take a shower or taking out the dog.

The fact that someone voluntarily takes care of a kid, even if they aren't their biologically or adopted kid, warms my heart. The fact that a man, who is usually rude to everyone, has a soft side with a kid it's just so sweet to me.

The fact that they choose to be somebody's father figure and not being in their life just because they have to makes my almost cry.

[rcvenly]

back again at this because buck and bobby are now my favourite found father trope example. they are my family you don't understand. wdym buck saved bobby and gave him a reason to live. wdym bobby was the first person to ever see him and love him for who he was aside from maddie. wdym bobby wouldn't survive losing him. wdym buck doesn't know who he is without bobby. wdym mom brought two kids into the marriage you brought one

[nerdysread]

Title: (no) Worries

Fandom: 9-1-1

Relationships: Buck & Bobby, Buck & Original Firehouse Crew, Buck & Athena, Bobby/Athena

Characters: Buck, Bobby, Original Firehouse Crew, Athena

Additional tags: Buck and Bobby Week 2026 (9-1-1 TV), Bobby Nash is Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parent, Post-Episode: s06e13 Mixed Feelings (9-1-1 TV), The 118 A-Shift is the talk of the LAFD, They're like their favorite reality tv shows, Hurt Evan "Buck" Buckley, Concussions, Athena Grant and Bobby Nash are Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parents, Evan "Buck" Buckley & May Grant are Siblings, Texting Fic, A mix between text and normal fic, No beta reader, no beta we die like men, Crack Treated Seriously, Fluff, a sprinkle of angst, Worried Bobby Nash, Accident on the job, buck calls Bobby pops, Worried Athena Grant, Worried Maddie Buckley, Worried Firehouse 118 Crew (9-1-1 TV), Firehouse 118 Crew as Family (9-1-1 TV), Post-Evan "Buck" Buckley Gets Struck by Lightning, Episode: s06e13 Mixed Feelings - Post-The Poker Game Scene (9-1-1 TV)

For: @buckandbobbyweek 2026: Day 7 - Accidental + Crack Treated Seriously.

Summary:

Captain Blues: It's Buckley Cassis: Buckley? Ennis: From the 118? Hicks: 118 A-shift? Docky: Why are you blowing the chat off during my vacations? Oh. Nevermind. Good luck from Texas. I've never been so happy not to work lolµ Cassis: Cap. You can't let that happen. Nothing against Buckley, but nooooo. I'll even take Diaz.

Or, the 118 A-Shift is the talk of the LAFD Buck covers in another house; he might have an accident

Author's Note: Last fic for the Buck and Bobby week 2026! I know I was supposed to post it yesterday, but I was at a convention and then a concert, and when I got home, I was just dead on my feet. So here we go, last fic. Hope you like it.

Also, based on my personal HC, the LAFD loves to talk about the 118 A-Shift but hates to work with them. They're their favorite source of gossip and curses.

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No 118 A-Shift

Blues - 106B: Why is it so hard to find someone to cover for ONE shift? Mehta- 133B: Because everyone is down Giraud - 122A: I blame the floaters who gave the flu to the whole LAFD Joeys - 118B: I might have heard something about your replacement. Blues - 106B: Wait. If you know something, it means my replacement is from your house. Please tell me they're from your shift or Carlson's. Carlson - 118C: Not from mine. Jessie - 26A: Oh. He's having someone from the cursed shift. Mehta - 133B: Come on. They're not cursed. Carlson - 118C: Jeshan, please. You were involved in one of their call. At least half of the LAFD health insurance goes into the 118 A-Shift medical bills. Giraud - 122A: Blues had gone suddenly very silent. Jessie - 26A: Maybe he's contemplating quitting. Or just crashing out like the young people say these days. Giraud - 122A: You spend too much time with said, young people. But you're probably right. Blues - 106B: I was not crashing out or contemplating quitting. Chief Simpson just called me to let me know that they have found someone to cover. Jessie - 26A: Well, we need to know now. Blues - 106B: You just want a good laugh and gossip. Giraud - 122A: Of course. We're first responders. Blues - 106B: Buckley. Jessie - 26A: Oh wow. I got the side eye from my team when they heard me laughing so hard. Giraud - 122A: Wait. Buckley? Didn't he just come back after an injury? Carlson - 118C: Lighting strike. He died. Joeys - 118B: For 3 minutes Carlson - 118C: and seventeen seconds. Mehta- 133B: How do you know such specific details? Carlson - 118C: Diaz. Joeys - 118B: Every time Buckley talked about it, or he heard someone talk about he would remind them of this detail. Mehta- 133B: Doesn't surprise me coming from them, actually. Carlson - 118C: At least he lost his math power. He's not going to steal your team's money. Mehta - 133B: He was very good at Math. Blues - 106B: I have an announcement to make to my team. Joeys - 118B: Good luck. Nash is even more protective of him since he came back. Jessie - 26A: Ish. Don't let anything happen to him. I don't want to go to your funerals. Blues - 106B: Don't you all have work to do?

***

106 C-Shift

Captain Blues: Hello, everyone. The chief called me; he found someone to cover for Ennis. Ennis: Sorry, guys. I wish I were with you. Hicks: Don't be, dude. You're supposed to rest. Don't make me call your husband. Smoke: Is it related to Maria sending me a good luck with a bunch of laughing emojis? Captain Blues: I hate how fast news travels in the LAFD. Smoke: She didn't give me any details Captain Blues: It's Buckley Cassis: Buckley? Ennis: From the 118? Hicks: 118 A-shift? Docky: Why are you blowing the chat off during my vacations? Oh. Nevermind. Good luck from Texas. I've never been so happy not to work lol Cassis: Cap. You can't let that happen. Nothing against Buckley, but nooooo. I'll even take Diaz. Hicks: Trust me, you don't want to. Bosko worked with him when Buckley was out. She still hasn't recovered. Smoke: I think we're missing the real point here. Nash. Probie: Why are y'all acting like it's the end of the world? Hicks: Because if anything happens to the kid, Nash will kill us. Cassis: Or Sergeant Grant will. Probie: he's their kid? Smoke: Yeah. Problem, the 118 A-shift, and especially Buckley, tends to like having dates with death. Hicks: I mean, Buckley did die. For three minutes and seventeen seconds. Ennis: ???? Hicks: I was at a poker game. Don't ask. Cassis: all of this to say. We're fucked and cursed Captain Blues: And this is why I wanted to give you a heads up. Please give him a warm welcome and don't do anything embarrassing. Cassis: We would never Cap Probie: I didn't know LAFD allowed parents to work with their child… wonders how it is… Cassis: You should def ask Buckley, you'll see it's interesting

***

Buck comes in for his shift at the 106, bouncing and happy to help, blissfully ignorant of the stress of the team.

"Buckley," Captain Blues greets him. "Nice to see you on your feet. And thank you for covering."

Buck blushes a bit and gives him his best smile. "My pleasure, Captain. Always happy to help."

Blues introduces him to the rest of the shift, and he offers them some baked goods, and the team happily dives in.

"Oh my God," Cassis, don't ask him, he didn't ask either, moans. "Did Nash teach you this one? I heard he's like a chef."

Buck chuckles. "He taught me a lot of cooking, but we learned this one together. Actually, I wanted to learn it to bring some to you. So I'm glad you like it."

Smoke, one of the oldest of the shift, puts an arm around his shoulders and laughs. "Are you sure you want to go back to the 118? We could use our own chef."

Buck blushes; he's truly happy his chocolate and raspberry brownies are a success.

"No offense, guys, but I truly love the 118." He gently nudges Smoke. "Plus, I'm sure you'll be glad to have your guys back."

His phone pings with a text, and he dislodges himself from Smoke's hold. He finds a text from Bobby.

Bobby: Have a good shift, kid. Please, be careful.

Buck chuckles and rolls his eyes fondly. He texts him a reassuring text and pockets his phone.

Buck: Don't worry, Cap. Everything will be fine Enjoy your day off!

"Nah," he shakes his head with a smile. "Bobby. Told him to stop worrying."

The alarm rings, and Buck rushes down to the engine, missing the crew's horrified faces.

***

Buck's happy. His shift is going pretty well. Sure, they're not his team, but they're a good team. They're nice, funny, and as nosy as his house, so it doesn't change a lot.

Well, no, there's one thing he finds strange. Mike, their probie, keeps looking at him like he's a mystery. It all comes to a head during a simple, normally out-of-danger emergency.

The call is about a family dispute. The paramedics are taking care of them, while the Captain is talking with Athena and another officer on the scene. Buck and Mike are here in case they need to hold people back.

"You know, you can ask me questions if you want," Buck says after catching Mike looking at him.

"Sorry," Mike starts, and Buck sees him blush; he chuckles.

"Don't worry." He gives him a playful smile before looking back at the family, who are arguing again, and he's ready to intervene. "Shoot."

Buck shoots him a look from the corner of his eye, but his main focus is on the scene. He braces himself to put himself in the middle when he sees one member of the family grab a weight.

"How is it to work at your dad's fire station?" The probie blurts out.

The question totally takes Buck by surprise, because why does the probie of the 106 think Buck is working with his dad? Who does he mean? Surely he's not talking about Phillip. He spins so quickly to face Mike that he almost falls.

"WHAT?" His voice cracks, and he's not focused on what's happening anymore. "I-"

He doesn't finish his sentence as he feels something hit his head, and he falls on the ground. He hears someone, maybe Athena, scream his name, and he hits the floor.

***

Mike is fucked. He is truly fucked. He should have known it was a bad idea to ask this question, but apparently, he wasn't as smooth as he was.

He watches with wide eyes as Buck gets hit by the weight with a sickening sound of his skull cracking, and he freezes.

"Buck!" He looks up from Buck and sees Sergeant Grant marching down toward them. Oh shit.

"Buckley!" Next, it's his captain, and finally, Mike snaps back into reality and kneels next to the other firefighter.

Buck still has his eyes open, and he rolls onto his back. His head is bleeding, and his pupils are dilated. Athena kneels next to him.

"Hey, honey," she smiles, putting a hand on his cheek. "Nice catch."

Buck chuckles and mumbles something sounding like "years of practice."

Captain Blues kneels next and inspects the wound and sighs. "Well, Buckley, you win a trip to the hospital with our victim." He shakes his head, "I can't believe you're more hurt than our patient."

"Nooooo," Buck whines and pouts like a child, and not the thirty-something firefighter he is. Honestly, Mike is kind of flabbergasted. "Thena come?"

He gives the sergeant puppy eyes, and Mike sees her transform from scary sergeant to something soft. Not that he will ever tell her that.

"I'll come as soon as I can," she says, giving him a small smile. "But don't worry, Bobby will join you soon."

Shit, Mike is truly fucked. Next time, he'll just keep his mouth shut.

***

106 - No Caps

Cassis: Probie put Buckley in the hospital Probie: I just asked him a question, and he got distracted God… I put Buckley in the hospital Docky: My vacations are going so fine right now Goldie: Thank God I'm not in your shift Ennis: Damn it, probie Smoke: Hey. Leave the kid alone. He already feels horrible Jens: Damn, guys. You had ONE job. Probie: I'll go apologize later But I'm scared to meet Nash Hicks: You should, dude Hensens: Come on. He's not that bad Carl: You never saw him in protective mode, did you? Ennis: How's the cap? Hicks: Crashing out, I guess

***

No 118 A-Shift

Joeys - 118B: So, how is it going with Buckley? Blues - 106B: How do you know? Joeys - 118B: Bobby was at the station dropping some paperwork I needed when Sergeant Grant called him. Mehta- 133B: What happened? Blues - 106B: He just needed a few stitches And he might have a concussion, too. Giraud - 122A: Hey, he made it 10 hours into the shift. Blues - 106B: And I have to reassure my probie, too. He feels guilty about distracting Buckley. Carlson - 118C: Blame the probie. Or plan your funerals. But I wasn't planning on wearing my dress blues anytime soon. Blues - 106B: Very funny. It's not that bad. Giraud - 122A: Sure. Jo, how worried was he? Joeys - 118B: Not bad. He might have paled a lot, and maybe he broke a few traffic laws. But you know… Blues - 106B: I need to transfer to the East Coast

***

Bobby is at the station, in Joeys' office, when his phone rings.

"Sorry, I might have been distracted this morning when I packed my bag." He says, embarrassed, giving him the files.

"Wonder why," he hears Joey mutter, but Bobby chooses to deliberately ignore the comment. "Thank you for driving there, though."

Bobby raises his hand and chuckles, "I mean, of course, my mistake."

Finally, his phone rings with Athena's personal ring, one that the kids (May, Bobby, and Buck) had chosen during Buck's recovery. He smiles and excuses.

"Sorry," he excuses himself to the other Captain.

"No worries," Joeys answers.

"Hey, Thena." He greets, answering the call.

"Hey, baby," she answers, and he frowns. There's something weird in her voice. "First of all, I need you to know that he's going to be okay, from what I heard."

He has to grab the chair in front of him not to fall, because he's sure the floor just opened under his feet. Buck. Buck got hurt during his shift, and Athena was there.

"How?" Is the only thing he can tell.

A sigh from the other side of the phone. "An accident on a scene. Someone threw a weight at him, and he didn't see it coming."

He forces himself not to picture Buck getting hit as he asks his next question. "Where?"

"L.A. general." She pauses. "Please drive safely and keep me updated. Love you."

"Love you too." He hangs up and looks at the Joeys. "Sorry, I have to go."

"Everything is okay, Bobby?" The captain asks.

"Uh, yes," no, of course not, because the kid who works without my team for the first time since he died is now at the hospital, of course it's not okay. But he doesn't say it, he keeps his smile even if he feels like screaming and crying, like in that song May likes to listen to. "I need to go, Buck got hurt."

Joeys' eyes widen, and his eyebrows rise on his head. "Right."

Bobby nods, tells him goodbye, and doesn't wait for the captain to tell him anything. He also doesn't see the captain of the B-Shift get his phone out to gossip with the other captains of the LAFD.

***

Bobby rushes into the hospital and sees Pamela at the welcome desk, who gives him Buck's room number without even looking up.

"Hi, I'm-"

"Room 104, Bobby. He's fine."

He thanks her and takes the stairs. When he enters the room, the light is dimmed, and Buck is staring at a cup of Jell-O with a frown on his face. One of the nurses intercepted him before giving him the rundown. Few stitches and a concussion. Can go home today if someone looks after him. Which Bobby intends to do. He knocks gently on the door. Buck slowly looks at him, and Bobby sees the kid's eyes illuminate when he understands who's here.

"Bobby!" Buck greets him like he hasn't seen him for at least a week, with a big sunny smile.

Bobby immediately relaxes and goes to sit next to the bed. Buck follows him with his eyes, big sparkling eyes and a smile.

"Hey, Kid," he says, keeping his voice low not to disturb the kid. "Heard you got banged up a little."

Buck huffs out a laugh and shakes his head before he winces. "Yeeeeah. But look, I have Jell-O!"

The kid shows him the cup with so much excitement, and Bobby's heart melts. Then Buck's face morphs into a pout.

"But I can't open it." He says, giving him puppy dog eyes.

Bobby chuckles and extends his hands. "Here, give it to me, kid." Buck beams and gives him the cup. Bobby opens it and gives it back. "Here you go."

"Thanks, Bobby!" He takes a spoonful. "You da besh."

