Chapter Text
Maddie was sitting beside her brother, the doctor said he should be waking up soon, he did say that soon could mean a few minutes to a few hours though. She was just happy to see him breathing on his own. She watched as Buck’s face moved a bit, she tried not to be too hopeful that he was waking up. Maddie was a little disappointed when he didn’t wake after a few minutes.
[8 hours later]
Athena was sitting at Bucks beside, she had convinced Maddie and Chim to get some sleep in their own bed with a promise to get them immediately if anything were to happen. Bobby had fallen asleep in the waiting room after he convinced Eddie to go home and see Chris, to let him know what happened. She would wake him if anything happened. He needed his sleep, otherwise, he would just sit and pray, she knew he needed that comfort but he also needed food and sleep which he denied himself because of guilt. She began talking to the young man who was like her son about needing him to fight and how he better wake up before she had to wake him herself but she mostly talked about how much he was needed and loved and how everyone was doing.
After she paused from talking Buck began to shift every so often, and his brow scrunched together, like he was trying to fight something. She held his hand, her other hand running through his hair, “We can’t lose you, Buckaroo, I don’t think we could handle that.”
Once he stopped shifting so much she stepped out and asked if she could get a pitcher for some water and some cups.
A nurse brought a pitcher with some ice and then filled it with some water in the room. She placed it on the counter. Athena got some water, she sat down, and then realized Buck was crying.
She put the cup down and grabbed some tissues, “Shh baby it’s okay, Everything is going to be okay. Don’t you worry.” Athena said softly and wiped his tears, she kept whispering soft assurances to him until the tears stopped and he settled down.
It was only after Athena had finished her call to Hen an hour or so later that something happened, Buck’s breathing picked up as did his heart rate. She looked at the monitor before she got up, “I need someone in here now!” She yelled as she headed to the door, she was scared they were about to lose Buck.
Athena watched the monitor worriedly before a nurse came in and checked the equipment, then began checking Buck. She said nothing to Athena.
Buck began moving and then his eyes fluttered open, his eyes filled with tears, he looked at the women beside him, then looked around the room, “Where am I?” He winced at how wrong his voice sounded.
“You’re in the hospital, you got hurt, Buck,” Athena replied. “Don’t talk baby, here small sips.” She placed some water with a straw in front of his face.
The nurse startled a bit, “Mr. Buckley, how are you feeling?”
After he had drunk a little less than half the cup slowly he looked at Athena and then the nurse, “Um.. sore, confused…” he replied softly.
“Okay that’s normal for what happened, I’ll go get your doctor. I don’t know if they’ll want any visitors who aren’t family in here for a bit but I’ll check for you.” She glanced over to Athena.
“She is family,” Buck replied, looking at the nurse very confused.
“Oh… I’m sorry I-.. I’ll just go.”
Athena was not happy with this nurse, she wanted that nurse away from Buck but she would stay quiet until answers were given to her. She hated that they might not let others in, Buck needed his family, his team. But she wouldn’t argue, for now, she did text Hen to call Chimney so Maddie could know and to call Bobby if she didn’t text in 10 minutes.
A doctor walked in, “Hi, I’m Dr. Reyes. I’m just going to check you out and ask a few questions, okay?”
Buck glanced at Athena again, “Okay?”
“Do you know where you are?”
“Um, a hospital…”
“Do you know which hospital?”
Athena looked at the doctor like she was stupid.
“Uh no” Buck replied.
“Do you remember anything before you woke up here?” The doctor questioned.
Buck looked at Athena again, his eyes looked huge, especially with the unshed tears in his eyes.
“I’m sorry to interrupt but is there a point to this?”
“Yes, It’s to check how his brain is doing, to see if there are problems with anything like speech, motor function, and memory.”
“You’re saying he could have memory loss? He didn’t get a brain injury.”
“He was in a medically induced coma, ma’am. He could have symptoms of a few things, this is so we can catch it early enough to help.”
“It’s not going to be permanent right? Buck asked quietly.
“In most cases, memory loss and other symptoms from comas go away within a few hours or days, others can be a little trickier, ones that deal with motor function usually, that can take longer depending on where it's located and how early it was detected. Can you squeeze my fingers?”
Buck listened to the doctor and answered her questions to the best of his ability. She had stepped out of the room to ask for a Neurology consult, she said it was just a precaution. He was doing great, but when he looked at Athena her face said otherwise.
“What?” He asked.
“Nothing honey.”
“No… Your face says it’s something.”
