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"I can do it, cap." Eddie volunteered
"I dont think you'll fit this time." Cap's tone was almost humorous
Buck didn’t think that was funny. He had thought that he had lost Eddie all those years ago. He remember the fear, his heart breaking, he could still feel the cold of thinking he would never again stand by his partner's side. Why the fuck would Eddie think that's okay?
Forunately, or unfortunately, Buck can't decide which is worse, having his partner go deep underground with no foreseeable way out or a small child. Thankfully, Bobby and Chim took all the decisions out of Buck's hands because all he wanted to do was scream at somebody.
For the record, he wouldn't, Athena taught him that lesson long ago, but how could these parents not say a songle word as their child does something so dangerous. Even if it was to save the other, why didnt they hug him, give him an envouraging word at the very least, but no. These parents.
Really, he isn’t supposed to judge. And he won't say anything but the carelessness of these parents. But fine. Its fine. He will crank the kid and pull two out.
Buck won't say any of the thoughts he was thinking, but he is going to think them so hard.
The rescue went off without a hitch, but Buck felt his blood boil when all the parents cared about was their younger son. They didnt even hug their eldest! He felt Eddie bump into, and he instinctively calmed.
They packed up their stuff, sealed up the hole so no other kid would fall down it (like they should have done the first time but Buck is doing very well not commenting). They also put signage up and everything. Thankfully, he and Eddie made short work of it.
"We are done here, want to head back to the engine?" Eddie asked
Buck nodded, but the second he truly looked at Eddie, all of those feelings from earlier rushed back. It felt like he was loosing his friend all over again. Pushing those feelings back done he walked with Eddie back to the truck.
Once they were both seated in the back, Eddie sighed, "So are you going to tell me what's going on with you or am I going to have to pry it out of you?"
"It's just..." the man sighed, "everything, ya'know?"
"You see, I think its more than that." Eddie looked at him with those big brown eyes and Buck folded like puddy
"The well. This just, brought up those memories."
"Yeah?"
Buck leaned his jead back against the wall of the truck, "I thought I lost you. I just... remember Bobby's arms pulling me back from trying to use my hands to get to you. Being told to stop. The helplessness. All of it. This just brought it all back."
"Oh."
"Yeah." He very suddenly regretted bringing it up, "I shouldn't have brought it up. I'm sorry- its just- I-"
"You need to apologize. Can I do anything to make you feel better?"
"Can I- can I check you over?"
He had no idea what made him say that. This was so awkward. Why? Why did he have to be so stupid? It was years ago and they have gone through so much worse than this. Why was this affecting him so much? It was just so stupid. He knows better. Eddie made it out of there pretty mich without a scratch, it shouldn't still bother him.
"Of course."
"Wha- really?"
"Yes, Buck. Check me over."
Buck was on him within a second. He ran his hands down Eddie's arms before pushing forward to check his sides. He knelt on the engine floor to make sure Eddie's legs were alright before he looked up. There was something strange about the way Eddie was looking at him. Buck hummed and tilt his head to the side. Something was off about his friend.
Staying knelt, he reached up and grabbed Eddie's head. For a moment, it felt amost like tension in yhe air, before Buck heard the slam of Hen putting away her gear.
He stood, Eddie's head still in his hands before he let go with a smile. The older firefighter seemed to shake of whatever that just was with a smirk.
"So will I live, doc?"
Playfully lushing away his friend, Buck rolled his eyes, "I give it three months."
"Oh no, whatever shall I do?"
"Swoon." Buck grinned back just as Hen opened the door
Hen squinted at them like they had done aomething and Chimney stood behind her looking between them and her. Beforw he shrugged and walked around Hen to pull himself into the truck.
Eventually she sighed, and rolled her eyes at them not saying a word. Buck couldnt help but be grateful, he felt more settled into his skin and confident that Eddie was fine and standing by his side.
He was still a little miffed about the situation with the kids, but he was okay now. Everything was a little easier when he had his best friend with him.