"Don't talk with your mouth full, kiddo." He chastises Buck, but there's no heat in his voice. He's just happy to see him well enough to smile and be happy.

He uses the time Buck takes to eat Jell-O so he can update Athena, and to tell their family what happened and that he'll bring Buck to theirs, and to ask them to at least wait until tomorrow to break their doors down. Of course, Maddie and Eddie start blowing his phone. He answers and puts them on speaker so they can hear Buck. Thankfully, Hen only asks for a picture because 'I know you'll have to deal with two worried sick people, so I just need a picture as proof.'

Once the calls are over, there's a knock on the door, and a young man stands in the doorway.

"Uh, hello," the young man says nervously.

Buck points at him, "Ooooh, you're the 106 probie." His smile is so big. "Bobby, this is Probie."

Bobby smiles and forces himself to swallow the laugh that wants to escape him.

"Mike. You can call me, Mike." The firefighter looks scared. "I, uh… I wanted to say sorry. And sorry I distracted you. And sorry I put your son in the hospital."

Buck is still smiling, but Bobby can only blink in surprise at the 106 probie words. Suddenly, Buck laughs loudly.

"It's okay." He looks at Bobby with those big, happy eyes. "Right, Pops?"

Bobby chokes on air but nods because he knows Mike is waiting for an answer.

"Right. Fine." He clears his throat and turns back to Buck. "I'm going to get your discharge papers, kid. You're coming home with me, I asked Athena to grab what we need for your favorite."

Buck beams, "May will be here?"

Bobby's heart melts a little more; he smiles softly, forgetting about the probie. "Yeah, I'll ask her to come. She'll be happy to see you."

God, he loves this kid. He loves all of his kids.

***

106 - No Caps

Probie: Why did Nash look surprised when I said sorry for hurting his son Cassis: Wait. You actually went and did that? Probie: Yes? Also, he wasn't that scary Smoke: You were shaking, leaving the station Ennis: Oh, I think he just wasn't expecting your visit Maybe more of a text to Buckley Probie: mmmh…

***

Cassis & Ennis

Cassis: We're not telling the probie? Ennis: nah. Let him make assumptions He'll understand soon enough Maybe

***

106 - No Caps

Cassis: Yeah. Generally, we send a card or a text Jens: What did they say Probie: Buck said that it was okay, called Bobby Pops, and Nash said right, and that he'll bring him back to his house Goldie: Probie. You sweet summer child Thank you for this Probie: Did I do something wrong? Wait. Are you gonna use this information for gossip? Why can't I keep my mouth closed? Smoke: We wouldn't, Probie. Don't worry. Docky: Damn, I'm missing this Hey, at least Probie met the dad. Probie: I'm going to HR Jens: And explain how you hurt Nash's baby?

[nerdysread]

So I started a Cabenson collaborative playlist. For now we have

The Great Divide

Dashboard

Signs of the time

The Subway

You, Me & Steve (because Stabler)

If you have Deezer you can add songs HERE

Or just give me a song in the comments!

[nerdysread]

Talk to me

Title: Talk to me

Fandom: 9-1-1

Relationships: Evan "Buck" Buckley & Bobby Nash, Evan "Buck" Buckley & Howie "Chimney" Han, Evan "Buck" Buckley & Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV), Firehouse 118 Crew & Bobby Nash, Athena Grant/Bobby Nash

Characters: Buck, Bobby, Chimney, Hen, Eddie, Athena

Additional tags: Bobby Nash is Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parent, Athena Grant and Bobby Nash are Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parents, Evan "Buck" Buckley & Howie "Chimney" Han are Siblings, Worried Howie "Chimney" Han, Worried Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV), Worried Bobby Nash, Hurt Evan "Buck" Buckley, Nightmares, Father-Son Relationship, Pre-Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz, Bobby Nash Lives, Episode Fix-It: s08e15 Lab Rats (9-1-1 TV), Post-Episode: s08e15 Lab Rats (9-1-1 TV)

For: @buckandbobbyweek 2026: Day 6 - Nightmares + "I know you're not okay".

Summary:

So yeah, it's been a month since the lab, a month since he started to lose sleep. He can't even sleep on shift because he's scared of waking everyone during their well-deserved rest between two emergencies.

Or, Buck keeps having nightmares. He loses sleep. Has an accident. Then a talk with Bobby.

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Buck knows this is stupid. He knows because there's a voice in his head telling him to stop doing this. The voice sounds a lot like Bobby, strangely. The thing is, Bobby isn't there, so he can ignore it.

It's been a month since the lab, a month since they got everyone out, but every time he closes his eyes, Buck has nightmares, especially about them not getting Bobby out, him not listening to Athena, and not calling the medical team. Every time he closes his eyes, he sees Bobby telling him that everything is going to be okay and to help the other and telling him that he loves him, and then just dying in a puddle of his own blood.

Sometimes it's just Bobby dying, other times it's his whole team. Sometimes his nightmares are about the team and Athena blaming him for Bobby's death; other times it's Bobby telling him that he is disappointed in him for letting him die, letting everyone down.

So yeah, it's been a month since the lab, a month since he started to lose sleep. He can't even sleep on shift because he's scared of waking everyone during their well-deserved rest between two emergencies.

So yeah, he's barely sleeping, except when he's sharing Eddie's bed, but he tries not to do it a lot because on top of everything, he has his feelings for his straight best friend to deal with.

Once or twice, he thought of calling Bobby or sending him a text, but he never did; he knows Bobby is alive. Yeah, maybe it would help him, but something stops him from doing it. So yeah, Buck is exhausted.

"You look like hell, Buckley," Chimney says as Buck climbs the stairs.

"Jeez, hello to you too, Cap." Buck rolls his eyes at the new interim captain since last week.

"Buck," Chimney narrows his eyes at him from his place at the table. "Are you okay?"

This time, Buck chooses not to roll his eyes at his brother-in-law; instead, he sighs. "Why do people keep asking me that?"

"If everyone keeps asking you that, then maybe it means that something is wrong."

Chimney's voice is harsh, and Buck knows that right now he's not talking to his brother and friend Chim, but to Captain Han. So he sits across him, and for a second, he's about to tell him about the truth, but his mind conjures the images of Bobby and Chimney drowning in their blood.

"I'm fine, Cap," he ends up saying. "It's not me who went through another near-death experience. Don't be worried about me, but maybe Hen, Ravi, or even you. You are all still here working after all."

He sees Chimney tense, and he knows this is a low blow, but he also knows that Chimney will let go after this, at least for a while. The time he cools down a bit, and this is what he needs. Chimney sighs.

"Whatever you say, Buckley." The captain gets up with his computer. "But you are man behind at least for the start of the shift."

Buck wants to argue, but his captain's cold tone makes him stop and think better of it. He hangs his head low and nods.

***

"Why didn't you help me, kid?" Bobby is there, standing in front of him, crying and spitting blood. "I thought you loved me."

"I… I do Cap. I swear I do." He begs and cries.

"Do you?" Bobby asks, shaking his head. "Then why?"

Bobby falls in front of him, and Buck tries to reach him because he needs to help Bobby. But each time he takes a step toward Bobby, the captain gets away. Suddenly, an explosion, and Buck is stuck under the truck while Bobby dies, his eyes fixed on him, in his own blood.

Buck wakes up with a start. He's in the bunk room while the team is on a call. He grabs his phone. He slept for an hour. At least he slept. He lies back down on the bed, trying to make his nightmare disappear, but it doesn't work, so he gets up and heads to the kitchen. Maybe if he's useful, he'll feel better.

The team is back ten minutes later, and another ten later, Eddie joins them.

"Need a hand, Buck?" He asks.

Buck gives him the spatula and nods, "Here, stir the chicken and make sure you don't burn the station."

Eddie snorts, "Very funny, Buckley."

Buck smiles and starts to take care of the tomato sauce.

"So…" Eddie starts dragging his words, and Buck sighs internally. "Man behind?"

This time, Buck sighs for real. He looks around and sees that no one else is in the loft.

"Did Chimney ask you to question me? Because you don't need to."

From the corner of his eyes, Buck sees Eddie clench his jaw. "Maybe, or maybe I don't need someone else order to be worried about you."

"Right," Buck shakes his head. "Sorry."

He looks up, and Eddie is looking straight at him. He stopped looking after the chicken, but turned off the stove. He's leaning against the counter, arms crossed. Buck keeps cutting the tomatoes; he can't look at Eddie, because Eddie will be able to see him.

"Don't think I didn't notice that every time you sleep on the couch, you're already awake and you've made breakfast before Chris and I are even out of bed."

Buck shrugs; he doesn't look at his best friend. It's too dangerous. "And what? You don't like having breakfast ready in the morning."

Eddie sighs and gets closer to Buck; they end up sharing the same personal space. Buck's hands start shaking, and he has to drop the knife so he doesn't cut himself.

"You know that's not what I mean, Buck." Eddie puts a hand on his shoulder, forcing Buck to meet his eyes. "When was the last time you slept for the whole time?"

Buck wants to turn his back on Eddie. He feels weak under the other man's touch. His knees buckle, and he's this close to spilling the truth. He can't; Eddie has to take care of Chris, not Buck. He opens his mouth, ready to lie when the alarm sounds.

Both men jump. Eddie shakes his head and makes his way to the truck. Chimney comes rushing upstairs and meets Buck's eyes. He doesn't look pleased by the situation.

"All hands on deck," he states. "Come on, Buckley. And don't make me regret it."

***

The fire is horrible. They've been working for the last two hours, and Buck starts to feel exhausted. It's a twenty-story building, multiple DOA, and they're here to help the 124. Chimney put him with Eddie, clearly wanting someone to keep an eye on him. Hen is with Ravi and Chimney, coordinating the scene with the other Captain.

He's currently on the fourteenth floor, they heard someone might still be there, and Buck is starting to feel dizzy. He's exhausted, the heat not helping, and his reaction time is starting to alarm him. He knows that after this scene, he'll ask Chimney to go home, and maybe he'll finally sleep.

"Buck!" His eyes snap up to Eddie, who looks scared. "Did you hear me?"

Buck nods but then shakes his head. "Sorry? What did you say?"

Eddie swears, and it's muffled by the roar of the fire. "Nobody's here, let's go."

He nods and gestures to Eddie to go first. They're close to the stairs when he hears it, the crack. He looks down, and there, the floor is giving up. Normally, Buck could easily avoid it, but Buck is too exhausted. He can only look at the crumbling floor before falling.

"BUCK!" Eddie's scream is the last thing he hears before the world goes black.

***

Bobby is already at the hospital when the team arrives with Buck on a gurney. When he sees Buck's state, his breath catches in his throat.

The kid is pale and bloody. His left arm is bending in an abnormal direction, he has a piece of rebar in his lower abdomen, and he has a bleeding head-wound. He catches the end of Chimney's information.

"He coded in the ambulance. He has a history of blood clots and cardiac arrest because of a lightning strike. He's also allergic to naproxen." Chimney's voice is steady, but Bobby doesn't miss how his hands are shaking.

Getting the call from Ravi was like a knife in his heart. He had seen the kid a few times since the lab, and he didn't look good. Now, he curses himself for not pushing when Buck brushed his worries off.

"Chimney?" Bobby calls out when the kid is on the other side of the doors.

Hen, Eddie, and Chimney turn to look at him with shock and sadness, and they regroup into a hug.

After they sit down, except Chimney, who is pacing, and Ravi, who is driving the ambulance to the station to bring them their civilian clothes, Bobby finally asks.

"What happened?" His voice is low, and he wishes he were the captain so he would have some control over everything.

"I should have told him to go home is what happened!" Chimney snaps, voice filled with anger.

"Chim," Hen tries, but her best friend shakes his head.

"You know I'm right. I should have pushed and told him to go home. Hell! You've seen the kid. He looked like a zombie!" He stops his pacing and takes a deep breath. "I knew what he was doing this morning, and I let him do it, and now my brother is…"

His voice breaks, and Bobby gets up and takes him in his arms. He's not the captain anymore, but they're still his team, his family.

"Trust me." Eddie's voice is low and dangerous. "You're not the only one he kept at a distance. And now I have to tell Christopher."

Hen takes his hand and puts an arm around his shoulders. "Chris is still at school, we might have news about Buck before you have to pick him up. And then he can spend the night with Denny and Mara. And you can come back to ours too."

Eddie doesn't answer, but Bobby can see him relax a bit more. There's a ping, and Chimney grabs his phone.

"It's Maddie, the kids are with the Lees. She's coming, I'm going to wait for her outside."

Bobby sees the heavy weight of guilt on the man's shoulders. He knows this feeling all too well.

"Chimney." He tries, but Chimney shakes his head and holds a hand up.

"I just need a moment, please."

Bobby sighs but nods. He understands this, too.

***

When Buck wakes up the first time, he finds Maddie sitting next to him. Then Chimney, who is understandably pissed at him. Still, he surprises him because he tells him that he's mad Buck hid something from him, something putting his health in danger, and that he let him do it. The doctor came, and Chimney told him that their talk is not over, but he'll let him rest. Then Eddie and Chris came with Hen, and Eddie looked like he hadn't slept for years, when it's only been two days.

Now Buck wakes up, and he can see the night by the window. On the other side of his bed, he hears someone shift.

"Hey, kid."

Buck closes his eyes, of course Bobby is here at night. He's his primary emergency contact and one of his power-of-attorney with Maddie. He sighs softly and turns his head with a small smile.

"Hey, Bobby."

He takes his time to really look at him. Bobby gives him a small smile, but he can see how his shoulders are still tensed, and the dark circles under his eyes. For a moment, those dark eyes under the harsh hospital lights bring Buck back to the lab. He has to squeeze his eyes shut to force the image out of his mind.

"Kid?" Buck takes a deep, shaky breath before opening his eyes. "What happened there, Buck?"

Buck has to look away; he can't face Bobby's intense gaze. He starts playing with a loose thread of his blanket.

"Nothing. It was an accident, Bobby." He tries to inject certitude in his voice, but knows he's failing.

Bobby sighs, and he hears the older man getting up from the chair. For a second, Buck wonders if it means that he's leaving. If his arm wasn't in a cast, and the medication wasn't wearing off, he would be wondering if he weren't in one of his nightmares. One of the nightmares where Bobby tells him that he's disappointed with him. One of his nightmares, in which he leaves him and dies out of Buck's reach. But Bobby doesn't leave. Instead, he sits down on Buck's bed.

"Kid, look at me, please." Buck tries to resist, but he's always been weak to Bobby's pleas. He looks up and almost loses his ability to breathe when he catches the sadness in Bobby's eyes. "I know you're not okay. Please talk to me."

"I'm fine, Bobby. I-" his voice breaks, he can't keep lying, not when he's so tired and when Bobby looks at him in such an earnest way.

Bobby puts one of his hands on his. Buck hadn't even noticed that he started picking at the skin around his nails.

"Let me help you, kid," Bobby begs softly. "Let me be there for you."

And Buck breaks. He starts crying, and he tries to speak, but his words are unintelligible. One second he's crying in front of Bobby, and the next he's crying in Bobby's arms.

"It's okay, Buck. Let it go." Bobby whispers. "You're going to be okay, Kid."

Buck shakes his head at his words and gently pushes Bobby away. He can feel Bobby tensing, and he feels bad, but it's not.

