BBQ Disaster

"What – and I can't stress it enough – the fuck?", Maddie hisses when she catches sight of the last arrivals to the BBQ.

Athena, who's had her back to the terrace's door, slowly turns around to see what has the usually calm woman so willingly use the word "fuck".

"Fucking hell...", she mutters when she sees it too.

Hen and Karen come over and lean in closer to whisper their own opinions.

"What is that bitch doing here?! Did Eddie mention bringing her?", the medic asks.
"No, but from his expression, I'd guess he hasn't been aware either.", Athena replies with a frown.
"She's smiling as though she's won a fucking jackpot!”, Karen exclaims heatedly, “And did you see Chris' face? The poor kid is scowling as though someone took away his favourite book."
"Knowing her, she probably did.", suddenly Taylor says from behind them.

The reporter has been included in these BBQs for a short while now as she made a 180° turn during the pandemic. She'd realised that her view of the world and her priorities had been askew and had begun to patch up her relationships – with the 118 in particular. Now, she and Buck are basically best friends, and the women of the 118 have been happy to accept her into their midst as well. Athena raises an eyebrow in surprise.

"Spill it, Red..."
"Ah, Buck told me about it a few days ago.”, she shrugs, “Chris and he started reading a sci-fi novel. Nothing majorly graphic, but it is a bit advanced for Chris' age. But Eddie was okay with it, and Chris really enjoys it. Well, Ana came by when Buck was watching Chris, claiming she was just early for her date with Eddie – by over an hour.”

The other women pull faces at that. How can anyone think that an excuse like that would ever sound reasonable?

"Anyway, Buck let her in since he's too nice for his own good.”, Taylor continues, “Seemingly, she started criticising everything they did and when Buck decided to start on dinner for him and Chris, the kid wanted to keep reading, and she simply took the book from him. Her excuse was that Buck was encouraging violent behaviours and dangerous views for a child like Chris.”

Maddie raises a dubious eyebrow.

"Like Chris? Not a child of Chris' age?", she inquires.

Taylor nods gravely.

"Yep. He made it very clear that it sounded like she was hinting at Chris' CP."
"Did he at least put her in her place?"

The answering grin makes the others groan.

"Taylor, spill! Really, it's like pulling teeth with you.", Karen complains.
"Fine, fine! So, as we all know if there's anyone Buck is protective of, it's Chris. So, hearing her imply that his condition made him more vulnerable to supposedly dangerous ideas had him running on 180... He told her to stay out of their business since she was just Eddie's girlfriend – and that is still pretty new as well. Additionally, she could wait in her car as well if she continued to talk about Chris like that."
"I would have used some more choice words, but I guess that's because of Chris' presence, right?", Maddie inquires.
"Maybe, but we all know Buck..."

All women nod with fond smiles on their faces. Yeah, their Golden Retriever...

"Anyway,”, the reporter goes on, “, she didn't back down. Said that since she's a teacher she knew better than some random firefighter."
"Random?! Hahaha! That woman is either entirely blind or even stupider than we thought."
"I'd go with option two.", Hen says, rolling her eyes.

Taylor chuckles.

"Yeah, but that's not the best yet."
"Oh, no... She grows even stupider?!", Maddie exclaims in shock.

Taylor nods.

"Buck told her that teaching alone doesn't make you an expert, especially since every kid is an individual and different in other settings. He went on that he knew Chris in this setting better than she does and that Eddie allowed them to read the book."
"And she did what?"

Taylor's expression is a peculiar mix of amusement and disgust. The others glance at each other worriedly.

"According to Buck, she stayed quiet for a moment before grinning and declaring that she'd be Mrs Diaz soon, so she should already start doing the duties of Chris' mother."

All mouths fall open. Eyes widen in shock. Then the cursing starts.

"That bitch really thinks Eddie will marry her?!", Maddie gasps, hysteric amusement in her voice.
"And that Chris would accept her as a mother?", Athena adds.
"How can she think that when Eddie had a panic attack when someone called them a family?", is all Karen can get out, obviously quite confused by the lack of rational thinking.
"That, Karen, is a great question. One I can't answer. But the worst?”

Athena scowls as she sees Taylor’s face morph into a similarly upset expression.

"Buck didn't tell Eddie, right?", the cop replies.

Taylor nods slowly.

"But... Well, that's not the worst... Not really. And actually, he asked me not to tell, but I think you should know.”
"Huh?"
"Does this concern Buckaroo's crush on Eddie?", Hen wonders, worry audible in her voice.

The redhead nods again. The rest groans.

"She figured it out?"
"Mhm... She told him that even if she weren't there, Eddie would never see him that way. That no one would want a troublesome, reckless idiot like him as a partner - even less as a parent for their special needs kid."

Maddie's eyes get a dangerous gleam to them as she looks at the teacher currently talking to Josh, Lou, Michael and David. Karen carefully puts her arm around the woman's shoulders.

"Maddie, we know you want to kill her – and believe me, I'd give you an alibi in a second – but we can't."
"I know. But I will let her know that I've killed a person before - I will do it again for my brother.", she vows, and the others know that she means it.

Athena sighs.

"We definitely need to do something. Eddie needs to see her act out. I think she's been very careful around him until now. But we'll make her show her real face. Maddie, we definitely need Jee for that."
"Why?", the brunette wonders.

Athena grins smugly.

"Because we'll show that bitch and Eddie that Buck is a perfect dad."

The others start grinning as well.

Ana knows that this is her chance to solidify her position in Edmundo's life. He has been somewhat reluctant, but she could guess that it's because of his co-workers. Why ever their opinions hold so much weight to Edmundo... Especially Buck is a thorn in her side. Gosh, how can you let your co-worker watch your nine-year-old child?! Even more so when said co-worker is a reckless fool and the child has CP! But she'll make Edmundo and his co-workers see just how much of a hazard Evan Buckley is!

Edmundo mentioned the BBQ a few days ago, saying he won't be able to go on their usual date at her favourite restaurant, and she's started planning everything since then. Her outfit, makeup, conversation topics and how to open everyone's eyes to Evan. And today, here she is. Edmundo is surprised to see her – and Chris even more so, though he looks more than unhappy.

