Chapter Text
Buck was both so out of his comfort zone and feeling so safe and relaxed.
He and Riley had been living with the Diaz boys now in their little two bedroom home for three weeks. And he had never felt more overjoyed.
He woke every morning with Eddie wrapped around him, careful of his mostly healed wound but still so warm. He'd get to lay there in the peaceful morning for about 15 minutes, not feeling the need to get up and make sure Derek or Ivan had snuck in while he slept and stolen Riley away.
Of course that feeling would come back after that 15 minutes and he'd do his morning checks before he even went to the bathroom or started the coffee.
Even when Eddie went to work and Chris went to school, he and Riley didn't feel unsafe. Buck couldn't do a ton, with his side still healing, but they still had fun.
So of course, things had to go to shit.
Buck had left Riley and Christopher with Athena for a few hours, trusting no one more than her with his boys at the moment. Hen, Chim and his siblings were fully trusted, but Athena was a cop and a mama bear. She'd shoot someone for any kid, especially family.
Buck wanted to check on his cafe. It'd been nearly 2 months since hed last had contact with Rachel and Ryan, and while his bank account was still growing and showing it was doing well, it didn't say anything about his employees.
So he dressed in Eddie's clothes, since his style of clothing was completely different than Buck's. He put a hat over his head and a thick pair of sunglasses to hide his eyes and birthmark, and blended in with the lunch crowd.
He hid in the corner, easily picking out who worked for Derek and who were the first responders. The grunts seemed to have doubled in number since Buck left, all sprawled around the lobby mock casual though their eyes were locked.
They didn't seem to recognize Buck though. Either because they didn't know what he looked like or because his disguise was working. Or they were just idiots. Buck sort of leaned for that one.
Buck left the café, sneaking around to the door hed had Eddie sneak into all that time ago. He found the spare key he had hidden and let himself in, going into his office.
He only had to wait maybe 20 minutes before Ryan walked in, hands full of paperwork and eyes locked on it. Buck hurried forward and slapped his hand over Ryan's mouth, stifling the scream that left his mouth.
"Ryan! Ryan its me," Buck hissed, the kid blinking before his eyes widened. "Buck, oh my god, youre alive!" He gasped, dropping the papers on the desk before flinging his arms around Buck.
"I'm alive, I'm so glad you and Rachel are okay. Has Derek caused you any problems? Ivan?" Buck asked worriedly and Ryan shrugged.
"Derek came the day after you left, demanding answers. He wasnt happy to find Rachel and I didnt have any, but I guess he believed us because he never came back.
"Buck, what's going on with you and him? Why are so many people scared of him?" Ryan asked worriedly and Buck took a deep breath, sighing.
"Its- a lot to explain," he deflected and Ryan gave him a deadpan look. "Okay okay, fine. Basically, Derek is the leader of the Ice Diamonds, I was sold to them as his spouse when I was 16. Hes not happy I managed to escape with Riley."
Ryan's mouth fell open, his eyes flicking back and forth between Buck's. "Oh. Holy fuck, you're not lying. I was questioned by the mafia boss?" Ryan hissed terrified and Buck quickly placed his hands on his shoulders.
"Thats the exact reason why I didn't tell you anything. Derek is a lot of things, terrible things, but he doesn't harm innocents or civilians with no reason. He knew I never told you or Rachel anything, so he wouldn't have pushed.
"I'm only saying something now because the police are actively hunting for him, so you act normal if he ever comes around and send me an SOS. I'm going to install an app to your phone and put a skin on it. Basically its an alarm, if you ever need help, you hit your volume up 5 times in quick succession and it'll send an alert to my and Sergeant Athena Grant-Nash's phone. We'll come immediately," he said and Ryan nodded fast, handing his phone over.
The door opened and Ryan jumped, eyes wide as Rachel looked inside curiously. "Buck!" She gasped, hurrying in and pulling him into a hug. "Oh my god I'm so glad you're okay."
Buck smiled reassuringly. "I'm just fine Rach, it's just been a really rough couple months. But its getting better. I can't say much, but Derek is no good, okay? I just told Ryan, but hes the leader of the Ice Diamonds, and I have friends with the police department hunting for him right now for domestic abuse, attempted murder and child endangerment," he said and Ryan hissed.
"Is Riley okay?" He demanded and Buck nodded. "He's fine, hes with my boyfriend's grandmother and Derek has no idea who he is," he said and the two gave him identical looks.