Athena stayed quiet for a moment before she nodded, she knew if it were her she would want to know, and this was Buck, he wouldn’t stop until he knew, “Your answers are a little off. It’s 2023, not 2019.”
“Oh…”
“It’s going to be okay, she said this was temporary, and I’m sure that the neurologist will say the same, we just have to give it some time.”
“Right…But” He felt so tired now, it was like his energy was just zapped out of him.
“No buts. This will be temporary. Get some sleep, Maddie will be here when you wake up okay?” Athena reassured him and squeezed his hand.
"And dad?" Buck asked as his eyes closed.
"Of course." Athena replied, "Get some rest now."
"Okay," Buck fell asleep quickly.
[3 hours later]
Athena ordered Buck some food after he woke, the nurse and doctors came in to check him over and ask more questions. She finally kicked them out after his food arrived. She took the top off the food and then pushed the desktop towards him, "Slow bites Buck. Don't inhale it like you usually do."
Buck ducked his head as his cheeks flushed, "Alright…"
Athena smiled at the young man, "Chimney should be here to take over soon. "
Buck's eyes widened and tears seemed to fill them, "You're gonna leave me?"
Athena looked at him concerned. "I don't have to baby. We've just been taking shifts so you would have someone with you. I texted Hen to tell Chim and Maddie you were awake. Though they might be a bit late since they have Jee-Yun."
"Jee… oh right. Nobody else wants to see me to take over?"
"Of course they do. But Bobby and Hen have Eddie today. And Maddie would have Jee-Yun and both the inlaws are at their house too. So Maddie and Chim trade places with each other."
"Why are they with Eddie?"
"He got hurt when you did. Didn't admit to it until you were stable enough to be put in a room. So he got the extra day stay. He's getting out later today. Now eat."
"But what about Chris?" Buck's eyes widened and his heart monitor beeped faster, "Is he okay? Who-"
"Breathe Buck, he's okay. Eddie was just here for some observation, we snuck both those Diaz boys in to see you. He's fine, he has some bruised ribs and some nice bruises I hear. He's going to be just fine. Chris stayed with his Abuela the first night since Eddie was supposed to be working, then Bobby and I had him, then we worked out that Hen and Karen would take him, and Carla took him to and from school."
Buck settled down, he nodded, and began to eat slowly. He was almost asleep before he was even halfway done with his food. Athena moved the food and made him lay back. "Maddie should be here when you wake up. She wanted to see you as soon as you were up."
Buck nodded a bit and fell back asleep.
[45 minutes later]
Buck woke to Athena talking to someone, he couldn't hear anyone else so she had to be on the phone. He sighed a bit and then rubbed his eyes.
"Hey Buck…" she said softly, "Maddie and Chimney are going to be a little late okay? Emergency at the call center. She said maybe a half hour or so."
Bucks eyes teared up again.
Athena grabbed his hand, "I've got to go now bye bye." She hung up the phone and then wiped away the few tears that fell, "Your head still jumbled baby?"
Buck nodded.
"Okay, you still have a lot of medication in your system. The anesthesia or whatever should be gone by now or soon I would think. But never mind that. It's okay to feel like this. You had a lot happen to you."
Buck nodded and took a shaky breath, "She still is coming? Can she bring Dad?"
"Of course honey. I'll let her know okay? Did you want some more food?:
"No… Can I have grape juice?"
"I'll ask the nurse, okay?" She smiled and gave a silent prayer of thanks to God for making this boy and making sure he was okay.
She pressed the call button on the remote by his bed, "Hi there, I'm in room 261, Mr. Buckley would like some grape juice if you have any."
"Of course, I'll get it for you, I'll be in within the next 10 minutes."
"Thank you so much," Athena replied before putting it back beside Buck's pillow.
[37 minutes later]
Buck was on his second cup of grape juice when Maddie walked in.
"Maddie…" he said softly.
"Hey, Buck." She hugged her brother tightly, "I'm so glad you're awake." Her eyes filled with tears she tried to blink back.
"I'll give you two a minute. Grab some food for us, okay Buckaroo?"
Buck nodded against Maddie's shoulder.
Maddie let go of Buck and sat by his legs, "Athena said your memory is a bit jumbled. Some of it is probably the meds. But I'm sure you'll be back in no time okay?"
Buck nodded, "Did she tell you to get Dad?" He asked.
"Yeah, I brought him. Do you want him now?"
"Just give me a minute with you. I missed you."