"Ana?”, her boyfriend blinks, obviously surprised to see her, “What are you doing here? I told you I don't have time for our usual date today because of the BBQ."

She laughs softly and presses a kiss to his cheek.

"Oh, silly... I'm here for that too. I've wanted to meet your coworkers for a while."
"They are family.", Chris mutters, still scowling at her.

Edmundo nods but remains quiet. Ana keeps the smile on her face even as she feels annoyance bubble in her gut. This is not the reaction she's been hoping for...

"Should we get going then?", she prompts to distract herself.
"Um... Yeah, of course... Would you like to follow in your own car?"
"I can drive with you."

Edmundo nods and buckles Chris in, even as the kid's face darkens evermore. He's silent during the whole trip, and Edmundo doesn't say much either. The moment they arrive, the child jumps from the car and hurries to the door to ring the bell. A dark-skinned man opens the door with a wide grin.

"Chris! Harry and the rest are waiting for you. Buck as well, of course.", he greets the kid.
"Really, Uncle Michael?! Can I go find him?"
"Of course, everyone's in the garden."

Chris grins, high-fives the man and disappears inside. Ana's mouth pulls into a thin line. That boy should not be running around like that. He'll get injured one of these days. But since Edmundo doesn't say anything, she keeps quiet for now too. Instead, she links their arms and lets him walk her to the door.

"Hey, Michael.”, her boyfriend smiles, “I brought a plus one, I hope that's okay."
"Ah, you'll have to ask Athena that question – she's the hostess. But Bobby prepared so much food, I think we could feed a small army."

The two men laugh even though Ana doesn't exactly understand why. Maybe it's an inside joke? She has heard a Bobby be mentioned with food a few times before.

"Oh, this is Ana Flores, by the way."

The dark-skinned man’s smile widens a tad more as he extends his hand towards her.

"Ah, so we finally meet that mysterious girlfriend of yours, Eddie? Hello, Miss Flores, I'm Michael Grant. Nice to meet you."

They shake hands, and Ana smiles back sweetly.

"Ana is fine, Mr Grant."
"Michael then. Please, come in. Eddie knows the way; I have to get some more drinks from the kitchen."

The man disappears again, and Edmundo closes the door behind them before leading her through the house to the garden. She's a bit surprised at the number of adults and children present but even more so when she recognises a redheaded woman. It's the reporter who does the really interesting stories – though Ana hasn't heard much from her on the news in a while. What is she doing here?

"Eddie, glad you could make it.", suddenly an Asian-looking man comes up to them.
"Hey, Chim. This is Ana Flores, my girlfriend."

'Chim' smiles at her. Ana wants to know his real name; she isn't too fond of stupid nicknames – especially as weird ones as this.

"Ah, Miss Flores... We've wondered why Eddie's kept you hidden from us for so long. My name is Howard Han, but Chimney is fine."
"I'll go with Howard if that's okay. And you can call me Ana."

The man inclines his head slightly in acknowledgement before turning back to Eddie. Okay, rude... Ana looks around again, tuning out the hushed conversation between her boyfriend and his coworker. She can't see Christopher anywhere, but she sees some of the other kids run towards the back of the yard. She just hopes someone is there to watch them... Especially Christopher. That boy really shouldn't be running around like normal children!

"Ana, why don't you mingle while I help Chim with his car troubles?", suddenly Eddie's voice reaches her ears.

Whirling back to face him with a sweet smile, Ana nods.

"Of course!"
"Great. Don't worry about Chris by the way, he'll be fine with the other kids."

Before she could even reply and tell him that, no, his child is not fine with the other kids, he's gone. Huffing at the rudeness, she surveys the crowd. Mhm, who should she talk to first? She knows that Edmundo's captain is an important figure in this group, just like his wife. But the oldest man of the group is nowhere in sight... Well, she'd take the people closest to her then.
Putting a smile on her face, she walks over to a group of four men.

Lou notices her first and discreetly bumps into his boyfriend's side. Josh looks up at the detective with a raised eyebrow.

"Trouble en route.", Lou mutters, eyes purposely staying on the brunette coming towards them.

The 911 operator follows Lou's gaze and curses under his breath. David and Michael also look displeased but are trying to hide it.

"I still don't get how she managed to convince Eddie that she's good for him...", the architect sighs quietly.
"Family pressure will make a man blind to a lot of things, love.", his partner replies softly.
"Oh, I know but c'mon! I get that she's really careful to not say anything when Eddie could hear it, but don't we show him our displeasure enough?"

David shrugs.

"He's thinking of Chris... I mean, yeah, the kid doesn't like her either, but most children have a hard time accepting new partners - especially at this age. Eddie probably thinks Chris will get used to Ana."
"That boy thinks of Buck as his second father already, there's no space for a stepmom.", Michael huffs before plastering a big smile on his face as Ana reaches the group.

She comes to a halt in front of them and extends her hand to the person closest to her which just happens to be Lou. He shakes it perfunctorily, his good cop smile on his face.

"Hi, everyone!”, she greets them, “I wanted to introduce myself. Ana Flores, it's very nice to finally meet you."
"Ah, Ms Flores, we've heard about you.", the 911 operator replies.

Mind you, not a lot of good things, but Josh doesn't say that bit. Lou suspects that his boyfriend is biting his tongue and quickly jumps in to continue the conversation.

"It's nice to meet you too, ma'am. My name is Lou Ransone, and this is my boyfriend Josh. He works with Maddie at Dispatch."

They all notice the smile freezing on her lips and file that away for later. David shakes her hand with his doctor smile as Michael affectionately calls it. It's fake and doesn't really tell you what David is feeling, but it's polite and that's what counts.

"David Hale, Michael's better half."
"Hey, we agreed on being equally good!", Michael immediately pouts but is ignored.

Ana just keeps smiling, but it's not as broad as when she came over.

"You're a teacher, right?", Lou tries to keep the conversation going, hoping to keep any animosities at a minimum.
"Vice-principal now, actually.”, Ana corrects politely, “But yes, I was Christopher's English teacher."
"Ah, then you must have read his fantastic essays, right? Oh, I love them, especially when he recounts his adventures with Buck.", Josh sighs but stresses his friend's name slightly.