"Derek and I have never been official. It was a contracted marriage I was forced into when I was 16, sold to Derek's father by my parents. They were threatening my brother and sister to keep me in line and then they gave me Riley, I was stuck. But I ran for Riley, and filed for divorce and full custody. Derek being who he is will make it easier on me too," Buck explained and the two nodded.
Rachel got a sly grin, crossing her arms. "So, is the boyfriend tall dark and handsome firefighter?" She teased and Buck flushed, smiling faintly. "Yes, its Eddie," he said happily and Rachel squealed excited.
"Its about fucking time! I just knew you two would be perfect that first day, gods seeing you drop that entire stack of cups rhe second you saw him. I dont blame you either, I'm a lesbian but damn that man has an ass," she sighed and Buck laughed, Ryan face palming.
"Alright, I was just coming in to see what Ryan ditched me for, I gotta get back. I hope you come back soon too Buck, everyones been asking for you, they all miss you," Rachel said and Buck smiled, reaching over to squeeze her hand.
"Soon. Athena is pretty sure she's close to figuring out where Derek is because hes not at any of the safe houses I knew about. Since I'm married to Derek, I'll take control of the- company. Itll all be mine. Which means I can pick and choose which members to keep and which to turn in, because unfortunately there's several lower members who were blackmailed or sold into service, like me," Buck mused, having been considering this for weeks now.
Rachel nodded a bit awed. "Married to the leader of the biggest mafia in California and you're happy in this tiny café creating coffee and pastries. I knew my instinct of trusting this place wasnt misplaced, even with it being so new when we were hired," she said happily and Buck smiled faintly.
Rachel nodded once, leaning forward and smacking a kiss on Buck's cheek. "So happy to see you again Buck, please be safe and find a way to keep in contact," she said softly and Buck saluted.
She grinned and slipped back out the door, Ryan sighing before handing Buck his phone.
Buck quickly downloaded the app Athena had told him about, carefully setting it up so the alarm would go straight to his and Athena's number. He'd sat and memorised her number during the hours He'd first been in the Diaz house and unable to move much.
"Okay like I said. If you see Derek or find yourself in trouble, hit the volume up button 5 times fast. So when you're turning your volume up try to not spam click it," he teased and Ryan grinned, taking the phone back.
"I usually hold the button anyway. Stay safe, please. And give Riley a huge hug from me, I miss that little man," he said sadly and Buck pulled him into a hug.
Buck kind of took the twins in as younger siblings, the two having no one but each other. He did know they had an aunt back in Michigan, but their parents had been killed in a massive pile up wreck just before their 18th birthday and they had no other family. So Buck claimed them. He had a habit of taking in "strays" as he was one himself.
"I'll be fine, I promise. I've got a lot of people watching my back. You and Rachel need to stay safe, okay?" He insisted and Ryan nodded, smiling reassuringly.
"We will. I better go help Rachel, or she'll kick my ass or something. Keep in touch, yeah? You're- you're all we've got," he whispered sadly and Buck squeezed his shoulder.
"Hey, I adopted the two of you as my brother and sister the day I hired the both of you. You're my family, I wont leave you behind," he swore and Ryan smiled shakily, nodding.
He hugged Buck again quickly before rushing out the door. Buck took a deep breath and started sorting the paperwork, seeing what exactly was going on in his shop.
Thankfully, Rachel had taken to his lessons so well. Inventory was up to date, banking information and receipts organized properly, seasonal deals prepared. Especially with Christmas just around the corner.
He signed a few things he knew needed his signature as the owner and put the papers back where he found them. He had his own system but this is what Rachel was handling and he didn't want to mess it up for her.
He sent Eddie a quick text as he had promised during the week when trying to convince him this trip was necessary. This shop was the result of childhood memories and his first safe haven, he couldn't give it up.
Eddie texted back and then his phone rang, Buck grinning as he answered. "Everything in order amor?" Eddie asked cheerfully, Buck beaming as he looked around.
"Yep, I trained Rachel really well. I've been considering opening a second location for a year now, I might leave this one in her control when I finally do so.
"Also she and Ryan are safe. Derek questioned them the first couple days after we left, but then left them alone. Outside his fucking lackies sitting in the lobby all day, but that's been like that since I opened this place," he said with a sigh and Eddie hummed.
Buck left, checking around carefully before slipping out the door. "I'm heading to get the kids now, want me to stop by the store and get something for dinner? And anything specific sound good?" Buck asked as he crossed the parking lot, digging in his pocket for the keys to Eddie's truck. Eddie had taken his so he wouldn't be recognised as easily.