"I know I'm sorry, things have been hectic and then I was needed on an urgent request about a call I took. '' She took a breath, "Chim is in the waiting room, he said he'd wait since only two people are supposed to be in the ICU. His dad and stepmom told him to come with me anyway, they have Jee with them, with the promise to call or test every half hour or so. They're just staying at the house until someone goes back. Who knows what they're going to spoil her with."
Buck chuckled softly at the last bit, "I've got to spoil her more."
"Don't you dare, she has enough."
"Fine but I want more time with her."
"That can be arranged. I think Chim will like the free babysitting too."
Athena came back into the room, "Is your dad not here?"
Maddie shook her head, "He's out there, Buck just needed a minute."
Chim popped his head through the door then, "Hey Buck, glad to see you up. Athena, heard from Hen?"
"Not recently, why?"
"She's getting Eddie, she was supposed to text me when she got here. She's late."
"By 5 minutes Chimney," Athena replied.
"That's still late," Chin replied just as his phone went off. He pulled it out, "Oh that's her. I'm going to go meet her. You want me to send anyone in here?"
Buck nodded, "Please?"
"Will do Buck." Chim then left.
Athena put the food in front of Buck, "Slow-"
"Slow bites I know…" he flushed and then began to eat.
Maddie laughed and then looked at the doorway when a small knock sounded.
"We're here," Phillip said as they stood in the doorway.
Buck looked up and then at Maddie then back at them.
Athena gave a polite smile but did not move from her chair by Buck. She didn't like the Buckley parents a bit but she would be polite for Buck.
"Evan we're so glad you're okay," Margaret said as she walked in with her husband.
"So happy you're awake and moving too," Phillip replied.
Buck looked at Athena, "Yeah… uh thanks."
Maddie moved from the bed to give her parents room, they moved in ready to hug Buck.
Buck moved back and they stopped for a second before trying to hug him again.
Athena saw the look in the young man's eyes, "Stop, back up." When they just gave her a look she repeated herself, "I said back up." They hesitantly backed to just stand by the bed. "Are you okay Buck?" She asked softly.
"I -um.. " his eyes watered, "I know… I know I should know who you are, and I do, I think. But I can't… I don't really know. And everything is jumbled… I'm sorry I just- "
Athena stopped him, "It's okay, the doctor said it might take some time. And everyone will understand if you set boundaries, especially right now. If you don't want to be touched just say so."
"Ma'am we are his parents you can't just- " Margaret started.
"No. I can and I will. He can set any boundaries he wants. He is uncomfortable so you will respect his wishes. I will call security if you do not listen to him." Athena replied.
Maddie put her hand on her parent's arms ready to lead them out.
"Evan I am your father, this is your mom, you asked for us, for me. Now you want to say you didn't…"
"I- no. No, I wanted my dad… you're not… he's not-" Buck choked out.
Athena rubbed her hand in his knee, "Okay okay Buck, they'll leave if you want." Athena gave them a sharp look.
Buck nodded, "I don't remember them well… can they- can you leave, please?... I- I want my dad."
Maddie was confused and slightly hurt at how heartbroken Buck looked and how her parents were acting and began to try and get her parents out of the room.
"I am your father, he's asking for me so I'm staying," Philip said with a raised voice.
Buck looked at Athena with wide wet eyes and then at Maddie. He leaned closer to Athena, "Mom… make them leave please…"
Athena in shock looked at Buck before she realized he was really talking to her. She nodded, "You need to leave or I will get security in here."
"No! You are not his mother, You need to" Margaret started.
Athena stood up, "I need security in here please!" Athena raised her voice so the nurses at the desk could hear her. "If you do not leave, I will ensure you are escorted out. If you resist more and cause more of a scene I can and will arrest you with public disturbance."
The Buckley's then stopped and let Maddie take them out of the room.
"I'll be right back Buck, I'll make sure your dad is on his way. I'll just be in the hall baby."
Buck hesitantly nodded as he wiped his eyes.
She gave a small kiss to Buck's forehead before she left the room, "I need to make sure those two do not come into my boy's room without my prior authorization. They cannot be alone with him right now."
"Excuse you that is our son-"
"No, he is not. You are why he left." Athena replied bluntly.
"I'll have security and the other nurses notified… but um who are you to the patient?" The nurse questioned.
"I'm his mother, he's adopted," Athena replied. "His sister can attest that they are not welcome right now.." she looked at Maddie hoping she wouldn't disagree with her.