They all see the flash of annoyance, but she's quick to hide it behind her smile.

"He does have a very creative mind.”, she bites out with a slight shrug, “Anyway, I'll go and introduce myself to the rest."

She walks away, and Josh groans quietly.

"Why did Eddie bring her?!"
"Josh.", Lou sighs, but the 911 operator simply rolls his eyes.
"I know, I know. No bitching. But you saw how Buck reacted when he saw that she came with Eddie. He went freaking white! Like a ghost... I don't even want to know what she's said to him."

The others raise an eyebrow each.

"You... don't want to know? Josh, you feeling okay?", David asks in an amused tone, though there’s also some disbelief in there.

Josh sticks his tongue out before suddenly pressing his glass into Lou's hand and storming away. Confused, the three men look after him until they see his target.

Buck feels like the ground is shifting underneath his feet. He's been looking forward to the BBQ! Playing with all the kids and talking to everyone for a whole evening and night. And now Ana fucking Flores is walking through the yard, smiling and looking so at ease, it makes him queasy. The second Chris came running into him, he knew this wouldn't end well. The kid is upset enough to cling to Buck even when the other kids ask them to play, and Buck doesn't have the heart to make him stop. Instead, they sit down, and Buck tells all the kids a few stories from his days travelling around America. He's interrupted when a shadow falls over him. Looking up, he smiles at his sister.

"Maddie! What is it?"
"Can you watch Jee for a bit?”, she asks gently, holding out her daughter to him, “I wanted to walk around a bit more, and she's sleepy at the moment."
"Of course. Hey, superman, can you sit next to me so I can hold Jee?"

Chris seems a bit reluctant, but his gaze softens as he sees Jee's sleeping form. He moves out of Buck's lap but presses into his side again immediately. Maddie and Buck exchange a look, and she seems to find all the answers she needs in her brother's face. It scares Buck sometimes how easily she can read him, but right now it’s soothing not needing to explain anything out loud.

"Thanks. Sorry for interrupting, kiddos.", Maddie tells the other kids with a wink before leaving them alone again.

The kids grin after her before looking at Buck expectantly. So, he continues, one hand smoothing over Jee's back and the other playing with Chris's curls. Just as he finishes the story, he notices Josh hurrying over to them with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Josh?", he questions as the man comes to a stop in front of him.
"You look so hot with a baby in your arms, you know? But that's not why I'm here."

Buck feels his cheeks flush at the compliment but doesn't say anything. Josh grins knowingly.

"So, why are you here?", the firefighter prompts.
"I just want you to know that whenever you need to hide from a certain teacher, you and Chris are welcome to take refuge with Lou and me. I don't think she likes gay couples.", the other replies, careful to lower his voice and move his face closer, so the kids won’t hear him.

Buck can’t help but roll his eyes.

"Why doesn't that surprise me?”, he mutter before smiling at his friend, “Thanks, Josh."
"We'll always have your back, Buck. Oh, and I think dinner is ready to be served."

He nods over to where Bobby is placing a large plate with grillables on the table. Buck nods and carefully stands up to usher the kids towards the table. Chris seems to fight with himself, but before he can come to a decision, Buck adjusts his grip on Jee, so he can pick Chris up as well. The curly-haired boy immediately clings to him like a baby koala while Jee reaches a chubby hand out to play with the boy's hair. For the first time this evening, Chris relaxes completely and gives Jee the softest smile possible.

"You love her, huh, Superman?", Buck smiles.
"Yeah... She's cute."
"Mhm, you wanna hold her while I get drinks for us?"

Chris' eyes widen as he stares at Buck.

"Can I really?!", he whispers in shocked awe.
"Yeah, let's sit you down next to an adult, so they can help you in case she grows too heavy. And believe me, she can make herself heavier at will – I'm sure of it!"

Chris giggles softly before looking around and signing towards Karen and Lou.

"Can I sit with Aunt Karen?", he asks.
"Yep. Karen!"
"Hey Buckaroo, what is it?", the woman smiles.
"Can you sit with Chris while he holds Jee? I want to get us food and drinks. Hey, Lou.”

Lou nods and moves one chair away from Karen, so Chris can sit. Buck carefully adjusts the boy's arms before putting Jee on his lap. Karen coos and pulls out her phone to snap some photos for everyone. Chris is grinning brightly. Buck chuckles.

"You look like a big brother... Okay, you tell Karen or Lou if she grows heavy, yes?"
"Yep!", the boy agrees happily, eyes never leaving the toddler on his lap.
"Great! I'll be back in a few!"

Chris nods happily before starting to ask Lou about his job and how he and Josh have met. Karen just listens in and asks her own questions while Lou takes it all good-naturedly. Once Buck comes back, Karen excuses herself to get her own food and refill, so Buck snags her seat and puts down the two plates and glasses he's been balancing.

"You're fantastic at this, Superman.", he praises Chris.
"Really?"
"Yeah! But how about you eat now and then you can have her back?"
"Just a bit longer, Bucky? Please!", the boy pleads with wide, puppy-dog eyes.

Lou chuckles next to them as Buck practically swoons. How can one kid be this adorable?! Then the taller man excuses himself quietly and walks over to his boyfriend, who's standing near the grill, chatting with Bobby and May. Buck concentrates on Chris again.

"Okay but you need to eat dinner at some point, got it?"
"Yes!", Chris grins before immediately going back to staring at Jee.

Buck watches for a few moments before deciding to dig in already. They are left relatively alone since most of the other guests are eating while standing, and the other kids are inside to eat in front of the TV. A thought that makes Buck stop eating again, so he can glance at Chris once more.

"Hey, Chris?"
"Mhm?", the kid hums distractedly.
"Do you want to go inside after eating dinner? I think the others would love for you to watch the movie with them."
"But I want to stay with you!", the boy whines.

Buck sighs quietly.

"What is going on, hm?”, he asks softly, “I love spending time with you, but usually, you want to hang out with the other kids."
"I need to protect you.", Chris admits with a slight pout.
"Protect me?", Buck repeats in surprise.
"Yeah... From Miss Flores. She's mean to you when I'm not around!"