"Chris mentioned those French dips you made once? But I'm not sure you'll have enough time to cook the meats. If not, that spaghetti alfredo pasta you made in Colorado once would be good," Eddie mused, Buck nodding thoughtfully.
"You're right, the meat takes 4 hours to slow cook and its already 2, but I can pick it up and make it tomorrow," Buck said, pushing the unlock button on the keypad.
"Sounds perfect amor," Eddie said warmly, but Buck missed the rest of the sentence as something large and heavy slammed into the back of his head, flinging him forward and into the side of the truck.
Immediately, his head screamed in pain and nausea nearly immediately flooded his stomach. He almost tilted sideways and passed out but adrenaline and terror filled him and instead he steadied himself and whirled around just in time to catch the bat being swung at him.
"Boss wants you and is willing to pay big money, whore," the honestly stupidly huge man snarled at Buck, Buck scoffing as he wrestled for the bat.
Unfortunately, he was extremely dizzy and nauseous, and frankly a little out of practice. Fortunately, Mr. Reigns Sr had never held back and Buck had trained how to fight through a concussion.
"Yeah? Derek can go die in a hole, I'm done with him," Buck snarked back, yanking the bat backwards and slamming his heel into the man's knee. It jerked backwards and threw the man off balance, Buck able to now yank the bat away.
The man regained his balance and lunged forward, wrapping his hands around Buck's neck. Buck struggled, fighting back with all his strength. He managed to get an arm free and shoved his thumb into the man's eye, getting a loud scream as the man jerked away.
The second he let go of Buck, he took a desperate breath and swung the bat hard, clocking the man in the side of the head. He went down fast, Buck wincing at the blood pooling under him. He was a bit relieved to see he was still breathing, so he dropped to the ground and fumbled for his phone.
"Buck! Baby you there?" Eddie called frantically, Buck groaning faintly. "Mhm, 'm here. Dizzy, he hit m' in th' head with a ba'," he slurred, wincing at the ache in his throat.
"Athena is almost there, she left the boys with Michael. She called an officer she trusts to meet her there," Eddie said half worried half relieved.
"Mkay," Buck hummed, groaning as a passing car sounded its horn and shot a bolt of pain through his head.
It only took a few minutes but a police car showed up, flashing its lights but thankfully the siren stayed off. Eddie must have told Athena Buck had been hit in the head.
"Buck!" He heard called, scrunching his face as he turned to look at the two running up. Athena looked worried, moving to kneel next to Buck and gently touch his head as the other officer called for EMT services while checking over the man on the ground.
"Is he ali'e?" Buck mumbled, Athena looking over before saying, "He is. He's going to be in a world of hurt, but he's alive. What about you Buckaroo? Eddie said you'd gotten hit in the head? And I'm seeing bruising on your throat."
"Mhm. Surprised me with the bat to the head, but Mr. Reigns Sr trained me really good. Got the bat away but he grabbed my throat, I jabbed my thumb in his eye. Then smacked him with the bat. I don't wanna get in trouble, Derek's officers are there, they'll kill me," Buck whispered tearfully, blinking dazed at Athena.
The sun suddenly seemed too bright and his stomach rolled, Buck groaning as he quickly rolled away from Athena and threw up heavily. He grimaced as splatters coated his arm and leg, but also felt a bit vindictive as he noticed some also got all over the man's legs.
"I'm taking him to Cedars Eddie, meet us there when you can," Athena was saying as Buck finished dry heaving, groaning again as he sat back up.
"Buck!" He heard cried, Buck looking up to see Ryan and Rachel sprinting out of the café. "Oh my god, are you okay? Is he going to be okay Athena? Oh god," Rachel cried, Buck smiling weakly at them.
"Just a concussion and some bruising guys, I swear. I'll be fine. I'll have Eddie come update you once I'm done at the hospital okay?" He said softly, Ryan kneeling by Buck as Athena moved away while still talking to Eddie.
"Okay, please be careful. Where are you going? If youre still there by time shift ends I'll come see you," Ryan asked worriedly and Buck squinted as he tried to remember.
"I think Athena said Cedars," he said finally and Ryan nodded. "I'll ask Athena when she gets back here then," he said as Rachel squeezed Buck's hand.
"Be safe, we'll see you when we get off work," she said softly and Buck squeezed back weakly.
"Alright Buckaroo, let's get going. Eddies going to meet us at the hospital," Athena said softly, Ryan helping her lift Buck off the ground and into her car.
