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

Forty

We keep this love in a photograph

"Ordering out? On Christmas?" Athena set the glasses down on the table. May followed behind her with a tray of muffins.

"That's what Buck said. I guess they're taking votes on where to order from.

"I cannot believe them. And Bobby to even think about ordering out.. On Christmas."

"Why don't we all pitch in and make dinner for them?" May asked.

Eleanor picked at the muffin in front of her. "I was going to suggest the same thing. Buck and I were talking about it last night. That's why I came to you actually. Who better to host a last-minute Christmas party, nobody could pull it off like you Athena."

Athena smiled at the two girls beside her. She already had a plan up her sleeve and it was going to be amazing. There was no stopping Athena once she put her mind to it. 

"I've already talked to Maddie as well. She's more than willing to help with anything she can."

"I can call Karen, I'm sure she'd be happy to help."

"Between the five of us we can definitely pull it off," May smiled brightly.

"I'll have Buck let me know when they leave for a call and we can sneak in then. And we can prep at my place so Bobby doesn't know."

"They're gonna love it."

"And they're gonna think twice before they try and order out for a holiday," Athena shook her head in disapproval.

****

"This is really great guys. I'm glad I ratted out Cap." Buck tried to steal a cookie and Eleanor swatted his hand away. 

"I can't believe my husband." The three girls shared a laugh as they watched Athena angrily beat the mashed potatoes.

Buck leaned down and whispered in Eleanor's ear. "Remind me to never get on her bad side.. again." 

May and Maddie joined Athena in the kitchen as they went through a list of foods they wanted at the party. Making sure they had all the ingredients and deligating tasks between the five women. Karen was in charge of decorations since Hen was the most observant, it would just seem like Karen was prepping for their own Christmas. 

"Hey," Buck stood beside Eleanor, talking quietly so that their conversation was semi-private. "Have you talked to your mom again?" Eleanor shook her head and went back to the cookies in front of her.

After a few hours of prepping and making sure everything was in order the women called it a day. They made plans for the morning and how to transport everything before parting ways for the night. 

Eleanor was lying in bed, reading her book when Buck got out of the shower. A towel wrapped around him, hanging low on his hips. Eleanor peeked around her book, admiring the sight. Buck turned and noticed her staring. He smirked and turned back toward the closet. Eleanor could feel the heat in her cheeks. 

Eleanor got out of bed and walked over to Buck. "I think you should open your present early," she whispered as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Oh yeah?" Buck wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to his body. Eleanor nodded and smiled up at him. She reached a hand down and pulled at his towel making it fall to the floor. "What about the baby?"

"What about it? Buck, they say to have sex to induce labor and the baby is way bigger at that point." Eleanor slipped the strap of her nightgown off her shoulder, one side at a time. That too fell to the floor with Buck's towel. Buck picked her up, wrapping her legs around his waist. Eleanor kissed a trail along his jaw and collarbone as he carried her to the bed. Buck gently laid her down on the bed, hovering over her.

"Buck.." Eleanor moaned as he kissed down her neck and collarbone, hitting her favorite spot. He pulled her leg up slightly, getting a better position as he slid into her. His nails dug lightly into her skin. Her nails dragged down his back.

****

Eleanor finished putting out the cookie trays when her phone buzzed. It was a text from Buck. "Everything ready? They're on their way back." 

"All ready," Athena replied with a smile. She stood by the railing and waited while everyone else huddled across the room. "I see them."

The sound of the truck pulling in and shutting off was the only sound in the firehouse. Then the sound of doors followed by voices. Athena leaned slightly over the railing. 

"Yes. Yes, you are, Captain. Merry Christmas." 

"Athena, what are you doing here?" Bobby's echoed through the firehouse.

"We came to save you. Someone said you were ordering takeout for Christmas dinner." Athena looked back at everyone else. 

"I did vote for turkey," Buck commented.

"She say 'we'?" Eddie asked.

"Merry Christmas!" everyone shouted as they walked up the stairs. They all stood in shock for a moment before going to their families.

"Can't believe you did this. Thank you, Buck." Hen smiled as she came over to Buck and Eleanor.

"Well, you inspired me. You know, I figured we should all get to immerse ourselves in the magic of Christmas." Buck held the mistletoe over Hen and Karen. The pair smiled at him, kissed quickly, and went to mingle with all the other guests. 

Buck wrapped one arm around Eleanor and held the mistletoe over them with the other. Eleanor looked up at it and smiled at Buck. He leaned down slightly, pressing his lips to hers. 

****

Buck and Eleanor were cuddled up on the couch, his head in her lap and his hand on her stomach as they watched cheesy Christmas movies. They were laughing at the movie when someone knocked on the door. Buck got up to answer it. He stood in the doorway, "it's your mom."

Confusion covered Eleanor's face as she got up and went to the door. "How did you know where I live?" Her mother gave her a look. "Right, contacts.. Why are you here? I haven't heard from you in days."

Buck stood in the kitchen where he had a view of the entire encounter. He didn't fully trust Eleanor's mother so there was no way he was leaving them alone.

"I just wanted to drop off a gift," Elizabeth handed her a small velvet box. "I know it's not much but I wanted to give you at least something. Merry Christmas dear." Her smiled. "And it was nice to meet you, Evan."

"Merry Christmas Mom, thank you." Elizabeth smiled at her daughter before leaving. 

Buck walked over and stood behind Eleanor as she opened the box. Inside was a round emerald pendant on a gold chain. It was her grandmother's necklace. Eleanor always loved it and her grandmother had promised it to her but she never thought she'd actually have it. Maybe this was a peace offering, maybe her mother actually meant everything she said..