"Not it won't." He says, shaking his head violently, which bad idea. "It won't be okay. I'm not."

"Buck-" Bobby tries to say something, but he doesn't let him keep going.

"I can't sleep, Bobby. Every time I do, I keep having nightmares, and I don't know what to do." He wipes his tears harshly, angry at himself for breaking down so violently. "I'm tired, but I can't face those nightmares. It's too hard."

There's a silence, and Bobby tentatively puts a hand back on his, when Buck doesn't move away, Bobby grabs his hands firmly.

"When did they start?" Bobby asks.

Buck's breath hitches; he's sure Bobby has his suspicions. He looks away, unable to look at his former captain's eyes for this.

"A month ago." He whispers.

He hears Bobby's breath catching and feels Bobby's hands slip away from his. He already misses the contact and the warmth.

"Kid…" Bobby's voice is shaking, and he can hear the tears in it.

"I'm sorry." A sob escapes him. "I'm so sorry, Bobby. I'm sorry."

He's back in the older man's embrace, and Bobby kisses the crown of his head. Buck is pretty sure he can feel tears, too.

"Don't be sorry. You don't have to be." Bobby's voice is sad but firm. "I am sorry too. God, Kid getting this call from Ravi…" he doesn't finish his sentence. "I can't lose you, Buck. I'm sorry."

Buck tries to tell Bobby that he doesn't need to be sorry, too, but nothing comes out. He's tired, no, he's exhausted, and right now he feels safe. Without meaning to, he falls asleep in his Captain's arms.

***

Bobby opens his eyes when he hears the door open. Athena is standing at the threshold, two cups of coffee in her hand. She smiles fondly at them and approaches the bed.

"Hey, Baby." She kisses Bobby and sits on the chair. "I see you have your hands full."

Bobby chuckles. At this, Buck mumbles and buries his face in his shirt.

"He fell asleep crying, and when I tried to move, he didn't let go." He passes a hand through the kid's hair. "So I just lay down."

Athena hums; her expression is serious. "How is he?"

Bobby sighs and looks down at the kid. He's been sleeping for hours and didn't wake up once, but each time he tried to move away from the bed, Buck tightened his hold on him. Which was impressive since the kid has an arm in a cast.

"He'll be okay." He looks at his wife. She's frowning, and she looks at Buck in the same way she looks at May or Harry when they are sick. "He needs rest and to talk about everything that happened. I will help him, bring him to a therapist."

Bobby knows that what Buck needs is reassurance that Bobby is alive.

"Athena. He barely slept since the lab." His voice is shaking, and the look Athena gives him is full of sorrow. "I know we're all having nightmares, but he almost died because of them."

Athena sighs and grabs Bobby's hand. "And you'll probably have even more nightmares of Buck after today."

Bobby swallows the lump in his throat. Yeah, he will. It's the first time he wasn't able to do anything to help him during the call. And he's already having nightmares. Last night was the first night without nightmares since Buck's accident. This is the other reason why he didn't move. Having the kid so close to him was a great thing. He nods, and Athena's eyes flicker between the two of them.

"When is he getting discharged?" She asks before taking a sip of her coffee.

"If everything is okay today."

Athena smiles at him, and she has this glint in her eyes, the one telling him that she has an idea, and she probably won't take no as an answer.

"Good, I'll prep the guest room then." She states, tone leaving no room for any arguments. She chuckles at his surprised expression. "Come on, baby. You'll both go mad if you don't have each other close. It'll be both for your own peace of mind, and mind too."

Bobby is submerged by a wave of love toward his amazing wife.

"I love you so much, Sergeant."

"I love you, too, Bobby Nash." She kisses him before sitting back in the chair.

"What about Eddie and Maddie?" He asks, knowing those two will fight tooth and nail to have Buck with them.

Athena raises her eyebrow in a way that says, 'let them try,' and Bobby snorts.

"Plus, Eddie works, and Maddie just had a baby. You are retired, and Buck's nightmares are about you, so he needs you."

Bobby is floored. Athena had already thought about everything. He shouldn't be surprised, honestly, and he's glad, because at least he can focus on Buck. Athena stands up, kisses him, and gives him his coffee.

"Okay, I'll go home and take care of the room. I'll call Maddie and Eddie. They're scared of me; they won't fight me for too long." Bobby chuckles and nods, thanking her. "Now, drink your coffee, you'll need it. Our boy will be cranky once he wakes up."

They say their goodbye, and Bobby gently shakes Buck awake to give him time to rouse. Buck mumbles and lets go of Bobby, turning the other way.

"Five more minutes, pops." He says, cranky.

Bobby laughs. They're going to be okay.

[nerdysread]

I can't lose you (then don't)

Title: I can't lose you (the don't)

Fandom: 9-1-1

Relationships: Evan "Buck" Buckley & Bobby Nash, Evan "Buck" Buckley & Athena Grant, Evan "Buck" Buckley & Maddie Buckley, Evan "Buck" Buckley & Firehouse 118 Crew, Bobby Nash & Henrietta "Hen" Wilson, Athena Grant/Bobby Nash

Characters: Buck, Bobby, Athena, Maddie, Firehouse 118 Crew

Additional tags: Bobby Nash is Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parent, Athena Grant and Bobby Nash are Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parents, Episode: s03e04 Triggers (9-1-1 TV), Alternate Universe - No Lawsuit (9-1-1 TV), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Worried Bobby Nash, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Evan "Buck" Buckley, Car Accidents, Buck and Bobby Week 2026 (9-1-1 TV), Buck and Bobby Week, Father-Son Relationship, Guilt, From no communiation to communication, Yes they use their word, Firehouse 118 Crew as Family (9-1-1 TV), Maddie Buckley Acting as Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parental Figure, Worried Firehouse 118 Crew (9-1-1 TV)

For: @buckandbobbyweek 2026: Day 5 - Dinner + Secrets.

Summary:

"I guess at least Bobby is happy. I won't be able to fight to come back at the 118." He says with a bitter laugh.

Or, after that fateful dinner at Bobby and Athena, Buck gets into a car accident. Buck thinks Bobby is done with him, Bobby feels guilty, and thinks Buck won't want to see him.

Author's Note: It's here…. Okay, two or three things first.

I wanted to write another fic for the prompts Father & Son+ Secrets, in which Buck is Bobby's bio child, but I didn't have time, and it's too much work, so it would be for later.

I hesitated for this one. I was like Should the accident happen before or after the grocery store fight?' and then I was like 'Wait… I have a better idea for the grocery store fight. One that involves Buck, amnesia, post s8, and a lot of angst….' So here we go, have fun with this one.

*Something happened in my family, so either I'm going to write even more because it will be the only thing keeping me fucking sane, or… Well, you'll see me less. I can't tell you, but I have a preference, and let's hope it will work. Anyway. This work is a two-chapter work because I haven't finished editing the second part, but I still wanted to post something. See you soon!

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Bobby. It was because of Bobby all along. Bobby, who kept lying to him from the beginning. He has trusted Bobby, and this is how he sees him. A liability. The saddest thing is that Buck isn't even that surprised. It's just another person tired of Buck, who just gives him up. His own parents did, of course, Bobby does too.

No, Buck can't go there. Bobby is not his dad. Sometimes he had wished, he knew he had imprinted on his captain, and of course, he had been too much to handle. Still, the hardest thing is that Bobby lied to him. And isn't it the worst of it?

He has to bite back a sob; he won't cry. He'll find a way to go back to his family. He had to. He'll make Bobby understand that he's making a mistake.

"Fuck!" He shouts, slamming his hand against the wheel.

He doesn't know what to do; he wants to go to Eddie, but he can't because Eddie already has his hands full with Christopher's nightmares. Buck can't add anything to his plate. He doesn't know what to do, and then he sees it, the card. The car from that scumbag lawyer, and an idea emerges in his mind. He knows it's a stupid idea, but he'll do anything to go back to his family.

His plan, though, doesn't have time to form further. Buck hears a honk, sees blinding lights, feels the impact, and everything goes black.

***

Bobby is flipping through one of his cookbooks. He's stressed because Buck was supposed to spend the night here. They were supposed to talk things through. Bobby wanted to explain why he kept Buck away from the job, and that it wouldn't be permanent. But when the time came, he froze and couldn't tell him anything. Now, he's rummaging through recipes in the hope of finding something to cook. And maybe he'll bring it to Buck tomorrow. Maybe they'll be able to talk. Maybe Buck will listen to him. Maybe Buck will understand.

But the thing is that Bobby can't focus. His mind keeps replaying the betrayed look the kid gave him; it was like Bobby had just stabbed him, when all he wanted was to keep the kid safe. He keeps replaying his conversation with Athena, who told him that Buck is an adult and had to make his own decisions. And every parent needs to accept that, even if it's hard. But Bobby isn't Buck's father. He doesn't deserve it.

He sighs, shuts the book, and gets up to take a glass of water. Just an excuse to keep himself busy. After a few minutes at the sink, his phone rings. He frowns who could be calling at this time.

'Maybe it's Buck,' his mind suggests, and so he rushes to his phone, glass still in hand. It's not Buck. It's an unknown number, and his breath hitches.

"This is Bobby Nash," he greets, answering the phone, doing his best to use his captain's voice.

"Hello, Sir, I'm Jessica. I am a nurse at L.A. General. I'm calling because I have you listed as Evan Buckley's emergency contact."

Bobby is sure the glass slips from his hold and crashes on the floor. He has so many questions, but he only managed to ask one.

"What?"

"Mr. Buckley was in a car accident earlier tonight. He's still in surgery…"

He's sure the nurse is giving him more details, but he can't hear them. He thinks that someone has taken his phone from his hand and talks to the nurse on the other side, but nothing makes sense, and everything is muffled. Because Buck was supposed to be here tonight, but now he's in the hospital. Again. Bobby betrayed him, and Buck is in the hospital.

"Blood thinners." He looks up at Athena. "Blood thinners."

He doesn't make sense, he knows, but Athena nods. Of course she understands, of course she knows. He should thank her for her help, but the only thing he can think of is Buck on the operating table, bleeding out.

***

When Buck wakes up the first time, Maddie is beside him. She's crying, telling him that she was so worried. She gives him the rundown of his injuries. Broken ribs, perforated lung, stitches on his head, a concussion, and a broken wrist. Everything should heal with time, and he should be back to work soon enough.

He doesn't tell Maddie that after that, Bobby will never want him again; instead, he cries while Maddie does her best to hold him close and reassure him, just like when he was little. After the doctor checks him up, the team filters through the door. Everyone is here, and Buck feels warmth because they still came to check on him. They seemed worried. Chimney tried to crack a joke, and Buck is glad he even huffs out a terrible and pitiable kind of laugh. They promise to keep his place warm for him at the station. Once again, he doesn't tell them what he thinks.

The warmth he feels dims out little by little as Bobby doesn't show up in his room. Buck tries his best not to cry, blinking hard.

"It's okay, Buckaroo," Chimney says. "You can sleep. Someone will be there when you wake up."

Buck is touched by Chim's reassurance, even if the man is as far from the point as possible. Still, he smiles and lets sleep take him.

***

Next time Buck wakes up, both Hen and Athena are here. If he's being honest, he's surprised to see Athena here with him, when even Bobby wouldn't see him.

"Hey, Buckaroo," Athena says softly, a hand in his hair, and he leans into the touch. "How are you feeling?"

He tries to speak, but only coughs, and it hurts so much.

"Easy, Buck." Hen interjects before helping him in a sitting position and passing him a cup. "Here, drink slow."

He does, and it feels less like his insides are on fire. "Hurts."

A small chuckle from both women, and he gives them a small smile. He looks around the room and tries to listen, but there are no signs of Bobby being here.

"Buck?" He looks back at Hen, who looks concerned. He guesses it's not the first time she has called him.

"Sorry." He says, shaking his head, which bad idea. "How long was I out?"

He catches the glance Athena and Hen exchange over his head, but decides to ignore it. Hen starts to answer, but he doesn't listen to her. He nods once or maybe twice. But he can't stop thinking of Bobby and how he must feel relieved right now.

"Buckaroo." Athena's hand on his arm startles him. She's looking at him with her 'don't try to lie to me' look. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

Normally, Buck would brush it off, or at least he'd try. But there are two problems in this situation.

The women in his family tend to see him on another level. They're great at reading him, when before only Maddie could do it. Normally, he'd like that, but now this is a problem because…

He's still up on pain meds, and between that and the concussion, all his filters are broken. The emotional one and the brain-to-mouth one.

So here in the hospital bed, stuck between Hen and Sergeant Athena Grant, he finds himself unable to lie to them and finds himself spilling all his negative thoughts and emotions at them.

"I guess at least Bobby is happy. I won't be able to fight to come back at the 118." He says with a bitter laugh.

Hen flinches, Athena's breath hitches, and Buck kind of feels guilty. They are Bobby's friend and wife. Buck shouldn't unload everything in them. Later, he'd blame the meds and concussion. Now, he doesn't really care.

Athena narrows her eyes at him, and he feels uneasy. "Buck-"

He cuts her off, another thing he won't do in a normal situation. "I'm not saying he's happy I got into an accident. He's a too good of a man to think like that."

Because Buck thinks that maybe it's not such a bad thing, after all, he was about to do something stupid, yet when he thinks about it, well, he thinks it might have been the only solution at the time. Now… well, now he's stuck in another bed, and he can understand what the Universe is trying to tell him.

Athena doesn't say anything; she looks pissed, her mouth pinched in a thin line. Great, Buck pissed her. Maybe it's a good thing then, she needs to be there for Bobby, not Buck. So Buck takes back both his hands that were in each of the women's hands.

"Buck, what are you saying?" Hen asks, and she sounds so broken and doubtful that he bristles.

"I'm a liability." He snaps. "He's not even here, so I guess he was right. I'm a liability. It's better if I'm not fighting to come back."

His voice breaks at the end, and he has to look away from Hen as a heavy silence settles. But he does it after he sees Hen's eyes widen and flicker between Athena and him. Oh, Buck understands. She didn't know.

'Wow. Good job, Buckley. Keep screwing up and snapping at your friends,' his mind taunts him.

"Sorry," he whispers. "Sorry, I… It's the meds, and I'm tired. I think I need to sleep."

He's pretty sure they both know that he's lying, but thankfully neither Hen nor Athena calls him out. He closes his eyes and fakes being asleep. What he doesn't plan is really falling asleep.

[nerdysread]

(my) Kid

Title: (my) Kid

Fandom: 9-1-1

Relationships: Buck & Bobby

Characters: Buck, Bobby, Athena

Additional tags: Bobby Nash is Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parent, Athena Grant and Bobby Nash are Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parents, Evan "Buck" Buckley & May Grant are Siblings, Firehouse 118 Crew as Family (9-1-1 TV), Buck and Bobby Week 2026 (9-1-1 TV), Buck and Bobby Week, Father-Son Relationship, Episode: s01e06 Heartbreaker (9-1-1 TV), Episode: s03e01 Kids Today (9-1-1 TV), Episode: s03e03 The Searchers (9-1-1 TV), Post-Episode: s06e11 In Another Life (9-1-1 TV), Episode: s07e10 All Fall Down (9-1-1 TV), Fix-It, Episode Fix-It: s08e15 Lab Rats (9-1-1 TV), Bobby Nash Lives, buck calls Bobby pops, And then he calls him dad, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Mention of Buck's coma because I love this part hehe, Bisous

For: @buckandbobbyweek 2026: Day 4 - Hospital + Worry + "Hearts".