Buck blinks at the kid. Of course, he noticed… Chris is way too perceptive for his own good, and Buck doesn’t even know why he thought that he could hide the animosity between Ana and him from the boy.

"What? Why do you think that?", he asks anyway.
"I- I accidentally heard her talk to you. When she was early for Dad’s and her date..."
"Oh...", Buck sighs as he realises what that means.

Chris’ mouth pulls into a tight line as he goes on.

"I love you! And Dad loves you too! I don't want you to leave..."
"Oh, Chris, I won't leave. I promised you I'd always be there for you and that won't change - even with your dad dating Miss Flores."

Chris looks up at him from underneath his lashes, tears gathering in his eyes. Buck smiles softly and puts a hand on the kid's cheek.

"I love you, Chris. I'm not leaving."
"I love you too!”, the boy sniffles, “I- I want you with us all the time! And I want to call you something..."
"Call me something? Why, don’t you like Bucky anymore?"

Chris shakes his head wildly, his locks flying from side to side with the motion.

"No, I like Bucky. But... but sometimes- sometimes, I want to call you something else. But I don't because I'm worried, you'll hate it..."
"Buddy, I'll never hate anything you want to call me, okay?", Buck vows softly.
"Really?"
"Yeah, and if I did, I'd explain to you why, and we could work it out."

Chris nods with a small smile and opens his mouth to speak when suddenly a shadow falls over them. Buck has only enough time to recognise Ana when she's already reaching out and grabbing Jee from Christopher's lap. The boy instinctively tightens his grip, causing Jee to wake up again with a small whine. Immediately Chris lets go, but his face darkens with a mix of worry, guilt and anger. Buck feels all that too as he stares up at the woman with wide eyes.
Jee starts fussing, making grabby hands for her uncle.

"How can you be so reckless with a baby?!", Ana hisses at him, completely ignoring the little girl’s distress.
"I- Reck- What?!", Buck stammers, overwhelmed by the situation.
"Chris shouldn't hold a baby, Evan!"
"Oh, and you can decide that because? Give me my niece, she doesn't like being held by strangers.", he states, unwilling to let her rile him up.

He needs to stay calm for Chris' sake and for Jee, the girl is growing steadily louder. He goes to grab her, but Ana steps away with a deep frown on her face. Buck can't help but glare.

"You can obviously not be trusted with children of any age, Evan. I'm not about to let you recklessly endanger a baby when I can help it."
"Endanger?!", is all Buck can say to that.

He feels off-kilter. No one has ever accused him of being a danger to Jee. To any of the 118 kids... Why does this woman seem so set on making him the bad guy? Chris' bottom lip starts wobbling at the same time Jee starts wailing properly. Ana rocks her, but it makes everything worse somehow. Buck feels a bit like crying too but instead, he moves forward again and extracts Jee from Ana's arms. Immediately the girl calms down again, fisting a tiny hand in his shirt and the other grabbing for Chris over Buck's shoulder. Ana seems stunned at his forceful behaviour but before she can get another word out, another person steps up to them.

"Who the hell allowed you to take my daughter from Chris and try to keep my brother from taking her back, huh?!", Maddie yells.

Her cheeks are red with anger, and her eyes are ablaze. She looks terrifying, and Buck wants to curl in on himself even though he knows that she isn't angry at him. The rest of the party has fallen silent, and they’re all coming closer slowly, worried expressions on every face. Further away, he can see Chim and Eddie coming back into the garden through the gate to the driveway, both falling quiet as they take in the changed atmosphere.
Ana squares her shoulders and glares right back.

"Your brother obviously has no idea how to care for a baby. Chris could have dropped her! A child like him should not be handling delicate babies."
"Chris would never drop Jee, and Buck was right there in case anything happened! You have no idea how well Chris does with Jee – he's held her, just like all the other kids in this family! To be perfectly honest, he is better at it than most of the other kids because he knows how to sit still and be patient. Besides, you don't get to decide anything like that as you're neither Jee's nor Christopher's parent!", Maddie spits, hands on her hips.

Chim and Eddie are quickly walking over to them, pushing past the others who are simply watching in bizarre fascination. Ana and Maddie take no note of that, still glaring at each other.

"Evan isn't a parent either.", the Latina scoffs.
"Oh, you think so?”, Maddie replies, half amused and half mocking, “Sorry to burst that bubble, Miss Flores: my brother has been co-parenting Christopher ever since he and Eddie befriended! You aren't even a footnote in Chris' life yet and with this behaviour, I don't think you'll ever become anything more!"
"How dare you say that?! Edmundo loves me!"
"Edmundo? The fact that you can't even call him by his preferred name, says more than you'd think. Listen to me and listen carefully, Miss Flores..."

Maddie steps right into Ana's space, eyes still dangerously sharp. The vice principal doesn't seem inclined to back down though, and the rest of the Fire Fam can't help but think: Stupid. Buck tightens his grip on Jee but sits when Chris pulls on his shirt, tears in his eyes. Maddie suddenly grins sharply.

"You are nobody to us. To me. And I've been waiting for you to show your true colours for a while now... Because you know?”, she doesn’t allow the other woman a chance to reply, “My husband was an abusive asshole, and it took me a while to properly realise that I missed all the signs until it was too late. I promised myself to never miss the signs of a toxic person again... And then Eddie came around with you, and the others told me stories. And let me tell you, I wasn't impressed. You are an egotistical, narcissistic attention seeker. You want to be in the spotlight in every way. You want everything to go your way, to fit into the fantasy you've created in your head. And Eddie fits in there perfectly, doesn't he?"

Ana's mouth has dropped open, but no sound leaves her throat. Maddie grins even wider, even more predatory.

"Yeah, a war veteran with a Silver Star... Now he's a firefighter, even though he's struggling as a single father of a child with CP.”, Maddie allows herself a brief chuckle, “But news flash, Ana. He's not alone. He has his Abuela and Tia. He has Chris, who's the best kid to his dad and family. He has us, the 118 and everyone connected to it. And most importantly... He and Chris have Buck. You don't stand a fucking chance!"
"Just because your brother is in love with my boyfriend doesn't mean Edmundo will ever see him like that!”, Ana screeches, “He's with me, and he'll realise soon enough how dangerous it is to leave any child around that man! He's reckless, childish and dumb! How can none of you see that?!"

