Fresh wind on a hot day (Jim Street x Evan "Buck" Buckley)

Adult Life

-That's why police officers and firefighters should stay away from each-other! For the sake of their sanity! -Street shouted, furiously searching for something in the living room, while Buck stood in the doorway, curiously observing his irritated partner from a safe distance. After knowing him an awfully long time, he knew well-enough this was just venting, not actually a beginning of some nasty argument, and it was better to watch, minimise any interaction.

-You are sixteen years too late for such realisation, babe. -he pointed out calmly, not sure what was happening, not even what Jim was looking for. Possibly something job-related since he was starting his shift soon. -Can I help you somehow? -suggested, and perhaps should've stayed quiet because the cold glance he got could surely freeze Hell.

-Actually, yes! You can help by not throwing your shit into my drawers! -the Omega barked while going through some papers.

-What's dad's problem? -wondered a quiet, curious voice of their twelve-year-old daughter, whose arrival Buck failed to notice, despite actually waiting for her all this time so he can drop her off at school on his way to work.

-Wish I knew, kiddo. -the firefighter sighed, glancing down at their unamused child, who was by now definitely used to Jim's random outbursts. -Ready? -he asked.

-Is anyone ever ready to go to school? -Danielle frowned, making her father laugh. She didn't look a bit like Street, but damn, her attitude was identical.

-Fair point. -the Alpha agreed. He wasn't a fan of school at her age either. -Are you prepared tho?

-Yes, let's go. -she nodded before looking at her phone and saying:

-Ruby is already waiting.

-Jim, we're leaving. -Buck informed, spinning the car keys on his finger. He really wished that they had time to talk the odd situation through, however they were both just too damn busy.

-Oh...um...okay! -the cop mumbled, not stopping the search even for a moment. -Stay safe. Both of you. -he added rather absently. -I'll see you later.

-Jim. -the firefighter sternly demanded attention, causing the older man to instantly look at him in both annoyance and confusion. -Love you. -he said, his voice soft, and affectionate. There was no way there were parting ways like that, in some weird hostility. They did once, then Jim nearly died at work. He got shot with an armour piercing round, had to undergo several surgeries and based on how bad his condition was, everyone thought he's not gonna make it. Luckily he did, and never again they made the same mistake. No matter how mad they were at each-other, "I love you" had to be said because it might've been their last goodbye. So hearing those words, Street's murderous gaze softened immediately, a warm smile appeared on his tired, gently wrinkled face as he stared at his husband in the same manner he looked at him when they just started dating, with fondness and reverence.

-I love you too. -he responded, making Buck very happy and fully ready to leave for the day.

***

-Who's picking me up today? -Danielle wondered when they hit the road.

-Uncle Luca, I believe. -the Alpha hummed. He never thought about that before they had a baby, but having such a big "family" was truly a blessing when it came to taking care of a kid while working in a demanding, busy field. Especially Luca, who was truly a gift that kept giving. Not being interested in starting a family, but absolutely loving children, he eagerly took over quite a few of their responsibilities after switching from active duty to training.

-Finally. -the girl huffed. She has not seen her favourite person in over a week, and it started inflaming her irritable nature.

-Ouch! Right where it hurts! -the firefighter whined, theatrically clenching onto his chest. -What does uncle Luca have that we don't? How do we win your cold heart, dear child? -he then asked, briefly looking at the smiling girl through the rear mirror.