Maddie hesitated before she remembered the look on Buck's face, "Yes. They cannot be allowed in to see him without prior authorization of Athena Grant-Nash. I can give you my ID too… "
"That would be great if you both could actually…" The nurse replied.
"Maddie…" her parents started.
"He looked terrified when you tried to hug him when you walked in. He needs time and space. I'll take you back to my place." She turned to Athena, "Tell Buck I'll be back after I drop them off please?"
"Of course. Can you call Chim and put him on speaker please?" Athena began filling out the forms the nurse handed to her.
It took three rings before Chim answered, "Hey Maddie!"
"Hey Chim, Athena wanted to talk."
"Oh hey, Athena."
"Hey Chim, is Bobby with you and Hen?" Athena asked.
"Uh yeah, he's just about to leave."
"Oh good. Can you send him up here, please? Buck is asking for him."
"Hey, Cap! Buck is asking for you. Athena said to just go up." They heard Chim ask, then a muffled reply, "Did you guys hear that?"
"No babe we did not," Maddie replied as she watched her parents making sure they weren’t going to try anything.
"He said that he thought your parents were visiting and only two can be in the ICU."
"Oh they were but they're going to be leaving now." Athena replied, "I'll explain when he gets up here."
They heard Chim relay the message, "He's on his way up."
"Thank you, Chim, I'm taking them home now. I'll explain later. Okay? Bye."
"Alright… oh wait before you go Eddie wanted Buck to know that he still owes him that food he promised."
"I'll let him know." Maddie replied with a small chuckle, "I'll go stop in while you finish this. Is that okay Athena?"
"Of course. I'm not going to stop you."
Maddie went back to Buck's room. His cheeks were wet and his eyes were red, "Hey Buck. You okay?"
"Are they all mad at me?"
"What? No. No one is mad at you. If anything they're mad at Athena for making them listen to you. Which is a problem. Don't worry about it though. They won't be able to come in without me or Athena from now on. I'm going to take them home and then I'll come back and visit some more unless the in-laws need me to take Jee okay? Then if that happens I'll video call you with Jee okay?"
Buck nodded, "Yeah.. that sounds good. Is - Is dad coming?"
"He's on his way from Eddie's room. Speaking of. Eddie says that you still owe him some kind of food? I'm not sure Chim didn't elaborate."
Buck took a minute before he nodded and laughed softly. "I promised Eddie some delivery to the firehouse before all this…"
Maddie smiled, "Seems like he will keep you to that." She looked up when Athena walked in and Bobby was behind her. "I will go now you behave." She looked at Buck before she left.
"Hey Buck, how are you feeling?" Bobby asked, Athena had filled him in before they walked in the room, he hid all of his rage about Buck’s parents.
Buck relaxed immediately when he saw Bobby, "Dad… I'm- I'm okay I think… my brain still feels all jumbled but maybe a little less."
"Well, that's good. I'm glad to see you awake. You had us all worried." Bobby’s heart felt tight, something was in his throat. He couldn’t cry in front of Buck right now.
"Sorry…"
"Don't apologize. You didn't plan this. We couldn't have stopped it no matter what we did." Bobby had finally gotten that through to himself. His rosary was hanging out of his pocket.
Buck looked down, "You broke out your rosary…"
"That I did." He sat in the chair closest to the door by Buck. Athena sat on the other side of the bed. They held their hands together on Buck’s legs.
"You only do that when it's bad," Buck stated.
"Well, it was you. I'm always gonna break it out when it's you, Buck." Bobby replied.
"You didn't finish your food." Athena cut in, "Are you full?"
"Uh no they kinda-"
Athena nodded, "Eat what you can baby."
Buck then nodded and finished his food, a nurse came in and messed around with his I.V. meds. He then got very sleepy. He blinked and then frowned, his eyes watering again.
"Hey, it's okay Buck. Me and Athena will be here when you wake up okay? We won't leave you."
Buck hesitated before he slowly nodded and then fell back asleep.
Athena and Bobby looked at each other with soft smiles.
"I- I talked with May about this.. she told me that you brought two kids into this marriage. And that I brought one. I guess she didn't realize that he felt the same."
"I didn't know he really felt like we were his parents, I know we took on that role, and we treated him like a kid but- it feels different now knowing… and I- I did tell the nurses he was adopted." She added with a small chuckle.
Bobby let out a laugh, "You did?"
Athena smiled brightly back at Bobby, "I did."
Bobby smiled and leaned forward before pulling Athena's hand to his lips, “I guess he should know he’s adopted when he wakes up next.”
“He should.” She smiled again as she looked over at Buck.