Maddie slaps her before anyone can react. Chim hurries over and pulls her back before she can do anything worse, but she fights against his hold.

"You bitch!”, she growls, “Don't you ever call my brother those things again! He is not dumb or childish or reckless. He isn't a danger to anyone – least of all the kids. Go to hell!"

Ana scoffs, holding her reddening cheek. Then she immediately turns to Buck, Chris and Jee. Buck can only just suppress the instinct to flinch away and make himself smaller than he is. Instead, he puts Jee into Chris' arms again and gets up to stand in front of them. He isn’t about to let her get any closer to them than she already is, not after this confrontation. She glares at him, pointing a finger at him as well.

"You have been a thorn in my side from day one! I have no idea how you've fooled all of them into thinking that you're anything but a reckless fool...”, she tells him darkly, “But I'm telling you now, this won't last. They'll figure it out sooner or later – I'm just trying to prevent this whole mistake from ending in a tragedy!"
"Tragedy?", Buck frowns, trying to understand where she’s trying to go with this.
"Ana, that's enough!", Eddie hisses before she can answer.

Her eyes widen almost comically as she whirls around to face her boyfriend. His expression is not what she expects to find. In her mind, he would be happy to hear that she's here to help him; protect him and the people he oddly enough calls family. But reality is different. He's angry, maybe even angrier than when Christopher got hurt under her watch.

"E-Edmu-", she tries to speak up, but he interrupts her.
"Stop that. I-“, he takes a breath, “I thought I was making it up... I thought, I just needed to get over whatever insecurities I had to make this relationship work. But Maddie’s right.”

He shakes his head slightly, a small, self-deprecating smile on his lips. Then he schools his features again and continues, eyes boring into hers.

“You've been refusing to use ‘Eddie’, even though I told you that I don't like my full name – even less since your first comment after finding out was that your grandfather and I share the name. And the rest as well.”, he proceeds to lift his fingers as he continues,” All we do, all we talk about is what you want. What you like. Our dates are at your favourite place every time. We listen to your favourite music, and we watch your favourite movies. And you've been excluding Chis from our dates more and more...”

Ana opens her mouth to interrupt, but Eddie lifts his hand in an obvious demand to stay quiet.

“And then today you just came over and pushed your way into coming here because I can't say ‘No’. I heard from the others how they felt uncomfortable around you, especially the same-sex couples here. Why is that, huh?"

Ana huffs a breath. Everyone is exaggerating! And he’s just believing them!

"I'm not homophobic if that's what you're asking!", she pipes up, arms crossed in front of her chest.

Josh scoffs and steps forward, also to keep Maddie away, so she won't get any criminal charges against her. Lou watches worriedly, knowing his boyfriend can use his words like well-practised weapons. This can turn ugly very quickly…

"You've been avoiding all people who hinted or outright told you they were in the LGBTQ+ community... Actually, you've ignored us. Hen tried to be nice and talk to you, and you brushed past her with a look of pure disgust on your face. None of the kids wanted to talk to you because they picked up on it. Denny actually told his mothers that he doesn't like how you look at them. So, let's be real here, you're done anyway.”, he shrugs before looking at her challengingly, “You think same-sex relationships are wrong, don't you?"

Ana purses her lips, calculating her next move. Then she sighs, flips her hair over her shoulder and glares at Josh.

"Fine, you want the truth? I have nothing against people like you digging their own graves. but the second you start dragging innocent children down with you, I take offence to that. Children need a mother and a father to thrive and not some twisted pretending game! So, fine. Go on and sin your life away, that's your own problem, but goodness, leave the kids to normal people!"

Hen hugs Karen closely, whether to keep her from attacking Ana or comfort her no one's sure. Lou, David, Micheal and Josh simply scoff at the audacity while the others can only stare at the Latina. Eddie looks utterly shocked and even ashamed. Chris starts shaking behind Buck's back, so the blond gently takes Jee from him before picking him up as well, so he can cling to his chest like a baby koala again.
Then Athena steps forward, face carefully neutral.

"I think I'd be best if you leave, Miss Flores.", she states, her voice booking no argument.
"He wanted the truth! Edmundo-"

Eddie throws up his arms, obviously upset.

"No! No, I'm not protecting you here! What you're saying is horribly offensive and scientifically debatable. Yes, children need both genders to help them develop their social senses and all that, but nothing says these genders need to be in the parents! The kids in this family have more than enough people of all genders and ethnicities around them to develop properly... If I had known you have these bigoted views, I would have never started dating you!"

Then he turns to Hen and Karen and starts apologising to them while they tell him that he couldn't have known. The others also join in, only Athena stays where she is watching Ana fume. And Buck is stuck behind the vice principal with the two kids clinging to his chest. Something Ana seems to remember as well. She turns around, fury on her face.

"You! This is all your fault!", she screeches, getting everyone's attention back.

Buck shifts the kids closer to his chest, forehead furrowed.

"How is this my fault? You ran your mouth."
"You-“, she pauses for a moment before trying again, “You infected my darling Edmundo with your sinful ways!"

Buck blinks at her silently for a moment.

"I what?”, he asks then, “Miss Flores, I most certainly didn't >infect< anyone."
"You did! You're trying to ruin our relationship, so you can have my Edmundo all to yourself! I know you're in love with him; you're just trying to drag him down – you're destroying every last hope for Christopher to have an even remotely normal life!", she accuses vehemently.
"I am most certainly not! And what is it with you and this whole normal talk anyway? Do you not think that Chris already is living an enjoyable life?"
"His quality of life has been compromised from the very start of his life! He is incapable of having a normal life!", she yells loudly, causing Chris to flinch.

Buck glares at her. He’ll let her insult him for as long as she likes, but he will not stand by and let her have a go at the boy.

"Well, that's where you're wrong.”, he bites out darkly, “Chris is living a perfectly good life. Normal is a stupid way to categorise lives! As long as he's happy and thriving, it's a good life. No one needs a normal life – normal is subjective anyway."
"Christopher needs a mother!"

Chris suddenly glares at her as well, eyes practically flaming even as more tears leak down his cheeks.