The ambulance from the 136 showed up just as Buck sat down, Buck seeing Lena looking worried as Athena talked to her quietly.
"Hey Buckley, we doing alright?" The blonde asked cheerfully though her voice was carefully muted, which Buck appreciated.
"I got thumped pretty hard Lena," Buck sighed with a grimace and Lena chuckled. "Well its a good thing you've got a hard head, could have been a lot worse. Let me check you over real quick before Athena moves you to her car, the ambulance is going to be needed for the asshole who attacked you. Cracked part of his skull when you hit him," she said calmly, carefully prodding along the base of Buck's neck.
"Shit, sorry," Buck sighed and Lena clicked her tongue at him as she held a pen light up to his eyes for a few seconds before checking his throat.
"Don't apologise, from what little I know you'd have been in way worse shape. Fucker deserved it. He'll live unless karma strikes," she said unconcerned as she glanced over to see her team loading the guy on the gurney.
"Alright, no breaks or tears. Your windpipe is going to hurt like hell and you definitely have a higher level concussion, but you should live," she said happily, Buck smiling relieved.
"Get to the hospital to get a second opinion, and keep me updated yeah? No one can make my dark chocolate raspberry mocha like you. Your help in there, those kids, theyre good, but not you, so hurry up and come back," she scolded and Buck gave a hazy salute before swaying.
Lena and Athena caught him and carefully led him over to the car, helping him into the passenger seat. "Be safe Buckley, see you around," Lena said softly and Buck smiled faintly at her, giving a thumbs up instead of nodding.
His eyes drifted shut exhausted, wincing as Athena shook his arm. "No no Buckaroo, stay awake until we get to the hospital. Talk to me, how'd your talk with Ryan and Rachel go?" Athena said sternly, Buck tilting his head to look at her dimly.
He rambled on about their meeting, getting distracted occasionally or just drifting off for a few seconds before Athena spoke loudly enough to make him wince and open his eyes again.
In no time they arrived at the hospital, Buck's head swiveling to the window. He saw Eddie standing outside, pacing agitated though he straightened and froze as he noticed the car.
Athena got out and Eddie sprinted over, carefully opening the door and kneeling by Buck. "Oh mi amor, gracias a dios you're safe. Come on, let's get you checked out," he sighed relieved, looking up as Athena hurried out with a wheelchair.
Buck was in too much. Of a daze to fight, drifting in and out as Eddie dealt with the paperwork and getting him into a room. Buck clung to him, knowing Derek could have people in this hospital who could get to him and feeling utterly terrified being so unable to fight if needed.
"I'll keep the boys, you two. Eddie, stay here with Buck, keep him safe. There's one or two nurses I've requested to care for you because I know I can trust them but there's too many i don't," Athena said softly and Eddie nodded determined.
"No one will get to him, I swear it," he promised, Buck smiling dopily at him. They had him on some decent painkillers that shouldn't knock him out immediately but definitely had his hazy head extra hazy.
"Hi Eddie," he beamed, Eddie chuckling. It was the 6th time hed said that to Eddie in the last 30 minutes, staring at the man as if he were the only person in the world.
"Hi baby," Eddie said amused, as he had every time Buck had told him hi. "Baby. Your baby," Buck hummed happily, Eddie smiling fondly.
"Yes, youre my baby," Eddie said fondly, Athena chuckling lightly. Buck seemed to have heard that noise and looked over, eyes widening.
"'Then'!" He gasped, Athena smiling amused. "Hi sweetheart, you feeling better?" She asked concerned and Buck nodded before squinting.
"Floaty. 'Thena, do you think I could fly? I want wings, that'd be so cool. They'd have to be really big though, and that would be really hard to walk with. But if I had wings I wouldn't have to walk! Why don't I have wings?" Buck rambled confused, eyes drifting to stare out the window.
"Not sure hon, maybe when you wake up you can research it, yeah? Now why don't you get some rest, Eddie is here and will keep you safe," she said softly and Buck smiled sleepily.
"E'ie alway' keep m' s'fe," he mumbled, eyes drifting shut. His fingers twitched, Eddie sliding his hand under them so they could wrap around his own.
Buck fell asleep knowing his family was safe, a smile never leaving his face. The warmth around his hand was steady and familiar, soothing every anxiety he had even while unconscious.
Thats why when he woke up, he was completely thrown for a loop when the room he woke up in was completely empty and definitely not a hospital room.
"Finally awake?" He heard, Buck blinking blearily as he looked around, heart freezing as he saw Derek leaning against the far wall, cleaning a knife with a stained rag.