Dandelions

Bobby Nash

Edited 27/10/2025

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Bobby was making his famous four-cheese mac 'n' cheese casserole, taking advantage of a q-word stretch in between calls. He knew how hard forty-eight-hour shifts could be on the crew. Even when the calls were slow, it was still two full days away from home and family.

This one was worse than others, because Buck wasn't around.

Bobby smiled at the thought of him. The 118's golden retriever, with a heart bigger than the Grand Canyon. If someone had told him years ago that the same reckless probie he'd once nearly fired would turn into one of the finest firefighters he'd ever had the honor to work besides, he probably would've laughed them out of the station.

And yet, here they were. Buck had become the glue that held the 118 together — Eddie's best friend, Chim's brother-in-law, Hen's little brother, Ravi's big brother, the team's heart. Even when he was on vacation, his absence was palpable.

Hen, without her usual outlet for motherly fussing, had turned her energy on everyone else. Chim was restless, missing his favorite target for banter. Ravi was twitchy and uncertain without the security of Buck's shadow nearby. And Eddie... Eddie was a storm barely contained. He hid it well, but Bobby could tell. His partner was gone, and it threw him off balance.

As for Bobby, he felt Buck's absence like a missing limb. It had taken them years of missteps and arguments to finally understand what they were to each other, to stop circling around it and just call it what it was—family. When Buck finally opened up about why he'd been so reckless with his own life, it had gutted Bobby. Hearing his son—because that's what Buck was to him—admit that he'd felt unwanted and replaceable had broken his heart.

Since then, Bobby had put aside any hesitation and told Buck the truth—that he mattered, that he wasn't replaceable, that he never had been. There were tears, apologies, and the kind of hug that only comes after years of holding too much back. Bobby wasn't ashamed to admit he'd cried when Buck called him Pops for the first time.

Bobby had watched Buck grow into an incredible firefighter, dependable and adaptable, someone he couldn't be prouder of. He knew the protocols inside and out, but he also had the instincts to improvise when things went sideways.

Over the years, he and Eddie had picked up certifications in heavy rescue, diving, and urban search, always pushing to be ready for whatever was next. Now, Buck wasn't just capable.

He was ready.

Not just physically or intellectually, but emotionally too. So, when Buck requested some time off, Bobby had known what he needed to do. He'd gone straight to the brass, and his recommendation for a promotion went through without a hitch.

This morning, he'd received confirmation: Lieutenant Evan Buckley would officially be joining A-Shift at Firehouse 118 once he comes back from his vacation.

"What's got you smiling like that, Cap?" Chim asked, sliding into a chair with his usual grin, already eyeing the casserole.

"Can't a man just be happy?" Bobby said mildly, setting the bubbling dish on the table.

Ravi, Eddie, Hen, and Chim dug in. Hen serving herself a generous portion, before giving Bobby a pointed look — one that reminded him distinctly of Athena. "We weren't born yesterday, Cap. Spill."

"I just got some good news from the brass," Bobby said, the smile tugging at his mouth refusing to fade. "Though I think one of you might've already known." He shot a glance at Eddie, who only smirked and shrugged.

"When Buck comes back," Bobby continued, "we'll be welcoming the 118's newest lieutenant."

For a heartbeat, the table went silent. Then it erupted.