"I have a mother!”, he yells, “She may not be here all the time, but she's my mom, and I love her! We call, and she loves me, and you will never be my mother!"
"Edmundo, don't you see? He's already corrupted your son!"

Eddie can't even answer, he's way too shocked at the turn of events. Buck feels for him, he’s just as speechless about this. Ana simply pushes on though, either misreading or simply ignoring her boyfriend’s reaction.

"I'm just trying to protect you! Christopher needs all the support he can get, and your ex-wife couldn't even deal with taking care of him!"
"Don't say mean things about my mom!", Chris screams, more tears running down his cheeks.

Ana ignores him.

"You were so lost without a wife that you accepted a stranger's help and let him lull you into this false sense of normal! Open your eyes, Edmundo!", she pleads.

Eddie shakes his head slightly, hand coming up to massage at the bridge of his nose.

"Oh, my eyes are open now, believe me... I don't know how I haven't seen this before!"

Her eyes light up with hope. Eddie scoffs in something close to disgust.

"You are deranged!”, he tells her, “Shannon and I have our problems, but she loves her child, and Chris loves her. Even if our relationship had progressed further – which it won't – you would have never been more to Chris than a good friend. I'm his father and Shannon is his mother – he doesn't need another mother!"

Ana's mouth falls open in shock, but she quickly catches herself.

"Then why is everyone saying that Evan of all people is co-parenting your son, huh?! If there's no place for another parent!"
"That's not what I said! I said there's no place for another mother in his life! And there's also no place for another wife in mine. Leave, Ana. And don't you dare come near me or my family again!", Eddie bites out through gritted teeth, anger simmering right underneath his skin.

Ana pales and gaps at her ex-boyfriend. The others watch, unsure of how she'll react after the initial shock. None of them see it coming though. Ana's eyes harden, and she whirls around to Buck again, a thunderous expression on her face. Buck only has enough time to clutch the kids in his arms closer before she strikes. The first slap across his cheek stings, but the kick she delivers to his bad leg has him falling to the ground. He hears the others move to pull Ana away, but as she's pulled backwards, she uses the inadvertent support on her arms to kick out with all her might, catching Buck's shoulder. He crashes against the table behind him, temple hitting its leg with a resounding crack. His vision swims for a few moments, but he keeps his grip on the kids, all instincts screaming to protect them. The first thing he registers again is the pain in his cheek, head and leg. Then he feels Chris' hands on his shoulders and Jee's breath on his neck.

"Go away! Make her go away! She hurt Papa! I don't want her here anymore! 'Thena, make her go away!", he hears Chris sob above his head.

Then he's distracted by familiar hands grabbing his cheeks. Eddie's face slowly comes into focus, his worried gaze on Buck.

"Buck, I need you to let go of Jee...", the Latino states softly but sternly.
"What?", Buck mumbles, his brain not quite catching up just yet.
"Let go of Jee.”, his friend repeats, “I'll pass her to Maddie and then we can take care of you, okay?"

Reluctantly, he loosens his grip on his niece until Eddie can extract her and pass her to her mother. Maddie is hovering behind Eddie but steps back when it becomes obvious that too many people are overwhelming to Buck. Eventually, it's only Eddie, Bobby and Chris with the blond while the others disappear inside. Chris refuses to let go of Buck while Bobby keeps Buck's leg immobile until they can talk properly.

"Buddy, we need to look at Buck-", Eddie tries to get his son to move away slightly, but the boy shakes his head vehemently.
"I'm not leaving Papa!"
"You don't need to leave, you can sit next to him, but we need to check him over, and we can't do that with you on his chest.", his father reiterates gently.
"She hurt him, Daddy."

Eddie sighs.

"I know. Please, mijo?"

Slowly, Chris moves to sit next to Buck, tears still running down his cheeks. One of his hands stays fisted in Buck's shirt though. Eddie doesn't comment.

"Buck? How's the pain?", he asks instead.
"Leg is bad... Head too."
"Yeah, you hit the table. You're bleeding."

Surprised, Buck tries to reach up, but Chris' hand shoots out to keep it away.

"No, Papa... You said not to touch open wounds."
"Right, superman... I was just surprised."

Chris nods but still doesn't really calm down. Eddie frowns.

"Mijo? Can you do me and Bobby a huge favour?"
"What?"
"The first aid kit should be under the kitchen sink. Can you go and get it so we can make Papa feel better?", Eddie requests.

Chris nods and slowly gets up. After a long look at Buck, he finally leaves. Eddie watches him go for a moment before looking back at Buck.

"Has he-“, he asks haltingly, “Has he called you that before?"
"N-No... I'd have told you!”, Buck tells him seriously, “But- But he did mention something about wanting to call me something different than Bucky before this whole, um, mess."

Eddie snorts against his will.

"I think >mess< is a vast understatement. Okay, before he comes back... Do you need to go to the hospital?", he asks seriously.
"I- I don't think so."
"What about the leg?", Bobby speaks up for the first time, having merely listened in on the conversation before.

Buck shrugs softly.

"I think she hit a nerve... But maybe, uh, maybe Hen can check it out?"
"Of course, I'll get her.", Bobby promises and pets Buck's thigh for a moment before getting up., "Don't move too much, kid."
"Okay, pops."

Bobby snorts softly and leaves to get Hen. She and Chris come back at the same time, and the kid immediately glues himself to Buck's side again. Eddie feels a bit like an idiot, but he suppresses the thoughts for now. He can take the time to wallow in self-pity and guilt later – when everyone is well again. Hen kneels next to Chris, so she can look at Buck properly.

"Well, Buckaroo?", she prompts softly.
"Um, can you- Can you check my leg? I, uh, I don't think it's broken or anything but- Well, better safe than sorry, you know.", he mumbles sheepishly.

Hen's expression is so utterly soft, Eddie is unsure he's ever seen this face directed at anyone but Karen, Denny and Nia before. But Buck isn't even looking at Hen directly, so he doesn't notice.

"Of course, I can...”, she tells her friend, “Can I roll up your pants' leg?"
"Yeah."

She does, and they all hiss when they find the spot Ana hit. It's just below the hollow of the knee where a big, angry bruise has formed already. Hen carefully presses onto the area surrounding it, and Buck hisses, trying to pull away from her touch.