Summary:

So yeah, Bobby was happy that Buck stopped calling him Pops. Or at least that's what he told himself. Yet, sometimes the nickname slipped from Buck. Still, it didn't change anything. Nothing at all.

Or, 5 times Buck calls Bobby 'Pops' and it doesn't change anything + 1 time Buck calls him 'Dad' and it changes everything

Author's Note: So… I didn't have time to post it yesterday, but here it is… Also, only one story for day 4, but don't worry, I did my best!

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When Buck first came to the 118, he started calling Bobby Pops. Bobby allowed it because the kid only said it as a tease about Bobby's age and not because…

No, that couldn't be, even if he started mentoring the kid, or if they went to a concert together, or if the kid woke up every parental instinct in him. It was just a tease, nothing else.

Then the plane crash happened, and next his relapse, and he told the team his story. Since then, Buck stopped calling Bobby Pops, and Bobby was glad because he didn't want or deserve anything like that.

So yeah, Bobby was happy that Buck stopped calling him Pops. Or at least that's what he told himself.

Yet, sometimes the nickname slipped from Buck. Still, it didn't change anything. Nothing at all.

1 - Valentine's Day

Bobby is updating the team about Buck's well-being when he hears a groan coming from the bed. He quickly pockets his phone and directs his attention to the kid.

"Hey, kid," he says softly. "It's okay, you're in the hospital."

Blurry blue eyes open and flicker around the room before landing on him.

"Pops?" Buck asks, voice hoarse.

Bobby's heart drops at the nickname. He knows Buck is using it just because he's out of it thanks to the medication. It makes him feel both good and awful; he doesn't deserve this, or the look of pure trust Buck is giving him. Still, he stands up and gets closer to the bed, stopping himself from putting a hand in the kid's hair.

"It's okay, Buck," he continues as softly as before. "Don't talk too much, you need to rest your throat."

Buck frowns. He looks so young in this bed. Young and lost. It hurts Bobby because the kid was so happy about his first real date.

"-bby?" Buck asks.

Bobby sits on the bed and smiles. "She had a shift; she had to go to work."

Buck nods, and the captain catches a glimpse of something sad in Buck's face. Then he looks back up at him, and there it is. The look. The one Bobby hates so much. The one Buck gives him sometimes, and makes Bobby sick. The look of pure blind trust, and dares he say reverence. The look that might get the kid killed one day if he keeps trusting Bobby like that.

"You he'e," Buck whispers, struggling with the letter r.

And it hits Bobby that Buck wasn't actually expecting his captain to show up. The kid was sure to wake up alone in the hospital room. The sadness in the kid's eyes shatters something in Bobby, and the man loses the battle with his will and starts playing with Buck's hair.

"Of course, kid." He makes sure that Buck hears the promise in his voice. "Always."

Buck gives him a small smile, and he feels him relax, leaning further into the touch.

"Than' Pops." He whispers before falling back to sleep.

Later, Bobby will bring Buck back to his place after seeing the place where he lives. He will spend his 48-off looking after Buck, making sure the kid rests and has enough good food to heal. Later, Chimney and Hen will tease him about that, and he will gladly ignore them. Later, Bobby will spend a lot of his free time during his next shift checking in on Buck and making sure that he doesn't need anything.

But for now, Bobby sighs and stays like that for a few minutes, making sure the kid's deeply asleep before sitting back in the chair next to the bed, making himself a promise to never let the kid down, at least for as long as he's alive.

2 - Blood clot

There's only pride in Bobby's chest during the night. He's so proud of his, the kid for bouncing back and even breaking his scores during his rectification. After all, he was there for his first steps, his setback, his joy, and his pain. So yeah, Bobby is proud of Buck.

For so long, he had felt guilty about what happened; after all, Buck got hurt because of him. He almost died because someone wanted to kill Bobby. 'Collateral damage' is what Freddie had said, and since then, Bobby had only wanted to be sure that Buck would have been okay.

Another cough coming from Buck pulls him out of his thoughts. He wonders if the kid got sick just before coming back to work. But then Buck starts talking about Ali and how she dumped him. He tries to reassure him, after all, Buck is still so young. But the kid's coughs are becoming worse.

"You okay?" He asks as the alarms start to shout in his head.

"Yeah, I-" Buck tries to speak, but another fit of coughing interrupts him.

He can hear the chatters around them dying, worries filling the air. Buck stumbles back, still coughing, and Bobby finds himself unable to move. 'Damn it. Do something!' he curses his brain.

Finally, the kid raises his head, and Bobby sees it. The blood. Buck is coughing up blood, and Bobby is unable to move. He does his best to school his features.

"Buck?" He asks, because this can't be happening, right?

Buck looks up at him, and Bobby's resolve shakes. Buck is scared and looks at him like he has the answers to what is happening. But Bobby doesn't, and he's as scared as the kid.

"Pops?" His voice shakes, and it's barely understandable in the middle of the gurgles of blood in the kid's throat.

Then, as he spits more blood, Buck falls to the ground, and finally Bobby's body can react.

"Buck!" But he's too slow, and he's failing the kid once again.

Thankfully, Hen, Chimney, and Eddie act quickly while Maddie calls 9-1-1. Bobby is struck there, looking down at the kid, then watching the kid disappear in the ambulance. He's sure he can hear Athena telling him to go, but he can't. Buck's there because of him.

There's only one thing he knows: he'll do anything to protect Buck from danger, from him. Even if he has to lose the kid in the process.

3- Tsunami

"Buck!" Bobby almost freezes when he hears Chimney and the surprise in his voice.

No, this can't be possible. Because Buck is with Christopher inland. Buck is safe, Bobby made sure of it when he didn't allow him back. The kid is safe, not stuck in a tsunami. He turns, because he needs to be sure, and yes. Buck is here.

The kid looks like hell. Multiple cuts, breathing hard, looking exhausted, and his gaze focuses afar, like he's not seeing them. So he places himself in the kid's point of view.

"Hey," he doesn't know what to say because this is unexpected. This is a nightmare. He turns around and sees Eddie reunited with Christopher, and another woman standing there, and he understands. They got separated. "You two okay?"

He knows his is a dumb question, but Buck isn't talking, and his breathing? Bobby is afraid of another clot, or worse. But his question seems to work because the kid finally focuses on them.

"Yeah, we…" his voice is hoarse; he's probably highly dehydrated. He mumbles something intelligible before locking eyes with Bobby. "Pops."

This time Bobby doesn't freeze. He knows that this is the warning before Buck loses his last strength. And sure thing, just after this, the kid falls into their arms like a puppet who just got his stings cut. And Bobby almost falls with him because Buck was supposed to be safe and not…

No, he can't go there. He needs to be there for Buck, to help him. He can break later. He can think of the what-ifs later.

4 - Post lighting

Bobby is woken up by a flash. His heart is pounding so fast he barely hears the rain tapping his window outside.

Buck.

It's the only word he is capable of thinking. Next to him, Athena stirs awake.

"Bobby?" Her voice is heavy with sleep.

"It's okay. Go back to sleep." He does his best to sound sure of himself.

It doesn't work; she moves again and pulls him into a hug. She kisses his temple and gently caresses his arm.

"It's okay, honey." She says softly. "Buck is at home. He's alive. He's fine."

She keeps repeating it to him, and little by little, he relaxes. Buck isn't in his coma anymore. He's fine, his recovery is going great. He's at home. Safe. Alive.

"You're right." He sighs. "He's fine. Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. It's okay. What if we go see him tomorrow morning?"

Bobby is about to agree, seeing the kid alive would be great, thank God Athena understands him so much, but his phone interrupts him.

Father Figure by George Michael. Buck's ringtone, a joke by Chimney and Hen. He never changed it back, first claiming he didn't know how to do it, then, when Chimney said he could show him how to, with an all-knowing smirk, Bobby had declined.

Bobby doesn't freeze. He jumps on his phone.

"Buck."

"Bo…" A hiccup, "Bobby." The kid's voice is shaking with fear and sobs, and Bobby is already out of bed, getting dressed.

"It's okay, Buck. You're fine. You're at home." Only his years of firefighting allow him to stay calm and be dressed in seconds.

"No. No. It's not." A hiccup, and for a few seconds that feels like an eternity, he doesn't hear the kid breathe. "It's not real."

"It is Buck, I promise -" but he's cut by the sound signaling the call is over.

Athena is already at the door, fully dressed and with the keys to her car in her hands. He doesn't argue when she climbs in the driver's seat. He knows he's not in the right set of mind to drive, plus he'd be able to call Buck, or at least to try, during the drive.

Buck never answers, and Bobby's guts twist even more with each unanswered call. Once they're outside Buck's building, he doesn't wait for Athena to fully park and stop the car before jumping out of it. He can hear her following closely when he enters the building before rushing upstairs. He tries knocking once, and when it goes without answer, he grabs the key and opens the door.

A flash from outside the windows illuminates the empty and silent space, and cold sweat rolls down Bobby's spine.

"Buck?" He calls out, voice even and as calm as possible.

Only silence, and Bobby looks back at his wife with wide and panicked eyes. Athena is frowning. Bobby opens his mouth to ask her what to do because right now, he can't be the captain, and he should feel bad to solely rely on Athena, but this is a lot.

Athena stops him by raising a hand and putting a hand to her lips. He closes his mouth and listens intently, and there he hears them. Sobs. Buck's sobs. Bobby spins on himself; they're coming from the downstairs bathroom.

He runs to the room, turning on the light in the corridor before opening the bathroom door. What he sees inside breaks his heart. Buck is huddled in a corner, trying to make himself as small as possible. He's crying and mumbling something that Bobby quickly understands as his name. Buck is having a panic attack and is still calling Bobby to be okay.

Maybe not even a year ago, it would have scared him, but a lot has changed since. 'You brought one,' and yeah, he did. Right now, all he can think of seeing Buck like that is a terrified kid who needs his parents. Who needs his dad.

Bobby carefully approaches the his kid, calling him, but Buck doesn't seem to notice. So, the captain kneels in front of him.

"Buck?" He falls out softly and puts a hand on the kid's arm.

Buck jerks back violently, and Bobby is quick enough to think of putting a hand between the younger mas head and the wall so he doesn't smash his head too.

The firefighter's eyes roam quickly around the room with the same panicked glint Bobby heard in his voice earlier. But when his gaze finally settles on him, Buck's expression morphs from panic to surprise and uncertainty.

"Pops?" The kid asks, doubt tainting his voice. Like he's not sure whether what he's seeing is real or not.

Bobby's heart breaks into a thousand pieces, but he does his best not to show it. Instead, he put a grounding hand on Buck's shoulder.

"I'm here, kid. I'm here."

The next second, Buck throws himself into his arms, and Bobby catches him with an oof. He holds him tight, repeating that he's here and that everything is going to be okay. Buck's hands are shaking, but his hold on his shirt is firm, and Bobby guesses that nobody would be able to separate them. Not that he wants to.

Later, he'll bring Buck back to his house to let him sleep and be able to keep an eye on him. Later, he'll talk to Buck about his concerns for the kid. Later, he'll hold Buck in his arms as Buck tells him the truth about his coma dream.

But for now, Bobby holds Buck on the younger man's bathroom floor, trying to keep him safe from whatever nightmare is haunting him.

5 - Bobby's coma

Bobby feels like he's floating in cement. It doesn't make any sense, he knows, but that's what it feels like. He feels like he's floating because he can't feel anything around him. He's pretty sure he's lying down, on his back, but he doesn't feel anything beneath him. The cement part is because when he wants to move, he can't. It's like his arms, his legs, his neck all weigh a thousand tons each. Even his eyes, he can't open them.

Slowly, he's sure that he can hear something. No, someone is talking to him. A familiar voice, a comforting one.

"We convinced May and Harry to take a break and go to the cafeteria. Hen took them, and I promised to stay with you. Not that I would want to go anywhere else." A pause, the person clears his throat. "Come on, Bobby. I thought coma was my thing, you know. You're not supposed to copy me, you're supposed to do the exact opposite. I'm the one who's supposed to get into trouble. Not you."

A sad laugh, and something tugs at Bobby's heart. The person starts talking again. This time, they're even more sad, and their voice is barely audible.

"You have to wake up. You have to be okay. We need you. I need you, Pops."

Kid, his foggy brain tells him. He doesn't know where he is, but he knows that this is Buck. His kid. And he needs him. So Bobby tries to reach out, but he slips back into darkness before he's able to.

6 - Plus one

Buck's pounding against the glass keeps resonating in his head. Or maybe it's his own heartbeat. He turns around because if he keeps looking at the kid, his kid, on the other side of the glass, he might break. He can't, he's so sure they don't have time.

Yet, each one of Buck's screams breaks his heart, his soul. From the corner of his eyes, he sees Buck following him as best as he can. Bobby aches to reach out, to take him in his arms, to tell him again and again how proud of him he is, how much he loves him. How he wouldn't be there without Buck. He wants to brush those curls falling in the kid's eyes. He doesn't want to leave, but he doesn't have a choice. He saved Chim; they'll be okay.

"Cap, Bobby." Buck's throat is hoarse, Bobby can hear it. He can hear the exhaustion. "Dad, please."

Buck's pleas make him freeze. Dad. Never had Buck called him that, not even when he slipped up. It was always Pops.

"Please, I…" A sob escapes the kid, and Bobby loses his battle against himself and turns to face Buck. "Pops. You can't do this. I need you. Dad, please don't do this."

The raw desperation and sadness in his tone make Bobby relive one of his worst nightmares. The one where his first babies are begging him to help them while they were dying in the building fire he started.

But this is not Robbie Jr. or Brooke. This is Buck, the kid he promised to never let down and the kid he promised to protect from him and the consequences of his life. And here is the same kid begging him not to do that, to stay with them, with him. And calling him dad twice, and Bobby wonders if it really was a slip-up.

"Kid…" he tries to talk, but Buck shakes his head and puts a hand on the lock of his helmet, and Bobby's stomach drops. "Kid, please."

"No!" Buck's tone leaves no room for argument. "I'll do whatever it takes to save you. If they send someone for me, they'll also take care of you."

"Don't." Bobby orders, his shoulders sag. "Okay. Okay, kid. Call for help."

A small and relieved smile appears on the kid's face as he reaches for his radio. "This is firefighter Buckley 118. I need a medical team in the lab. Captain Nash is contaminated. I repeat, I need a medical team down in the lab. Athena, you might want to come down."

Buck stares at him as he gives an order. "Now open the door, Cap."

Bobby notices the radio is still on; if he doesn't, the whole team will hear him deny Buck.

Buck, the kid who keeps giving him another chance at life again and again, even when he doesn't deserve it. Even now, even if it means putting himself in danger. Bobby nods, puts back his helmet, and opens the door. As soon as the glass is up, Buck rushes into his arms.

Later, after a long battle with the virus, during which his three kids barely leave the hospital, after being yelled at by everyone. Later, after a lot of tears, after learning that the Diaz boys are back, after learning by May that she had to drag Buck away from the hospital (after she tells Bobby, 'like father like son' and to Buck 'mom brought two kids into the marriage. Bobby brought one'). Later, after all this, Bobby will finally have The Talk to Buck. The one they've been postponing for years.

