K9 Companions

3

The quiet hum of the station was soothing after the earlier excitement. Buck, feeling the fatigue of the day catching up to him, slid down from his chair and stretched out on the floor, letting out a soft sigh. His muscles ached in that pleasant way after a long day, but he welcomed the feeling, knowing it meant he’d worked hard.

Archive, ever attuned to his owner’s needs, immediately trotted over, his orange vest gleaming in the station lights. Though he was a well-trained military K9, Archive knew when to switch from work mode to comfort mode. Without hesitation, he lay across Buck’s lap, using him as a human pillow, his head resting against Buck’s chest. Buck chuckled softly, feeling Archive’s warm, comforting weight pressing down on him.

"Hey, buddy," Buck murmured, reaching up to scratch Archive behind the ears. The dog responded with a few sloppy licks to Buck's face, his way of offering love and comfort.

Sirius, sitting nearby, noticed the scene and leaned forward slightly. “Everything okay, Buck?” he asked, concern flickering in his eyes. He’d seen the toll their missions could take on Buck, both physically and emotionally, and he was always on alert for any sign that his husband was pushing himself too hard.

Buck looked up at Sirius and smiled, the warmth of Archive’s presence easing the tension in his body. “Yeah, I’m good,” he replied, giving Sirius a reassuring nod. “Just tired.”

Lucifer, not wanting to be left out, padded over and joined Archive, his sleek frame sliding down to cuddle up against Buck’s other side. The dogs had an uncanny ability to sense when someone needed extra attention, and today was no exception. Lucifer nudged Buck’s hand with his nose before giving him a quick lick, as if to say, "We’ve got your back."

Sirius’s worry eased as he watched Buck relax with the two dogs snuggled up to him. “Looks like they’re giving you all the love today,” he said with a grin.

Buck chuckled, but before he could respond, Archive’s ears perked up. The dog shifted suddenly, his head dropping down to rest against Buck’s stomach. Buck furrowed his brow, glancing down at Archive, but before he could say anything, Archive jumped up, barking excitedly. His tail wagged furiously as he ran in a small circle, his nose nudging at Buck’s stomach.

Buck’s grin spread wider. “Whoa, buddy, what’s gotten into you?”

Archive’s excitement wasn’t lost on anyone in the room. The dog’s sudden shift from calm to ecstatic grabbed the attention of the entire team. Eddie, who had been watching from across the room, leaned forward, eyebrows raised. “What’s going on?” he asked, his eyes darting between Archive and Buck.

Sirius, sensing something, scooted closer. “Buck?” he asked softly, his gaze flicking to the dogs.

And then it happened. Archive nudged Buck’s stomach again, his nose pressing against the soft fabric of Buck’s shirt. Buck gasped, a laugh escaping his lips. “Oh!” he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. “He felt it—the baby just kicked.”

Eddie’s face split into a wide grin. “No way! That’s amazing, Buck!” he said, his voice filled with excitement as he realized what was happening. Archive, realizing what he’d felt, continued to sniff around Buck’s belly, nudging him playfully as if confirming his discovery.

Buck ran a hand over his stomach, feeling the gentle flutter of movement inside. His heart swelled with emotion as Archive, now calmer, sat very still and placed his head gently back on Buck’s lap, this time looking more serious than before. It was as if the dog understood—he had felt life stirring and was now determined to protect it.

Sirius’s heart warmed at the sight. He scooted closer to Buck, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. “Looks like Archive’s already taken his new job seriously,” he said softly, his voice filled with affection.

Archive, in response, raised his paw and placed it gently on Buck’s stomach, almost as if in salute. Sirius couldn’t help but smile wider at the gesture. “Good boy,” he whispered, giving Archive a soft pat.

The rest of the team looked on, smiles all around as they shared in Buck and Sirius’s joy. Eddie leaned back, still grinning. “That’s one protective dog you’ve got there,” he said, his tone filled with admiration. “Looks like this kid’s got their first bodyguard.”

Buck nodded, resting a hand on Archive’s head, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. “Yeah,” he murmured, his smile never fading. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”