"Well, I think the bruise is pressing onto your ischiatic nerve... It would explain the pain.", Hen concludes after feeling around the limb a bit more.
"Okay, that's good right?"
"Yes and no. It means no hospital, but you'll need to rest it for the next few days until the bruise stops interfering with the nerve. And I fear you have a slight concussion or at least a nice headache, right?"
"Yeah, the table's pretty sturdy.", Buck tries to joke, and it gets small smiles from Eddie and Hen.

Chris stays quiet. Buck turns to him while Hen excuses herself to tell the others what's going on. Eddie nods at her and asks to be left alone until they come inside - the party's over anyway.

"Chris?", the blond firefighter hums softly.
"Hm?"
"You okay, Superman?"
"No...”, Chris replies quietly, “You got hurt. I didn't protect you like I promised."
"Oh, Superman... You did protect me. You told Athena to get her to leave. You got the first aid kit for me, so your dad can fix the cut on my temple now. You did so well."

Chris sniffles and looks up at Buck.

"Are- Are you angry?", he whispers.
"What? Why would I be angry?!", he immediately asks, confusion clear on his face.

Chris plays with the hem of Buck's shirt, avoiding Buck's gaze.

"I- I called you Papa without asking if that's okay... I- I just- I was so angry at her that it slipped out. I didn't mean to make you mad! Or Daddy. I know I should have asked!", he cries, sobs bubbling up from his throat.

Eddie and Buck look at each other. Then Eddie carefully reaches for his son.

"Mijo, hey... Look at me, Chris.", he gently lifts Chris' chin with a finger until the child looks up, "I'm not mad. And Buck isn't mad either."
"R-Really?"

Buck chuckles and reaches up to tousle the boy’s hair a bit.

"Really, kiddo. I- I feel incredibly honoured that you'd even want to call me ‘Papa’."
"You- You like it?", the boy checks, hope shining in his eyes.
"Like it?”, Buck chuckles, “Chris, I love it. I, uh, I’ve been calling you my kid in my head for a while... I- I just never talked about it with your dad."

Eddie sighs deeply at the worried look he gets from his best friend.

"And that's on me... I owe you an apology."
"No! Eds, you-"

Eddie places a finger on Buck's lips to silence him, a sad look on his face.

"Yes, I do. I let my parents get into my head until I couldn't see what was right in front of me. I tried to force myself into this relationship with Ana because I thought it would be for the best... I lied to myself, Evan."

Buck frowns as he tilts his head slightly.

"What- What are you saying, Eds?", he asks softly.
"I'm saying that I knew that Ana wasn't the one. I'm saying that I hurt you and Chris because I didn't allow myself to be happy. Because I am happy when I'm with you. You two are the most important people in my life, and I'm so sorry I hurt you."

Tears slowly make their way down Eddie's cheeks before he hides his face in his hands, quiet sobs escaping him. He’s always trying to seem strong and invincible, but after everything tonight, he just can’t keep the mask in place. And maybe that’s okay. Chris and Buck stare for a few moments before immediately pulling the man into a group hug.

"I'm sorry!", the Latinos sniffles softly.
"It's okay...”, Buck reassures him, “It's not your fault you were taught to disregard your own wants and needs... It's okay, Eds, we aren't angry."
"But you should be! You got hurt because of me! She hurt you and the others, and I didn't even realise until today."
"It was never this bad, Eds. She snapped tonight, and most of the family didn’t even meet her until today. They aren't angry either.", Buck whispers as he slowly starts rocking them from side to side.

Eventually, Eddie's tears run dry, and he carefully disentangles himself from them to wipe his eyes and cheeks.

"Will- Will you come home with us?", he asks the blond softly.
"Yes, Papa! Please!", Chris immediately agrees, wrapping his arms around Buck's neck.

The blond merely chuckles amusedly.

"Goodness, how am I supposed to ever say >No< to you again?"
"We'll play good cop bad cop with him. You're the good cop and I'm the bad one.", Eddie grins softly.

Chris giggles and then yawns loudly. Eddie and Buck snort.

"Okay, let's get that head wound cleaned and wrapped and then we'll go home and have a cuddle pile in my bed.", the Latino declares and makes quick work of the first part of his plan.

Then he carefully helps Buck to his feet and takes the brunt of the blond's weight, so he doesn't have to use his bad leg too much. Chris makes a quiet joke about Buck becoming his temporary crutch-buddies, but it falls a bit flat – partially due to tiredness, but also because of the reason he'll need the crutches again. Inside, they only find Bobby, Lou, Josh, Michael and David. The others have already left but are expecting a detailed report by one of people the still present. And Athena is still at the precinct to get Miss Flores the punishment she deserves.
Bobby helps Eddie get Buck to the truck and whispers with his pseudo-son for a few moments before pressing a kiss to Buck's temple.

"I'll come by tomorrow evening to bring you some dinner. Do not argue with me, Diaz.", he tells the Latino seriously.
"Yes, sir.”, Eddie replies amusedly before turning serious again, “Thanks."
"It's what family does, Eddie. But believe me, that woman comes near any of you again, and I will not be held accountable for my actions."

Eddie smiles sadly, feeling the guilt rear its head again. Bobby picks up on it immediately, as he usually does.

"Eddie.”, he sighs, “This was not your fault. She snapped after being exposed to you. She wanted you so badly but knew that you'd never accept her real self. It's not your fault, and we're not angry with you. Hen and Karen told me to tell you, and I quote, >Don't be Atlas, you can't carry the world on your shoulders<. I hope you know your Greek myths."

Eddie snorts but nods.

"I know that one. Thanks. I- I'm sure I'll believe it soon..."
"Just take care of your boys, and they'll make you believe it. See you tomorrow, Eddie.", Bobby smiles and pats his friend’s shoulder.

They say goodbye, and then Eddie gets into the truck and slowly eases it onto the street. Chris is asleep before they even hit the highway.

"Eds?", Buck suddenly mumbles from the passenger seat.
"Hm?", Eddie hums back, gaze flicking over for a moment before returning to the road.
"When you said Chris and I are your most important people... Was that meant platonically?"