For now, Bobby holds his son close to him. "Thank you for not giving up on me, kid."

He feels his knees give up, and Buck doesn't let him go. He helps him down. He knows that he's losing consciousness, but he can hear the medics; they're almost here. So he allows himself to close his eyes, still held by Buck. The last thing he hears before the darkness wins is Buck reassuring him. He briefly wonders if the radio is still on (he'll later learn that it was).

"It's gonna be okay, Dad. I promise."

[nerdysread]

Lobster and Love

Title: Lobster and Love

Fandom: 9-1-1

Relationships: Buck & Bobby, Athena Grant/Bobby Nash, Buck & Athena

Characters: Buck, Bobby, Athena

Additional tags: Bobby Nash is Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parent, Athena Grant and Bobby Nash are Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parents, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Adopted Evan "Buck" Buckley, Established Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz, Buck and Bobby Week 2026 (9-1-1 TV), Buck & Bobby Week, Cooking Lessons, Father-Son Relationship, Fluff, Domestic, Domestic Fluff

For: @buckandbobbyweek 2026: Day 3 - Traditions + Family + "I knew you could do it."

Summary:

"Yeah." He has to clear his throat as he is overwhelmed by emotions, good emotions. "And I've always wanted to teach my kids how to cook them for something, someone, special."

Bobby and Buck, anniversary recipes, and feelings.

Author's Note: At first, this one wasn't the one I had planned, but then I remembered an AU I want to write, and so I might do it one day… We'll see. At least here we go, and we have some context clues about how they became a family. Should I write this AU?

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"Hey, Pops!" Buck exclaims as Bobby opens the door.

"Hey, Kid," Bobby greets him back, opening the door further to let the younger man in. "You know you could have used your key."

"Ah. Yeah," Buck smiles sheepishly. "Forgot it at home."

Bobby chuckles silently and shakes his head fondly, letting the door close.

"Come on, we have a lot of work." The captain puts a hand on the firefighter's shoulder to guide him to the kitchen.

Buck smiles widely. "So, what are we doing?"

"Patience, child," Bobby answers, laughing when the kid pouts. "First, I need coffee. Do you need one?"

Buck turns around, brows furrowed and worries painting his face.

"You're okay, Dad?" Buck feels cold running down his spine. "You're tired? You didn't sleep well? Sick? Nightmares? We can-"

Bobby cuts him off by holding up a hand, then handing him his own cup of coffee. The kid tends to get too worried easily when it comes to his adoptive parents.

"Kid, I'm fine. Everything is fine." Bobby tells him before taking a sip of his coffee. But when Buck doesn't seem reassured, he sighs. "Let's just say that Athena and I had… a… a late night."

Buck hears the hesitation in his father's voice. He knows that he's not telling him the whole truth, but can't understand why. He studies Bobby with narrowed eyes, truly looking at his reaction. Wait, Bobby is blushing? Why would he be blushing?

Oh. Oh God.

"Ew!" His eyes widen. "Ew, I did not need to know that. Nope."

Bobby rolls his eyes at his son's over-the-top reaction. Still, he has to admit that he's slightly embarrassed.

"What is it that I hear, Buckaroo?" Athena asks, smirking, as she enters the kitchen. "This is a natural adult thing to do. Even for your old folks."

Buck fake-gags but laughs when Athena playfully smacks his arm, and he fails to dodge.

"Hey, Ma." He finally says once he's calmer.

"Hey, Sweetheart," she smiles softly and kisses the top of his head. "How are you?"

Buck shrugs and nods toward the ingredients on the table. "Well, Pops doesn't want to tell me what we're doing today." He turns to his mother, giving her his best puppy eyes. "Do you know?"

Athena chuckles, "Of course I know. But I won't tell you."

Buck pouts and crosses his arms. Bobby thinks of the teenager he met all those years ago on the road, and a wave of warmth and love submerges him.

"Well, you just need to wash this," he orders, giving Buck his mug. "Your hands, and we'll start."

Buck sighs but makes his way to the sink. "Fine."

Athena smiles fondly at her husband and eldest. "I have a spa day with Hen." She kisses her Bobby. "You boys stay out of trouble."

"No promises, Ma." Buck winks at her and laughs.

Once the dishes are done, and both men have washed their hands, and Athena is gone, Buck is buzzing with anticipation. Bobby takes his time to make his way to the table, looking at each ingredient, before looking up at Buck, who clearly understands his game.

"Pops, come on, suspense is killing me." The kid whines.

"Alright, alright." Bobby chuckles. "So, today we're making lobster thermidor and profiteroles."

Buck studies the table, deep in his thoughts, already focused on the task to come. "Those are pretty difficult recipes."

Bobby hums, "They are. But you can do it, I know that."

Big, curious eyes look back at him. "Really?"

"Of course." There's no doubt about that, plus Buck often surpasses the master lately. "Now come on, let's go to work."

They put on some music and start working on the main dish. Cooking with Bobby, learning new recipes from his dad, this is one of Buck's favorite things in the world. They always work well together, but here in the kitchen, this is something else. They're in sync; they don't even have to look at each other for some tasks. Plus, when he started his cooking lesson with Bobby, Buck discovered a new side of himself.

"So, why those recipes?" Buck asks while cutting some vegetables.

"You said that you wanted to do something special for you and Eddie's anniversary."

Buck feels himself blush a little; he also feels giddy. He looks at his dad and nods, a small smile on his lips.

"Yeah," he breathes out. "I mean, it's already been a year. Can you believe it?"

Bobby smiles. Sometimes, he can't believe that it's been a year. Sometimes he can't believe that the man who is standing in front of him, this incredible, kind, and awesome man, is the same kid he found on the side of the road all those years ago.

"I know." He leans against the counter to look at his kid, who is now blushing, but the smile he's wearing is worth everything. "I'm really happy for both of you. It took you long enough."

Buck snorts but doesn't argue. He knows his dad is right, after all, he has had paperwork ready for them once they announce their relationship.

"And well," Bobby continues, and there's something in his tone that makes Buck stop cutting to look at him. "It's what I did for my anniversary with Marcy and with Athena."

"Oh." It's all Buck is able to whisper. This means so much to him. Well, it already meant a lot, but now, even more. "Really?"

The kid's voice is soft and low; he looks and talks to Bobby with some deference, like the older man just gave him the Secret of the Universe.

"Yeah." He has to clear his throat as he is overwhelmed by emotions, good emotions. "And I've always wanted to teach my kids how to cook them for something, someone, special."

Buck's eyes are now shiny, and Bobby… well, Bobby's eyes might be mirroring his son's. He's about to add something when suddenly his arms are full of his six-foot-tall kid.

"Thank you, Dad," Buck says, his face buried in his father's shoulder. "That means so much to me."

Bobby holds his son tightly and kisses the top of his head. They don't always share big emotional hugs like that. Yes, they hug or touch, because Buck has always been a tactile child. But not like that.

"Of course, kid." His voice is muffled by the kid's hair. "Of course."

After a moment, the two men break the hug. Buck sniffs and chuckles. "We don't need to tell our respective partners about…" he gestures to his face, "well, that."

Bobby laughs and shakes his head. "Actually, Thena told me that we would probably cry once I tell you why I was teaching you this recipe."

Buck chuckles and goes back to his cutting. "Of course she did. Ma is too smart for us."

They go back to their cooking in a comfortable silence, music playing softly in the background, when Bobby takes his turn to ask a question.

"You told me that you already had a starter."

Buck shakes his head energetically, and he grins. "Yeah. I'm making some bean and cheese taquitos. Eds' favorites from when he was a kid." He chuckles at the memory of what Pepa had told him. "Actually, there was a summer during which he refused to eat anything other than that. Pepa actually lost this one battle. She taught me how to do them perfectly."

Bobby glances at his son and only feels pride and happiness at how happy and relaxed Buck looks. He and Eddie are truly perfect for each other.

"So between that and the ring, I hope Eddie will love the night."

Ah, yes, the ring they went shopping for together with Maddie. What Bobby doesn't tell him is that Eddie asked for his, Athena's, and Maddie's blessing last week because he wanted to propose on their anniversary.

'They truly are the perfect match.' Maddie had said once Eddie had excused himself to the toilet, probably to gather himself after all the stress. As if they would have said no.

"I'm sure he will." Is all Bobby says, and he's rewarded by Buck's megawatt smile.

Once everything is done and the lobster is ready, they set the table to finally eat. Buck serves his dad and sits 'ext to him, waiting for him to tell him how it is. Bobby takes a bite, and slowly a smile draws itself on his lips.

"That's delicious, kid." He says, and Buck can see the pride in his father's eyes. "I knew you could do it."

Right, as always, his dad was right.

[nerdysread]

Past Life

Title: Past Life

Fandom: 9-1-1 + Batman

Relationships: Buck & Bobby, Stephanie Brown & Buck, Buck & Jason Todd, Batfamily Members & Buck, Athena Grant/Bobby Nash, Buck & Athena

Characters: Buck, Bobby, Athena, Stephanie Brown, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne, Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Duke Thomas, Cassandra Cain, Firehouse 118 Crew

Additional tags: Bobby Nash is Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parent, Athena Grant and Bobby Nash are Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parents, Worried Bobby Nash, Hurt Evan "Buck" Buckley, Evan "Buck" Buckley was a batkid, Minor Stephanie Brown/Cassandra Cain, Bobby thinks Jasonn and Steph are either the mob or abusives exes, He's ready to beath the shit out of vigilante without knowing, Batfamily (DCU), Family Shenanigans, Post 9-1-1 Season 6, No timeline for the DC part, I can't follow the comics timeline, Plus i like when the characters actually grow, Unreliable Narrator, POV Bobby Nash, Crossovers & Fandom Fusions

For: @buckandbobbyweek 2026: Day 3 - "Who did that to you?"

Summary:

As specified earlier, Bobby loves his crew. But he also has some favorites, and perhaps a favorite among his favorites. So when two people he doesn't know, and who clearly aren't from L.A., ask for the kid, he can't help but stand straighter and cross his arms. It doesn't seem to work since the two exchange a look and just smile at each other.

Or, two strangers enter the firehouse, and Buck starts acting weird.

Author's Note: Day 3 is here, and we have a little crossover hehe. I chose to write this in Bobby's POV because it felt right to have an outsider POV + it's funny making him an unreliable narrator, and a worried papa bear.

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Bobby Nash loves his crew. They're the backbone of his second chance in life, and he wants to protect them. So when two strangers walk into the firehouse at the end of a shift, he's the first one to intercept them.

"Hello," he greets them. "Can I help you?"

Bobby scans them. The first one, a blond woman, wears multiple faint scars, mostly on her arms. But she smiles. The other, a man, taller, is something else. The white streak in his hair, the scar on his face, going from his eyes to his mouth. And his eyes seem haunted, even as he smiles.

"Yes, hi." The blond woman smiles widely as she studies him. "We're looking for Evan Buckley."

As specified earlier, Bobby loves his crew. But he also has some favorites, and perhaps a favorite among his favorites. So when two people he doesn't know, and who clearly aren't from L.A., ask for the kid, he can't help but stand straighter and cross his arms. It doesn't seem to work since the two exchange a look and just smile at each other.

"And who is asking?"

The man shrugs and smirks. "Old friends."

The woman snorts and raises an eyebrow. "More than friends for some of us."

The man shoots her a deadly glare, but she just rolls her eyes. Bobby is about to ask another question when Buck appears from around the engine.

"Steph?"

The three of them look at Buck, who has stopped and looks surprised to see them. He frowns but quickly smiles. Suddenly, the woman, Steph, has her arms around his neck. Bobby didn't even notice her moving.

"Damn, hot stuff. You're working out even more now." Steph laughs, touching Buck's bicep.

Buck laughs and gently pushes her. He turns around and gives the man a quicker hug, but there's something else in the kid's eyes. Something found.

"Hey, Jay." Buck's tone is soft. "Been a while."

"Yeah." Is the only thing he answers, but Bobby can see him relax.

Bobby notices Buck's blush as he clears his throat and addresses the rest of the crew. "Guys. Those are… old friends. Jason and Stephanie. Jay, Steph, meet my team. Bobby, Eddie, Hen, and Chimney."

Jason and Stephanie salute them. Bobby doesn't miss Eddie's jealousy, and the captain can't help but roll his eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Buck asks, and Bobby knows the kid well enough to know that there's a layer of concern in his voice. A glance at the team tells him they noticed it too.

"You know," Steph shrugs. "Business."

Buck frowns and sighs. "Right. Business." He turns to the team. "Sorry, guys, I have to leave you. I'll see you in two days."

Without waiting for more, Buck starts to leave.

"Wait, I'm going to give you my address so you can join me there. I need to sleep."

"Don't worry," Jason says. "We already made ourselves at home."

Buck sighs. "Of course you did."

"So…" Hen says now, standing next to Bobby, watching the trio leave. "What the hell?"

Bobby doesn't answer because he's asking himself the same question.

"Why do I feel like I've seen this man somewhere?" Chim asks, popping his gum.

Buck is late. Well, it can happen. Between L.A.'s traffic and other things, being late is something that happens to everyone. Even to Buck. So Bobby shouldn't be worried, right? The thing is, Bobby still doesn't know who those two strangers are, and Buck declined an invitation to dinner yesterday, telling him that he had something to do. The thing is that the thing wasn't Eddie and Chris, so it probably was the two strangers from Buck's past.

At least Bobby still got his morning texts, which helped him to stay calm and not just to go knock at Buck's door when he was probably just catching up with those 'friends'.

"By the way, Chim. Did you find out who the man is?"

Chim sighs and shakes his head. "No. Jee was sick, nothing too bad, but enough for it to slip my mind."

Bobby frowns. "Shit. Is she okay now? Do you need some time to look after her?"

Chimney chuckles, "Nah, Cap, don't worry. She's fine now. But we didn't sleep a lot those last two days."

Bobby nods. Right, maybe he should have talked to Athena about it. Nope, no need to get all anxious, they were just two friends.

"Who cares. They're here for business. They'll probably leave soon anyway." Eddie comments from where he sits, arms crossed and pouting.

Bobby rolls his eyes but doesn't say anything. He just exchanges a look with Hen and Chimney, who, in return, do the same.

Ten minutes after the start of the shift, Buck comes running up the stairs. He's short of breath, and his uniform is sticking out of his pants.

"I'm so sorry. I…" he makes big gestures around. "Car. Traffic. Sorry."

Bobby relaxes at first. Buck was just stuck in traffic. He's fine. But then the kid makes himself a cup of coffee, and the captain studies him. Buck looks tired, but there's a stiffness in his movements, like his muscles are sore about something. And when he sits, he slightly grimaces.

"Damn, Buckaroo." Chimney whistles. "You look like hell."

Buck chuckles, but it's fake. It's the one he gives when he doesn't want people to push. It makes Bobby feel like something bad is happening.

"Oh, you know." He shrugs and smirks. "They kept me busy."

Hen and Chimney make a face, Eddie tenses, and Ravi ignores the comment and leaves the table. But Bobby still looks at Buck. How his arm doesn't touch where his ribs are, how he's not entirely relaxed in his chair, and the bags under his eyes. Like the kid hasn't slept in the last forty-eight hours.

