Black And Blue-E.Buckley (9-1-1)

Twelve

You wouldn't believe it, every move I made, I was terrified 

Thought that every road I took had a bitter end

"Yes?" Buck's voice rang through the phone.

"I'm sorry to be a pain but I sent you a couple more things to grab from the store."

Buck laughed lightly, "It's fine. Also, I talked to Eddie and he's bringing wine."

"Oh good, you can cross that off then."

"Okay, I'll see you when I get back. Text me if you need anything else."

After getting off the phone with Buck, Eleanor returned to preparing the dishes for dinner. Buck and Eleanor had decided to get in the holiday spirit and host Thanksgiving dinner. Eleanor was excited because she had never really gotten to celebrate like this. Michael had isolated her from all friends and family so it was just the two of them every year. No big feast, no loud house full of love. Even as a child, she hadn't celebrated much. Her childhood was much like her adult life. Her father had died when she was a baby, her mother remarried, and her stepfather abused her and her mother. Though her mother had it worse.

This year she was determined to change that. She wanted to be happy and celebrate. She envied Buck's friendships; he and his coworkers were a family. They had welcomed her in quickly but were still getting comfortable together. Tonight they would be joined by Eddie, Christopher, Maddie, and Chim. The rest of the 118 had plans with their families. Eleanor was mixing the potatoes on the stove when her phone rang. She reached into her pocket and pulled it out, answering it without even looking at the ID.

"Yes Buck?"

"Who the hell is Buck?"

Her heart skipped a beat. "Michael?"

"Miss me, honey?"

"What do you want?"

"You, of course. And if I can't have you then nobody can."

"Why are you doing this?"

"I told you this was forever, you broke your promise. Now I'm gonna make you regret it." There was a pause on the other line. "Oh, look. There's your pretty boy firefighter."

"Michael, please. Leave him alone.."

"Maybe," then he hung up.

Eleanor panicked, all she could picture in her head was Michael hurting Buck. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if something happened to Buck because of her. She quickly dialed Buck's number, panicking more and more with each ring that passed.

"Hello?" he finally answered.

"Buck.."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine. Just, uh, just hurry home. And be careful."

"Okay.." she could tell he didn't quite believe her.

About twenty minutes later Buck arrived home. He placed the bags on the table but before he could do anything else Eleanor rushed over and wrapped her arms around him. He stood there for a moment confused before finally wrapping his arms around her.

"Are you sure everything is okay?" 

"Yes," Eleanor still clung to him. After a minute or two she pulled away, Buck still had a confused look on his face. "I'm sorry, I just worry sometimes when you leave. It's crazy out there, especially during the holidays." She'd tell him about Michael later. For now, he was here and safe, she didn't want to ruin his holiday.