Always your

Chapter 21

Buck wakes up on boxing day the next morning refreshed. Everything felt right, the pain of the last few months was now slowly fading and he could look onwards without worries. He knew the trial would be soon and that Chase was due to go to his plea hearing in the next few days but, Athena had explained to Buck that he didn't have to attend because they had the evidence they needed and his video statement would be shown. Still, Buck sat up and looked around everything he had thought he couldn't have plus, he has the one thing he wanted the most. The one asleep down the hall in his bed, probably still sleeping.

Buck knew he had a date waiting with Eddie, but Eddie had made it clear he would wait till Buck was ready. Buck also did not want to rush anything, he was enjoying everything as it was, but with new year's so close Buck thought back to the other gift he promised himself he would surprise Eddie with but now he was unsure. He got his phone out and sent a quick text.

Buck: 'Hey sis, I need talk are you free? I know its boxing day and you might have plans so it can wait if you do.'

Buck placed the phone down and got up. He grabbed a change of clothes from the draws and had another look at the room. He still couldn't believe Eddie had done this for him, he took his key and as he left the room he locked it then went for a shower. As he showered he felt the stress flow away along with the water rinsing him down. Once he was clean, dried, and changed - he headed back to his room. He normally would panic out of fear but he knew it was locked and no one could get in. Another thing he had to thank Eddie for, the room itself would have been fine, but Eddie had gone out the way to put a lock on so he knew he would be safe and it made Buck smile at how thoughtful Eddie was. He unlocked the door walked in, placed his dirty clothes down grabbed his phone, and left locking the door and heading to the kitchen. He wanted to surprise Eddie and Chris with pancakes.

He quietly gets the pan and bowls out as he places them down on the table and he rummages through the cupboards for the ingredients he knew they would still be there because Eddie rarely cooked. Once everything was on the table he set the coffee machine and made himself a quick coffee and took a sip before placing an apron on. As he picks up a bowl and measuring cup his phone goes off, he places down the bowl and looks at the message.

Maddie: 'I'm free this afternoon I will pop round and we can nip to the shops if you want to talk in private.'

Buck: 'Yeah, that be good don't want anyone here to hear what I say, see you later.'

Maddie: 'I'll be there around 1 pm.'

Buck places his phone on the side and starts making the batter mix ready to make pancakes. Once ready he finishes his coffee and looks at the time, it's half past 8 and he smiles. Buck knew that normally both him and Eddie would be at work right about now. But due to their injuries, they were both on a day off. So he decided to give them both another half hour to let them sleep. He places plates on the table with glasses of orange juice and syrup, as it gets to 9 am he makes a quick stack of pancakes and puts them on the table and turns off the cooker. He walks down the hall and enters Chris' room.

"Morning superman," Buck says.

"Hey Bucky," Chris says as he yawns.

"Breakfast is on the table, its pancakes," Buck says smiling.

"Yay! Did you make loads?" Chris asks as he slowly starts sitting upright.

"Of course. Now, you get up and head to the table and start while I take on the challenge of moving your dad out his pit." Buck chuckles and he ruffles Chis' touseled hair.

"Good luck Bucky, you're gonna need it." Chris smiles.

"Thanks, if I need help I'll call for you ok?" Buck smiles back.