His stare must be obvious because Buck looks up and smiles at him. And Bobby can be a weak man, because Buck gives him his real smile. The sunny smile is the only offer to his family, and Bobby tells himself that he's exaggerating. If Buck wasn't okay, then he wouldn't smile like that.

Still, he makes him man behind for the start of the shift. At least until Buck doesn't move like every muscle in his body hurts.

"Well, they didn't tell me they were coming."

Bobby pauses at the door and doesn't move. He was looking for Buck and was on his way to the roof. Sounds like he found him, and sounds like he's on the phone.

"Babs I." A sighs. "What do you think? Of course."

He sounds upset, but not really mad.

"No. Mmh." His voice softened. "I know. Yeah, yeah, sure. You're always right."

A laugh, and Bobby can practically hear the kid roll his eyes.

"Well, that's not what my ribs are telling me." Bobby tenses, so he was right. "Or the enormous bruises I have on my thighs."

Bobby frowns. He didn't see them, and then he realizes. Buck hadn't changed once in front of them.

"Well, it's kind of hard with my job," Buck replies, but there's no real heat behind it. "Oh, come on. I'm sure Jay loves my muscles."

Buck sighs, and when he speaks again, his tone is back to being serious. "Should I call B?"

Buck hums. "I mean, I don't want Jay to be mad, you know. But…" he trails off. "Sure, I'll do my best. Are you sending someone to bring them back at least?"

Another pause.

"That's why you're the best Babs." Bobby can hear the smile in Buck's voice. "I guess you know my address since they broke into my apartment. No, I don't need better security. I need my ex and my friend not to break into my house. Yes, he's my friend too, but you know. At least you know who I'm talking about."

Another pause. Longer.

"Alright. But if he gets mad at me, you're paying the medical bill." A snorts. "I know. Just… if they break something, they pay too. Sure. I love you too, Babs. Hey, don't be a stranger. Sure. See you."

Buck hangs up, and Bobby hurries back a few stairs down before the kid opens the door.

"Oh, Buck." Bobby is proud of his acting and how normal he looks when all he can feel is worry. "I was looking for you."

The next morning, after their shift ended, Bobby is the last one to leave since he had paperwork to finish. He can't wait to go home, sleep a little, and then cook soothing so he has an excuse to go to Buck's loft.

To his surprise, Buck is still there, in the parking lot, arguing with Jason. The man stands tall in front of the firefighter. One fist clenched, and one finger pointing at Buck's chest. There's something in Jason's anger that screams danger. Bobby can't hear what they say; he can see that the argument is becoming more heated by the minute. Buck takes a step back, throws his arms in the air, and says something else. Bobby sees that Jason braces himself physically for the fight to become physical, so he quickens his strides.

"Buck?" He calls out loudly, hoping that nothing will happen if he's here.

Both men turn toward him. Jason frowns and sneers before addressing Buck.

"You know I'm right, Ev." He says, climbing on his motorbike before pointing a finger at the kid. "And don't you dare call B."

Right, the famous B again. Who is he?

Buck sighs as the other man drives away. His shoulders slump, and he looks defeated.

"You're alright, kid?"

"Uh?" Buck looks at him and tilts his head. "Of course I am. I need to call Steph to pick me up, though. My tires are dead."

Bobby frowns. Who did that? Did Jason slash Buck's tires? Was he supposed to be Buck's ride back home? Is Jason an abusive ex-boyfriend?

Bobby has so many questions, but doesn't know where to start. And Buck doesn't seem to want to talk about any of it since he monopolizes the conversation, asking mainly questions about the shift and the kids while they wait for Steph to pick him up. Buck even turns down Bobby's offer to drive him home (and by that, he means his and Athena's house).

Steph arrives on another motorbike. Are they all in a motorcycle gang? Is the thought passing through Bobby's mind when he sees her. It's meant to be a joke, but suddenly, Bobby is scared to be right.

"Alright, thanks, Bobby." Buck smiles. "See you in two days."

Bobby waves goodbye and makes his way to his car, stopping where they can't see him so he can spy on the duo. As they talk, Steph looks concerned. Then she smacks Buck behind the head and says something about him being slow or something. Bobby hesitates to intervene, but since Buck only rolls his eyes and doesn't do anything else, he stays still.

"Come on, let's stop him from being stupid." Steph orders, and Buck puts the helmet on. "Oh, don't worry about the tires. B will pay for it."

Buck laughs loudly, "I sure hope he will."

Bobby watches them leave and wonders once again who this B is. He has an idea, but it's one he hates because it's either the mafia or a gang.

"Oh, kid," he sighs. "What's going on with you?"

The next morning, Bobby is taking his breakfast with Athena when his wonderful wife speaks up.

"Alright. What's bothering you?"

The captain looks up at her and frowns. "What do you mean?"

Athena rolls her eyes but smiles fondly. "You've been in your head all morning. What's going on, Baby?"

Bobby can't help but smile. Of course, his wonderful, extraordinary wife knows that something is up. He sighs.

"It's Buck."

Athena smirked, "I could have guessed."

Bobby chose to ignore the comment because now is not the time. He needs to focus on his memories to explain the situation to Athena.

"Two shifts ago, two of his old friends came to see him at the firehouse. But since then, things have been weird with the kid."

Athena puts her mug down and leans forward, her attention fully on him now, and he can see her shift into cop mode. "Weird how?"

So Bobby tells him. The hesitation when Buck called them his friends. How they said they made themselves at home at the loft. That Buck was late for their last shift, and how he moved like he was hurting. The strange phone call on the roof, and the confirmation of Jason being an ex. The bruises. The argument. The tires. Steph. And his crazy theories.

He expects Athena to at least chuckle at his theory, but she doesn't. Instead, she frowns, her mouth is pinched in a thin line. She's thinking about the situation, analyzing it from a professional angle.

"Have you talked to Buck since your last shift?" She finally asks.

Bobby shakes his head. "I tried calling him, and he didn't answer. I also went to the loft. No one, but I forgot my key, so I couldn't go in."

He had been in such a hurry that he forgot it. He had thought about breaking down the door, but didn't in case he was overthinking it.

Athena drinks the rest of her coffee in one shot and gets up.

"We're going." She states, leaving no place for arguments. "First, the station I need the security footage to do a search by their face. Then Buck's."

Bobby follows her quickly. "I already have a screenshot of the security footage. One where we see them perfectly."

Athena stops at the door and smiles fondly at him. "Of course you do, papa bear."

For the second time this morning, Bobby chose to ignore the comment. Instead, he grabs Buck's keys and puts himself behind the wheel to drive to the kid's house.

"Uh, interesting." Athena mumbles. "Stephanie Brown and Jason Todd. What is Bruce Wayne's kid doing with Buck in L.A.?"

Bobby is glad they're stopping at a red light. Bruce Wayne's kid. "Like the billionaire Bruce Wayne?"

Athena nods. "Yep. The one and only. The one who died and then came back to life. I didn't know Buck knew him."

Bobby didn't either. "So what does that mean? Does he have a history of violence? Of…" Bobby swallows down the bill rising in his throat. "Of domestic violence?"

"No. Wait. What the hell?"

"What? What is that?" Bobby almost parks on the side of the road.

"No. It's just I got denied all access to their files and records." She lightly smacked his arms. "Your phone."

Bobby obeys without thinking and passes it to her. She is silent for a few seconds before she swears.

"The firehouse camera footage is gone."

Bobby slams the brakes and turns to face her. "What the hell?"

Bobby stands next to Athena at the door of Buck's loft. He has the key in his hands but wants to try to knock first. Just in case. He's about to do it when he hears Buck's voice.

"See! This is why I left! No. Don't roll your eyes at me, Todd. This life isn't for me anymore. I escaped."

His eyes widen, and he looks at Athena. His wife already has her gun out, and she nods at him to open the door. He's so glad he brought her here. Well, she brought herself here. Still, he can focus on Buck while Athena arrests those assholes.

He opens the door as silently as he can, doesn't pick up the bag of baked goods he brought, and braces himself for what he's going to see.

It's not enough. For a second, he freezes when he meets Buck's eyes. Buck is standing there right in front of him. Sure, he's standing, but he looks like shit. His torso and arms are covered in bruises and cuts. The bags under his eyes have somehow gotten bigger, and Buck's hands are covered in blood.

Bobby sees red because the kid is physically hurt and apparently bleeding a lot. He snaps back to reality and takes the three steps separating them. Maybe he should be watching out for Jason and Stephanie, but he has Athena with him. Now his priority is Buck.

Buck, who looks surprised to see him there. Or maybe he's in shock.

"Buck, kid. Are you okay?" Stupid question, and Buck doesn't answer. He just blinks. "Who did this to you? Is it them?"

He practically spits the last word, but he doesn't care. They hurt his kid, and he can't let that go.

"Uh?" Is all Buck manages, and Bobby worries even more.

"LAPD!" Athena shouts at the same time, and Buck seems to finally understand what is happening.

"Shit!" He frees himself from Bobby's grip quickly and rushes to the living room, where they find both Jason and Steph standing and ready to fight. Even if they stagger in their feet. Buck puts himself between them, and Bobby's heart drops.

"Stop! Everyone, stop!" He faces Athena. "Athena, everything is okay. Please drop the gun."

Athena doesn't drop her weapon. Instead, she narrows her eyes at Buck, "Have you seen yourself, Buckaroo?"

Buck winces but doesn't deny it. "It's not them."

"The blood on your hand?" Bobby finally asks.

Buck sighs. "It's Jay's." He turns toward the two other people in the room. "You two sit down. She won't arrest you. And you can't go anywhere in your state."

Jason looks ready to argue, but Buck pushes him, and he falls on the couch. Stephanie laughs, and Buck does the same with her. Buck sighs and looks back at Athena.

"Thena, please."

Athena studies the situation but ends up putting her gun back in her holster.

"Fine, but you have some explaining to do."

They're sitting in Buck's living room. Stephanie and Jason are on the couch, eating some brownies. Buck on a chair. Bobby is in the armchair, and Athena is on the armrest of it.

"Wow." Steph mumbles, "They're as good as Alfred's."

Buck beams, "I know, right? Bobby could be a chief."

Bobby smiles at the compliment. He always loved it when people complimented his cooking. Buck looks at him and smiles before becoming serious again.

"So," he grabs a brownie but puts it on the table. "Where do I start?"

Bobby studies the three people in front of him. Buck had cleaned his hands, thanks god because the sight of the kid with blood on his hands was unbearable. He also has a shirt on, and Bobby had insisted on at least letting him inspect the bruises to be sure. He had been pleasantly surprised to find no broken ribs, so he let it go. For now, at least. Then he had stood his ground in an argument with Jason and Stephanie, and someone named B on the phone to convince them to tell them everything.

"They will keep the secrets, guys. I need to tell them, or they won't let go. Especially Athena." Athena had smiled at this. "They're like my parents, so please, if you trust me, trust me with that too."

Bobby is sure they're weren't supposed to hear that part, but they did, and if there were misty eyes involved… well, there's no proof.

"What about you start from the beginning?" Athena suggests.

"Right," Buck looks at the ceiling for a moment and sighs. "When I was sixteen, my parents sent me to this summer camp in Gotham. Which wasn't the smartest thing to do, you know. Well, turned out that the camp was run by some villains who wanted to use kids to do the dirty work."

Bobby frowns; he's already not liking how the story is going.

"Anyway. Batman and company came, and they stopped him. Two of them stayed with us until morning, when our parents came to take us home after the whole debacle." Buck's face sours. "Mine didn't seem to get the memo. Everyone left with theirs, but they didn't come. I later learned that they were gone on some vacations, and didn't really care. I was supposed to be there for all summer."

Bobby feels a wave of anger toward Margaret and Phillip; he always does when he learns something new about them. And from how Athena grips his hand, he knows she feels the same. But Buck? Well, just shrugs.

"Bruce Wayne was here. He told me that he always was when there were kids involved because of what happened to him. He told me that I could come live at the manor with him and his other kids for a time, at least until my parents call him back." Buck snorts.

"I told him that it could be a while, and he said that it was okay. So here I was at sixteen, at Wayne Manor. It was crazy. Even if it was big, it was…" Buck stops himself and smiles fondly, and part of Bobby's fear evaporates.

"It was always full of some kind of noise. Either Alfred being in the kitchen, everyone eating together, laughter, arguments, or just people walking around. It was so different from home, you know?"

Bobby thinks of young Buck in a house without Maddie and with parents who didn't care about him. Absent parents who thought that he was too much and who wanted him to be invisible. He nods.

"Quickly, I understood that something was going on at night. I mean, when you live with people, you can see when they all disappear. They thought I didn't notice but…" Buck shrugs again, like this is totally normal for him.

"Since I was so used to making myself invisible to the others, I used that to spy on them."

Bobby frowns; he doesn't like the implications. Of course, he knows how it must have been. Sometimes he had to do this too when his dad was drunk, but still, Buck is bigger than life. He's not supposed to be invisible. Buck's chuckle pulls him out of his thoughts.

"You can guess my surprise when I discovered that Bruce Wayne is Batman." Buck doesn't say anything and studies them. Their faces must show the shock they feel because he laughs. "Yeah, that was my reaction too. Well, a bit louder than that, but still."

Stephanie snorts, "Not just a bit."

Buck rolls his eyes and keeps going like he didn't just drop a bomb.

"I begged him to teach me so I could do what he does, too. I also told him that I will do it no matter what, even if I were to get hurt, because it's so cool. Bruce agreed, and soon I was a vigilante."

Bobby exchanges a look with Athena and is glad to find that she doesn't like the idea of vigilante kids. He thinks of Buck, still so young, fighting criminals at night, getting hurt, maybe almost dying. But he also thinks of how competent Buck was when he first started, how he always goes far to save someone, and how little he seems to care for his life. Athena's mouth is drawn in a line as she stops herself to make some comments.

"I think I stayed for a year. Bruce told my parents that he paid a scholarship for me at a private high school. I told Maddie I was at boarding school. In the end, I was at Gotham Academy by day and a vigilante at night."

Buck pauses, picks up the forgotten brownie, but doesn't eat it. It seems like he just used it to do something with his hands.

"After a year, I went back home for Maddie's wedding, and I stayed. I loved being at the manor, but a vigilante's life can be a lot. Plus, even if I didn't see her a lot, I missed Maddie."

Buck's smile is sad, but no one can miss the love he has for his big sister.

"I went back during my traveling after I ran away. Stayed for a year and a half this time. Jay and I had a thing; we chose to stay friends. The family had gotten bigger since the last time. But once again, it was too much, so I left because I could. I wasn't as deep in this life as those guys."

Buck nods toward Steph and Jason, who give them mock salutes. Now Bobby understands the look in Jason's eyes and the scars on both of them. He can also imagine them as kids risking their lives, and yeah, he really hates it. He puts his attention back on Buck, and for a second, he can see the distant look of someone who saw too much in the kid's eyes. A look he hates seeing in Buck, a look that doesn't fit him at all.

"Kid?" Buck looks at him, and the distant look is gone.

"So this is the whole story." Buck smiles, but there's still something haunted there.

Athena nods, "And you two were here for?" She asks, addressing Jason and Stephanie.

"A case," Jason answers. "Followed the trail here. We wanted to ask Ev if he knew anything or where to go. Turns out he insisted on coming with us so we don't do anything stupid."

