Burning Flames ¦ Evan Buckley

Chapter 80 - Truth

Bobby had sorted all of the files out for El and she was free to return to work that week. El knew it was time to talk to Buck but she had to admit, she was scared. She didn't know what he was going to say or how he was going to react. She made her way across town, deciding that she would rather talk to him at his apartment instead of inviting him round.

She took a deep breath before knocking on the door, him having no idea she was turning up. Buck made his way to the door, not having any idea who it may be however excitement flurried through him as his eyes laid upon El. He quickly hoisted her into his arms and carried her inside, using her to close the door before he smashed his lips against hers. El cupped his face as her back was against the door, her body being solely supported by him.

She felt her stomach explode with butterflies as if it was their first ever kiss but instead, it was just the first kiss in nearly 4 months. El pulled away taking a breath, "I've missed you so much..." She whispered.

"Not as much as me" He chuckled a little, placing her down onto the floor. "Why didn't you tell me you were back? I would have picked you up from the airport"

"Buck, I need to talk to you" She spoke, her eyes soft, her hand reaching down to take his.

"O-okay.." He nodded and led her over to the living room, sitting on the couch. "What's up?"

"I...I didn't go to Florida" She sighed, "I-I" El couldn't find the words, seeing his face again was so much harder than she thought it would have been.

"You...you haven't found someone new..have you?" Buck asked, worried for their relationship. "I know I haven't always been the be-"

"Buck no" She shook her head, "I love you and only you" She reassured him. "And please understand, I didn't tell you this because I love you and I didn't want to hurt or worry you but...these past few months..I've been fighting Cancer" She finally said those words but not without bursting into tears as the c words escaped her quivering lips.

Buck instantly pulled her in close, allowing her to cry as much as she needed too. His world felt as though it had turned completely upside down. His girlfriend had been fighting cancer and he didn't even know about it. He held her for a while, allowing her to calm down before he asked any questions. "Wh-what cancer?" He stuttered.

"Thyroid.." She sniffled as she pulled away, showing him her scar. "I had radiation treatment too and they said I haven't got it anymore" She tried to smile a little but it was painful, she felt like she was able to be vulnerable with Buck.

"So..You don't have cancer anymore? Yo-you're not going to die?" He asked, his eyes now glossing with tears that threatened to escape.

"No" She shook her head, nibbling at the inside of her lip.

"But-but why didn't you tell me?" He asked, wiping his own tear away.

"Because of Daniel...and with Eddie and Bobby being shot, you weren't in a good place, I just didn't have the heart to put anything else on you" She admitted, taking his hand. "But I'm okay..." She nodded.

"I-I wish you would have told me...you're the most important person to me.." His voice broke ever so slightly.

"And you are to me..." She spoke cupping his face, wiping away the other tear, "But I'm okay now, I'm here, it's over"

Buck pulled her in for a kiss, pressing his lips gently against hers having missed her touch. He was hurt by the fact that she didn't tell him, however he understood why she didn't. It was sweet in a way that she didn't want to hurt him and bring up trauma that he had gone through but he wished he could have been by her side to help her, but she was here now. He could comfort her at least. "I love you" He spoke against her head before kissing it lovingly, holding her closely.