Eddie glances at his best friend again only to find him looking out the window, hands fidgeting in his lap. He always does that when he's nervous. The older man smiles slightly and looks back at the road while he answers.

"No. No, you're more than a friend to me. I was just too afraid to acknowledge it. And then my parents started pressuring me to find a woman, and Ana asked me to meet her for a coffee... But I always knew that it was you I wanted."
"R-Really?", the blond gasps.
"Yes, Evan. With you, it's always >yes<."
"Even if I ask you to buy Chris and me a pet?"

The sudden – and very domestic – question makes him burst out laughing. Buck, too, chuckles softly while Chris stays dead asleep, too tired to be bothered by the noise. Only a soft smile appears on his face, his fathers’ mirth reaching him even in his dreams.

"Buck...”, Eddie smiles, “I think you could ask me to get you the stars, and I'd try."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Just don't ask me to buy any more smart home appliances."

This time, Buck can't contain his laughter, grinning at Eddie once he's calmed down again.

"Fine. Luckily for you, I can cook without that kind of technology."
"Pfft. How's your leg? Do I need to search for cool or heat packs?", the Latino inquires worriedly.
"No, I think just keeping it immobilised will be enough... But are you feeling alright for now?"

Eddie snorts softly. Of course, the other’s more worried about him than his own health… Typical Buck.

"Yeah, with you here, I'm just fine.”, he promises, “Listen, I know this wasn't my fault, I do... But that's not how our brains work as you know. I'll be fine with a bit of time, and I will talk to Frank about this, okay?"
"Okay. I trust you, Eds."
"And you have no idea how much that means to me."

They fall silent after that, only Buck's hand finds its way to Eddie's knee and stays there until they reach the Diaz house. They get out, and Eddie carries Chris who slowly wakes up as they enter the house.

"Dad?"
"Hey, mijo... You're waking up just in time."
"Mhm? Why?", he boy mumbles sleepily.
"Oh, you need to get ready for our cuddle pile, of course. Remember?", Eddie teases softly.
"Can papa help me?"

His father chuckles but shakes his head.

"Sorry, mijo, he can't. Remember, his leg is hurting. But how about this, I'll help you get ready and then I'll help papa. Then you two can start cuddling while I finish up, hm?"

Chris nods sleepily.

"Okay... But papa can still make pancakes for breakfast, right?"
"If you help him, I'm sure he can. Right, Buck?"
"With my Superman, I can do anything for breakfast.”, Buck states confidently before smirking at Eddie, “Well, and with whatever you have in your fridge."

Eddie snorts and carries Chris into the bathroom to get him to brush his teeth. While the boy does that, he gets a pair of pyjamas and then quickly grabs some sleepwear for Buck too. Once he returns to Chris, the boy is sitting on the tube's edge, almost asleep again. Wrestling the boy into his sleepwear is a familiar battle that Eddie wins with only minor problems. He carries Chris to the bed and then helps Buck to the bathroom.

"Thanks... You think some painkillers would help?", the blond asks, a small grimace on his face.
"Maybe. You want to try?"
"Nah, it's not that bad only if I try moving it."
"Okay, you get started here while I lock up, okay? Call if you need help.", Eddie orders with a slight glare to get across how serious he is.
"I'll just stay seated.", the blond grins.

Eddie rolls his eyes and leaves the man to his own devices. First, he locks the front door properly. Then he grabs two bottles of water from the fridge since he knows his two boys will want some sooner rather than later. Especially since Chris has cried so much before.

"Eds?", Buck suddenly called from the bathroom.

Eddie quickly hurries back.

"Yeah?"
"I, uh, I think I need help with the pants.", Buck explains sheepishly.
"Can't bend over?"
"Everything is starting to feel sore now..."
"Ouch...”, Eddie breathes in sympathy, “Can you lift your legs?"
"Yeah."

Eddie kneels in front of the blond and carefully manoeuvres the long legs into the pants before helping Buck stand and pull the pants up. Buck grins slightly, tiredness dimming parts of the usual brightness.

"Thanks."
"Well, not how I imagined me touching your pants for the first time...", Eddie smirks.
"Pfft! Pervert!", the blond laughs quietly, and they slowly make their way to the bedroom.

Chris is sprawled over the bed, but his eyes are still open slightly.

"Mijo, move."
"Can't.", the boy mutters.
"Ah, so you don't wanna cuddle with us? Too bad, Buck seems like we have to share Chris' bed.", Eddie sighs and looks at the blond with as much sorrow as he can muster.

Buck is grinning but tries to hide it. Chris groans at them and slowly turns over until he's only occupying the middle of the bed. Eddie pushes Buck towards the side further from the door – old habits die hard, okay?

"Lie down, I'll join you in a bit.", he tells the blond.
"Okay, thanks."

Buck carefully lies down, and Chris immediately shuffles into his arms, lying his head onto his chest. They look so adorable like this, and Eddie can't believe that this can be his life now. That after the hurt he caused, he still gets to have this.

"Eds, stop staring and get ready.", Buck's voice brings him back to reality.

He smiles slightly and nods before disappearing into the bathroom. Usually, he likes to take his time. Unwinding with the routine, but today, he has a wonderful incentive to hurry through getting ready. Joining his boys for some well-deserved sleep sounds heavenly right now. He does check all the locks again, though, but mostly because it's part of his routine anyway before going back to the bedroom. Chris is basically asleep in Buck's arms, his eyelids fluttering still in valiant attempts to stay open, but Buck's hand carding through the light brown locks is probably making it a hundred times harder. Eddie chuckles when he sees the smile spreading across his son's face, when the blond also presses a kiss to the top of his head. Quickly, he joins the two in bed, putting his arm over Chris, so his hand comes to rest on Buck’s waist.

"'night...", the boy's voice drifts to their ears before his body finally caves and sleep pulls him under.

Buck's hand doesn't stop moving though as he smiles at Eddie.

"I agree with him. Sleep sounds really good."
"I know. Sleep well. Wake me should anything be, okay?"
"I can-", Buck tries to argue, but Eddie looks at him with pleading eyes.
"Please?"

The blond’s eyes soften, and he nods.

"Okay. Night, Eds."
"Good night, Ev.", the other smiles back.