"Well, I stitched both of you this morning, so be glad I came." Buck retorts. "Plus, you slashed my tires."

Jason groans. "It was for keeping you away from everything."

Stephanie smacks his arm, "Also, because you wanted to deal with it alone."

Jason shrugs, and the three of them start to bicker. Bobby tunes out the argument and watches them, and how comfortable they seem, even while arguing. He looks at Athena, who seems to take it better than him, but he still can read the surprise.

It's a lot. Like a lot a lot. The captain struggles to see Buck, their Buck, the kid that walked into the 118 with all false confidence and bravado, the kid that is like a golden retriever, and who smiles is as illuminating as the sun. He struggles to see him as a kid fighting crime and seeing too much for his age. Yet, the evidence is here.

"Is this why I couldn't access your files?" Athena asks, breaking the argument in front of them. "Or why the station security footage got erased."

"Ah," Buck looks sheepish and avoids her gaze. "Yeah."

On the couch, Stephanie raises her arms. "Woo-hoo, Babs." She cheers.

Athena hums. Her piercing gaze flickers between the three of them, making them clearly uncomfortable, and it's funny to think that vigilantes are afraid of Athena Grant. But it makes sense in Bobby's opinion.

"I don't like the idea of Buck being a vigilante, honestly." She says.

"Don't worry, Thena." He chuckles. "I'm done with it. For real. Plus, it's better when I help you with cases."

Athena smiles fondly and nods. Bobby has to admit that Buck had a point. He makes a great team with Athena.

"I don't either," Bobby adds, pleasantly surprised that his voice is steady and not shaking with emotion. "But it's better than the other options."

"Other options?" Buck asks, and Bobby curses himself in his head for speaking too much. He blames it on the emotional turmoil of the last days.

"Well," he sighs. "I was scared they were either part of a gang or the mafia. Or that you were abused by exes."

Buck starts laughing like the idea was stupid, but when he sees that Bobby doesn't join him, he quickly sober up.

"Oh." He whispers. "Bobby, I'm fine."

Bobby suddenly finds himself overwhelmed by his feelings and can't speak. He feels Athena squeeze his hand.

"Maybe you should talk. Just the two of you."

"Right," Buck clears his throat and looks at his friends. "Can you look after them. Just to make sure they don't escape by the window."

"Don't worry, Buckaroo."

So the two men make their way to the kitchen.

"You know I'm fine, right, Bobby?" Buck asks, leaning against the counter.

Bobby sighs, passes a hand through his hair, and finally looks at him.

"Buck," he clears his throat when it wavers. "Kid, you didn't see yourself. Two strangers come in randomly, and the next shift, you're late and obviously hurt. You are elusive, and that is, without talking about the call I heard when you were on the roof."

Buck pales, "You heard that?"

"I did, but that's not the point." Bobby shakes his head to gain some composure. "The point is, you were hurt, had slashed tires, took weird phone calls, denied invitations, and this morning I didn't get a text from you."

Bobby doesn't think Buck knows how important those texts became for Bobby, too. A proof of Buck's life and of how well-being. Buck's eyes are wide. He opens his mouth but closes it when he sees that Bobby is not done.

"And this morning we came in, and you're hurt, and your hands are full of blood. Of course, I was worried and scared. Damn it, kid, you were dead just a few months ago, and then we got trapped in a collapsed highway, too. So yeah. I got pretty scared."

Silence settles in the kitchen. He knows his voice has risen, and they must have heard him; he's glad they're doing like they didn't.

"I'm sorry," Buck whispers, and Bobby feels all the fight leaving him. Because, of course, the kid apologizes. "But Bobby, I'm fine, I swear."

Bobby looks at him, and yes, even if he's covered in bruises, Buck looks fine. Bobby sighs and leans against the fridge.

"Right. I'm glad you're fine."

Next thing he knows, Buck is hugging him tightly, and Bobby doesn't hesitate to hug him back.

"Thanks for worrying, Pops."

Bobby smiles at the nickname and thinks of Buck's story and how he ended up in the vigilante life because his parents didn't care enough.

"Always kid."

They're back in the living room, and Steph is lying almost fully on Jason now.

"Your couch is awful, Ev." She says, and Bobby can't disagree. "You should ask Bruce to buy you a new one. Jay, don't you have his card?"

"Nah. I don't. He blocked it after the last time."

Stephanie sighs. "We'll have to buy you one once we're back then."

"You don't need to." Buck tries, but Steph tuts.

"It's for the… well, the everything."

Buck raises an eyebrow and chuckles. "Shouldn't you be the one to buy it then?"

Stephanie scoffs. "Please, I'm not rich like Bruce. Plus, I'm saving to buy a new house with my girlfriend."

She wears a proud smile, Jason groans and mumbles something that sounds like 'here we go again,' and Buck beams.

"You and Cass?" He asks.

"Yes. Me and Steph ." A new voice says, making everyone jump. Athena is already up, a hand on her holster.

"Jesus, Cass." Buck hisses, a hand on his heart. "You scared the shit out of me."

Cass smiles but also shrugs as she steps further into the loft. Athena, understanding that everything is fine, let go of her gun.

"Sorry," she says, even if she doesn't sound sorry at all. "I'm here to pick them up and bring them back to Gotham."

She stops, and her gaze stops on Bobby and Athena. Bobby feels oddly scrutinized under the young woman's eyes, and it makes him feel uneasy, even after she greets them.

Stephanie jumps at her girlfriend's neck and kisses her.

"Babe. I missed you."

Cass smiles and looks back at Buck. "Did you give them pain med?"

Buck shrugs, "They were easier to deal with like that."

"You know," another voice comes in. "There was a time you could have dealt with them easily."

Buck rolls his eyes, but finally gets up, "I knew you weren't alone." He gives the man a brotherly hug. "Hey, Dick. Good to see you."

"Good to see you too, Ev." He says before taking Buck in an arm lock, ruffling his hair.

"Grayson, let him go. You're going to hurt him. He obviously has gone soft."

Dick laughs loudly and turns to look at the newcomers, a kid, more like a teen, but everyone under Buck's age is a kid to Bobby. The said kid stands in the middle of the loft, and they didn't hear him coming. He and the three other young men who look like they're around Stephanie's age. Bobby looks at Athena, who looks as lost as him. Especially since they didn't hear the door open or close.

"I have to say, Buckley. I'm not impressed." The youngest of the group says.

"Well," Buck comments. "We can't all be royalty."

The kid shrugs and goes further into the loft.

"Please make yourself at home." Buck grumbles. "Wait, how many of you are here? Did you bring everyone? Should I expect Bruce, Babs, hell, even Kate and Harper?"

"Nah," dick replies as he sits on the floor. "We just wanted to see where you live. Well, Babs says hi, she's busy with Dinah right now."

Buck hums and looks at the group, and the joyous chaos that started as everyone makes their round. Everyone except Dick.

"And you couldn't use the door like normal civilized people?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Dick asks clearly, not waiting for an answer.

"You did let your window open. Not that it would have stopped us." One of the latest arrivals says, with a mug of coffee in his hand.

"Tim." The other one says, a black man. "Civilians."

Tim looks at them and smiles. "It's okay. Bruce said they know."

Bobby guesses that those are the other vigilantes. The rest of the kids are under Bruce Wayne's wings, and now he understands what Buck meant by there was always noise in the manor. Especially since, from what Buck said, there are more people still in Gotham.

"Right, shit. Guys, this is Bobby and Athena. She's a sergeant." Buck's insistence on Athena's grade sounds like a warning to the rest of the Gothamites, a warning that doesn't seem to work. "Bobby, Athena. This is Cass, Dick, Damian, Tim, and Duke."

Damian, who is inspecting Buck's pictures, looks at them before turning back to the pictures. "They're definitely better than Margaret and Phillip from what I've seen and heard."

Buck blushes and sputters something, making both Bobby and Athena laugh, and Buck looks at them with betrayal, making Bobby laugh harder. Even if he wonders how Damian knew that, his brain is still processing all of Buck's revelations, so he tries to ignore it.

"It's not that hard," Bobby says with confidence. "Buck's an easy kid to love."

Buck blushes harder and blinks rapidly as Athena nods in agreement. And he's sure they hear Stephanie coo.

"Is this your boyfriend? And your kid?" Tim asks from where he's standing right behind Damian.

"Tsk, move away from me, Drake." Damian pushes him, but Tim doesn't seem to mind.

"What?" Buck's voice goes high, and his blushes darken. "No, he's not. Plus, Eddie is straight."

"Pfff." Steph snorts. "You should have seen him when I called you hot stuff. He was seething; it was hilarious."

Bobby agrees, even if he would call it tiring at this point now. But he's been dealing with both of them for years now, so he can have a different opinion.

"I-" Buck groans at their laughter. "Aren't you supposed to go back to Gotham?" He ends up saying.

"Right," Dick gets up and helps Jason to his feet. "Plus, this one has class this afternoon."

He nods to Damian, who looks unimpressed and very much ready not to go to class in the afternoon.

"Next time we'll come back, it will be during our vacation, and we'll call in advance."

"Please do," Buck demands, but he's smiling. "It's been good to see you all. Maybe I'll use some of my PTO to come say hello too."

Dick smiles back at him. "Sure, and we promise to keep you away from all the vigilante stuff."

Buck chuckles and goes to hug Dick. "Take care of yourself. And please, leave by using the door."

"Alright. Come on, everyone. Back to Gotham."

And with a chorus of goodbyes and bickering, they're gone. Leaving only Buck Bobby and Athena in the loft. Buck yawns.

"Right, I haven't slept last night." He says. "I'm going to crash."

Bobby doesn't want to leave Buck here alone. He knows that he's okay, but he's still hurt, and the panic he felt earlier is still there deep somewhere in his mind.

"Good thing you have things at ours," Athena says, and when Buck shoots him a questioning look, she adds. "Don't think we're letting you here alone. You're coming with us so we can monitor those injuries. And don't try to argue with me."

Buck ends up sighing, his shoulders slump, and he nods.

"Fine. I just need a bed."

"Good thing we have more than one then," Athena says, leading him to the door with a hand on his back.

Bobby takes his time to thank God for his wonderful wife and this kid who made himself a place in his life.

[nerdysread]

Catching up

Title: Catching up

Fandom: 9-1-1

Relationships: Buck & Bobby

Characters: Buck

Additional tags: Grief/Mourning, Bobby Nash is Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parent, Buck finally visits Bobby's grave, Bobby is dead and I am sorry, I just saw the prompt 'flowers' and I knew I had to write this, 118 Words, Buck and Bobby Week, Buck and Bobby Week 2026

For: @buckandbobbyweek 2026: Day 2 - "Forever & Always" + Flowers

Summary: Buck visits Bobby's grave.

Author's Note: So, yesterday I published Search for my second Day 1 prompt but… Search was supposed to be a Day 2 prompt; I just got mixed up. So here we go! Also, Theo is not here because… well, because I'm still unsure about this storyline tbh.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buck sits down in front of the graves, putting bouquets down for everyone. He never met Marcy, Brooke, and Robbie, but he knows how important they were to Bobby. And anyone important to his dad is important to him.

Then his attention is back on Bobby's grave. "Hey, Pops, sorry it took me so long to come."

Buck talks to him. He tells him how he feels. He tells him about the year and what happened. He tells him about Harry and May and how they're doing.

When it's time for the cemetery to close, he gets up and puts a hand in the tomb.

"I love you, Pops." He whispers. "I'll always love you. Always and forever."

[nerdysread]

We'll fight... Together

Title: We'll fight... Together

Fandom: 9-1-1

Relationships: Buck & Bobby, Buck & Vincent Gerrard

Characters: Buck, Bobby, Gerrard

Additional tags: Bobby Nash is Evan "Buck" Buckley's Parent, TW: Vincent Gerrard, Vincent Gerrard Bashing, Sexual Harassment, Harassment, Implied/referenced sexual harassment, protective Bobby Nash, Protective Evan "Buck" Buckley, blackmail. Sorry, but this man is clearly weird with Buck, Hurt Evan "Buck" Buckley, Emotional Manipulation, Hurt/Comfort, Abuse of Authority. From Gerrard, Bobby Nash Lives, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Episode: s08e10 Voices (9-1-1 TV)Eddie Diaz in Texas (9-1-1 TV)

For: @buckandbobbyweek 2026: Day 2 - Day 2 - "Are you sure?" + Hugs

Summary:

Bobby frowns. He remembers. He remembers that Buck almost gave him another heart attack when he said, 'and he touches me'. He remembers he almost stormed out and committed a murder, and then Buck added 'not like that' and Bobby had relaxed. But now, seeing how Buck acts, maybe he should have pushed.

Or, Gerrard uses his position and Buck and Bobby's bond to spend some time with his pretty boy.

Author's Note: It always rubbed me the wrong way how Gerrard acted with Buck after he saved his life and how he started becoming a bit too creepy with him… Like calling him son, pretty boy (and Ravi too? Back off, old man), touching him… But they never addressed it again, and even made him a kind of "decent" character? Not under my roof!

So here we go. This fic is not original, I know, but it's here. Also, it can be heavy since Gerrard uses his position over Buck to make him comply. There's no rape in the fic, mostly mention of inappropriate touching and a slap on the ass in the shower (you know, like we see in movies when they slap each other with their towel).

***

Buck sighs as he washes the glasses. He's doing this task alone, while Ravi is doing other chores. Apparently, this is a one-person work, but Buck would beg to differ. He could be doing this, calling Eddie, but his best friend is actually driving, so he has to work alone.

His phone pings, distracting him. He's already smiling, thinking Eddie is letting him know that he'll call soon. But it's not Eddie, and his smile falls when he sees what the alert is about. Vincent Gerrard. The dinosaur had started sending him multiple messages a day since he asked Buck to be his friend on Facebook.

Hey son. You should stop ignoring me. I just want to talk with you and take you under my wing.

Buck winces. He hates it when Gerrard calls him that. He's not his son, or his protege, or whatever the other so-called captain thinks. He pockets his phone and chooses to ignore it. He will understand one day or another.

Buck was wrong. Vincent Gerrard doesn't seem to understand. Well, he stopped messaging him on Facebook at least. The problem is that he started texting him.

Gerrard. DO NOT ANSWER You: How did you find my phone number? Gerrard: Come on, Pretty Boy. I am a captain. I can easily access that kind of information. You know, I can be such a great mentor. Better than Nash.

Buck breathes hitches. He wants to insult the older man, but he can't. After all, Gerrard is still a Captain, a superior.

Gerrard. DO NOT ANSWER You: Sorry. Things have been crazy at the 118. I didn't mean to ignore you. But with work and since I don't use Facebook… You know. Gerrard: Don't worry. I'm not someone who holds grudges. Well, not against my favorites at least.

Buck thinks about how to let the man understand that he wants him to stop texting without being too… mean about it. In reality, he wants to tell him to go fuck himself and just leave him alone, or he'll break his knees, but he knows he can't. So he takes a deep breath and does his best.

Gerrard. DO NOT ANSWER You: Listen, I don't have anything against you. But I think that we should cease contact. We're both busy with the job, and even if I appreciate your offer to mentor men I don't think I need it. I'm pretty sure Brad needs it more

No, Buck has a lot against him, and he wants to throw up. Still, he can be polite and professional.

Gerrard. DO NOT ANSWER Gerrard: Nonsense. Nash doesn't know how to run a proper firehouse as I did in my time. You will see I am right.

Buck's blood starts to boil. He can endure a lot, but he hates it when people talk badly about his family, especially Bobby. Maybe the best thing to do is to ignore him again. He locks up his phone when it starts to ring. Alas, it's not Eddie. Nope, the name "bigot dinosaur" illuminates his screen, and Buck wants to scream. He can't because he's on shift, so he chose the next best option: The punching bag.

***

Bobby looks at Buck from the corner of his eye. The kid is cutting carrots, deeply focused on the simple task. It makes the captain smile. But he needs to tackle the subject with him, so even if he hates it, he has to break the peace that has settled in the kitchen.

"You know," he starts and waits for Buck to glance at him to continue. "Eddie called me, a bit panicked because you didn't answer his last calls."

Bobby doesn't care; he's glad Eddie called him because at least he knows that his suspicions about Buck acting weird were right. Not that he's glad Buck is acting weird, but now he has an excuse to talk to the kid without thinking that he's overstepping. Well, he had to reassure Eddie so the younger man wouldn't call the rest of their family, but at least Bobby knows that his move is definitely not permanent.

Buck doesn't answer, but he stills, and Bobby furrows his brows. Something is definitely wrong.

"Buck?"

Buck's eyes snap to him; he still has the knife in his hand, and Bobby hopes the kid doesn't panic because he could end up hurting himself.

"Sorry, Cap."

Bobby holds up a hand. "Don't worry, I don't mind." He looks at the knife, and Buck finally puts it down. "It's just… surprising. Even with 800 miles between you two, you are still attached at the hip."

Buck lets out a huff that resembles a laugh, and Bobby relaxes a bit and smiles. He doesn't say anything; he waits for his firefighter to speak again.

"I didn't see it." The kid starts to cut the carrot again, knowing him it's to have something to occupy his hands. "My phone is on silent, in my locker."

Bobby feels his brows raise, "In your locker?"

Maybe it's a stupid question, but this is like Buck not talking about Eddie at least once a day.

"Did something happen between you and Eddie?" Bobby doesn't think so; Eddie seemed worried out of his mind, not angry.

"What? No!" Buck sounds so offended by the idea that Bobby would laugh if he wasn't so worried.

"Okay. Sorry for suggesting it." Bobby says, doing his best to hide the smile on his face.

Buck frowns, studies him, and pouts. It always amazed Bobby how childlike Buck looks when he pouts, and wonders how Maddie ever told him no when they were younger. Buck takes a deep breath and starts cutting again, not meeting Bobby's eyes.

"I just wanted to… to not be distracted."

Okay, Bobby can't believe it. Buck is easily distracted when it comes to Eddie or Chris, but never on a call or when he needs to be laser-focused. Plus, Buck is a terrible liar when he can't think of a lie in advance.

"I'll call him at the end of the shift."

Bobby wants to push again, but the bell rings, and the rest of their shift is back-to-back calls. They eat, but they're all tired, and Bobby doesn't want Buck to feel cornered.

At the end of the shift, Bobby sees Buck climbing into his car. He's frowning and seems bothered as he's looking down at his phone. So it's not Eddie, Buck always smiles when he talks to Eddie.

They have three days off, and Bobby doesn't want to wait for them to get back to the firehouse before talking to him. Plus, they might get interrupted again. So once he's at him, he sends Buck a text.

Kid Bobby: Hey Kid. I found this recipe that I wanted to try during our time off. Do you want to try it with me? Buck: Of course! Is Friday okay? Bobby: Perfect. See you on Friday. Buck: See you Cap!

Now, he just has to find a recipe.

***

"Pretty boy." Vincent's annoying voice answers him. "You're finally coming to your senses."

Buck pinches the bridge of his nose as he lies down on his couch.

"Not really. Listen, Gerrard. This is a nice proposition." No, it's not. "But the number of texts you keep sending is distracting me from work."

And from Eddie and Chris mostly, but he's not going to tell him that.

"I told you you can call me, Vincent. Or Cap." Vincent laughs, and Buck almost throws his phone across the room. "But I understand. Maybe I should pick you up at the 118 after your shift. It's Saturday, right?"

Buck goes rigid, chills running down his spine. He doesn't know why, but this feels like a threat. He swallows with some difficulty; he can't let this man close to the 118. It wouldn't be fair to Hen, Ravi, Chim, or Bobby. No, he can handle it alone. He has to. Bobby has already picked up on something.

"No!" He grimaces at his harsh tone. "I mean, no, you don't need to. I have three days off, maybe we can see each other during this time."

'And maybe it'll be enough for you to leave me alone.'

"Of course." He can hear the smile and excitement in the man's voice and wants to throw up. "Tomorrow? I'll bring you to play golf. A real man sport."

"Awesome," Buck answers, hoping that he sounds excited.

"Great. I'll send you the information. See you tomorrow, pretty boy."

Buck says his goodbyes and hangs up. He's fucked.

This is how the firefighter finds himself playing golf with his former interim captain, a captain who was so bad he almost regretted Interim Captain Han.

One thing is for sure: Buck didn't know Golf was such a tactile sport. Gerrard is always putting a hand on his arm, his wrist, his waist, anywhere he can, saying that he wants to correct his stance. And Buck? Buck feels gross.

He tries telling the old man that he didn't need to touch him, that he should stop because people would get the wrong idea, hoping it would work, knowing the man's homophobia, but Gerrard had laughed and kept doing it.

"Come on, son. It's just me teaching him how things go." Gerrard smirks. "Not something you can learn at this waste of a station that is the 118."

And Buck knows that he should keep his calm, but he can't stand the man talking shit about his family, or calling him son. The only one who can do it if he wants one day is Bobby.

"Don't." He snaps. "Don't call me like that. Or don't you dare talk bad about the 118."

Gerrard's face becomes somber, but then the man smiles back, and there's something predatory in it that makes Buck stand straighter.

"I see that Nash has his guard dog well trained, uh." He steps closer to Buck, and his mind screams at him to run. "I wonder what daddy did for you to be so loyal. Should the board and I be worried about it?"

Buck's breath hitches, and black spots dance in front of his eyes. He struggles to find his breath back, but he does, and he looks back down at Gerrard. He can't do anything to anger the old man, or it will fall back on Bobby, and Buck would die before someone uses him against his captain.

"No, sir." He whispers. "I'm sorry."

Gerrard smiles widely, and he claps his shoulder. Buck forces himself not to flinch.

"Great! Let's keep going then, pretty boy."

***

Buck is in his kitchen because Bobby knows this is a safe place for both of them. Plus, when they cook, Buck has something to do with his hands, and Bobby knows it helps him when they have an important conversation.

When Buck arrived, he looked like shit. There's no other word. He looked like he hadn't slept all night, and yet he asked Eddie if he had called Buck, and Eddie had told him Buck was tired and had gone to sleep early. Meaning, Buck lied to Eddie, meaning that things are worse than Bobby thought.

Bobby stops what he's doing and looks at Buck. He's supposed to wash the vegetables, but the water is running, and Buck looks somewhere else.

"You know, you don't need to drown them." He tries humor, but when Buck doesn't answer, alarm bells ring in his head. "Buck?"

No answer, the kid doesn't even react, so Bobby approaches, calls him, and puts a hand on his shoulder. Hand that he retracts quickly when the kid flinches away from his touch.

Buck blushes. He was thinking of what happened yesterday, and of his phones that kept buzzing for hours after he came home. So much so that he put it on silent and missed Eddie's call, which caused him to lie to his best friend because he knew Eddie would know something was wrong, and Eddie has a lot on his plate right now.

But then he felt a hand on his shoulder, just when he was thinking of Gerrard's touch on him, and he jumped away. He jumped away from Bobby. The man he knows won't do anything to him. One of the safest people Buck knows.

Now, Bobby is standing a few steps away, hands up, worries filling his eyes.

"Kid? You okay?" Bobby asks with a voice so soft that Buck almost cries.

"Sorry, I-" but his voice breaks before he can finish his sentence.

"Okay." Bobby nods and gestures toward the table. "Come on, Buck. Let's sit."

Buck follows his captain silently. Bobby pulls out a chair for him, waits for him to sit, before sitting down across from him. He doesn't touch him again, but Buck wouldn't say no. He needs some grounding.

Bobby studies Buck. The young man is almost too still, if it weren't for him picking his nails. He wants to stop him before he bleeds, but he won't touch the kid right now. Even if he wants to take him in his arms, he has another job to do. He has to listen.

"Okay, kid. What's going on?"

Buck doesn't answer right away. He hesitates, should he tell Bobby? Can he do it without putting Bobby's job in danger? What if it's nothing and he's doing too much? But then, he thinks of how uneasy he felt, how he had to take another shower when he went home because he felt too gross.

"I…" he can't look at Bobby. Too afraid of what he's going to see. "You remember when I told you how Gerrard was after I saved his life?"

Bobby frowns. He remembers. He remembers that Buck almost gave him another heart attack when he said, 'and he touches me'. He remembers he almost stormed out and committed a murder, and then Buck added 'not like that' and Bobby had relaxed. But now, seeing how Buck acts, maybe he should have pushed.

Buck looks at his captain, and Bobby nods, so he looks back down and keeps talking. He tells him how he followed him on Facebook. How he started messaging him, then texting him, and then he started calling him. Pushing for them to see each other.

"And I thought I could solve the situation by myself, you know?" Buck's voice is wavering, and Bobby feels like he's going to be sick. "Like it wasn't too much. So I agreed to see him yesterday, thinking I could tell him to stop, but…"

His voice breaks, and he has to wipe his eyes before the tears threatening to fall do.

"Kid, what happened yesterday?" Bobby asks, scared that he already knows the answer. Buck shakes his head, and Bobby wants to take the kid in his arms, but now is not the time. So he leans over and softens his voice. "It's okay, Buck. You can tell me."

Buck takes a shaky breath. Right, this is Bobby. His captain, his pops, his freaking father. He can tell him. He needs to tell him, or hell will break. Yesterday showed him that he can't handle it alone.

"He was tactile. Even more than before. He used the excuse to correct my golf stance or whatever. But that was okay, you know?" He looks at Bobby; he needs his captain to understand.

And Bobby doesn't know because this is not okay. He hates it, but he can picture the old man touching Buck. Touching his kid, his vision goes white. He has to clench his fist under the table to stay calm, focused on Buck. He sees the kid waiting for him, so he nods.

"But then he starts talking shit about the 118. About you. And I couldn't stand it. I tried defending you, but…"

Buck clenches his fist under the table; he can't look at Bobby when he says this. He's so ashamed. What would Bobby think? What if Bobby doesn't want to be near him after this? Buck would understand, of course. Bobby needs to protect himself first. But it would hurt him so much that he might have to transfer. No scratch that, he'll have to quit entirely.

"Buck?" The firefighter risks a glance at his captain, and when he sees only worry and sadness, his last defenses break.

"He made some implications about you and what you did because I was so loyal. And he asked if he should be worried and if the board should be worried about it. And I'm so sorry, Bobby. I didn't want to tell you because I can't let you risk your career for me. Not because of me and some man like him. So I let him talk and call me son, and touch me. And I even let him slap my ass with his towel in the shower. Because I can't let him touch your job when you did nothing wrong, when you are just you. You're Bobby, you're my captain, and you're like a father to me. But if it puts your job on the line, I can't let that happen and…"

His breath comes short, and he has trouble breathing. Buck knows that this is a panic attack, yet he needs Bobby to understand. He needs Bobby to know that Buck never thought of him like that or that Bobby would try something like that. He needs him to understand. He's ready to beg.

On the other side, Bobby is seething. Gerrard using their bond to make Buck comply with whatever he was doing is another level of sickness. Of course, Bobby isn't dumb. Both he and Buck had heard some comments about Buck being the teacher's pet, or worse. Hell, even the rest of their family did. Especially after the lawsuit, when Bobby let him come back at the 118 and didn't transfer him. But those were in a professional environment, where Bobby was the captain and could sanction them. When those comments were spoken mostly out of jealousy, rather than manipulation.

Of course, it did hurt every time, and Bobby tended to take a step back, Buck too, when he was the one hearing them, but the rest of their family never let them think too much about it. They both tended to recover quickly and go back to their normal dynamic. And as the years pass, those critiques usually fly over their head.

But now, Gerrard is using this to threaten both Buck and Bobby. Well, Bobby wants to beat the shit out of the older man, sending him to an early permanent retirement. And when Buck tells him about Gerrard slapping him with his towel, he's about to stand up and walk out. But then, Buck's breath hitches as he keeps talking, and he says with so much sorrow in his voice that Bobby is like a father to him. And it breaks all of Bobby's anger.

No, he can't let his anger win. Right now, Buck needs him. He needs Bobby as his captain, as his father. He needs his reassurance and steadiness.

Buck stops talking as he struggles even more to breathe. The next thing Bobby knows is that he's on his knees in front of the kid's chair.

"Buck." He starts to reach for Buck but stops, his hands hovering close to the kid's shoulder. "Kid, come on. Breathe with me. You're okay. Everything is going to be okay."

Softly, he keeps talking to Buck, doing his best to comfort him, and slowly he hears Buck's breathing returning to normal as the kid calms down.

"So- sorry." Buck apologizes as he finally finds his breathing and voice back.

He's ashamed of what he just told. He was so sure Bobby would be disappointed or would at least ask him to take some distance, but he didn't. No, instead, his captain is kneeling in front of him, focused on helping him.

"You don't have to apologize, Buck." Bobby shakes his head. "What Gerrard did is unforgivable, and we won't let him go away with it, okay?"

We? Bobby said we. Buck blinks once, twice, his brain still a bit broken from the panic attack.

"But he's a captain. I can't just fight him." Gosh, he hates how small his voice sounds.

"Buck," Bobby is frowning, and Buck braces for the impact. "I'm not letting you fight him alone. I will fight with you. For you, kid."

With him. For him. Buck can't believe that. Even with Gerrard's threat, Bobby is ready to stand by his side. And suddenly Buck feels so stupid for not talking to him sooner.

"Are you sure?" He asks, and he sees Bobby's hands hovering near his shoulder, because of course, his captain was thinking of not triggering him.

"I promise you, Buck."

A sob escapes the kid as he leans forward in Bobby's arms. The captain hugs him tight; he doesn't want to let him go. He knows he'll have to. They have a lot of work to do. But for now, Bobby holds his crying kid as he finally breaks and lets go of the pain.

"It's okay, kid," he whispers before kissing the top of his head. "Let it go, I've got you. I've got you."

[keepwalkingbuckley]

9-1-1 fans, help me get my degree! reblogs appreciated<3

i’m currently writing my bachelor’s thesis on organic marketing in the context of '9-1-1' - that is, unpaid promotional activities that attract viewers to the show. my anonymous survey explores how official promotional content is received and how fans influence the show’s popularity.

i know how creative, talented and hardworking this community is and i'd really appreciate your participation in the study. thank you in advance for your time and input - every response truly matters!

take 5 minutes and fill out the questionnaire here:

Organic marketing in the context of the TV show '9-1-1' / Działania marketingu organicznego w kontekście serialu "9-1-1"

[ENG] Hi. I am a student of Logistics and Administration in the Media at the University of Warsaw. My bachelor’s thesis is about unpaid, or