Buck had a few secrets. Despite what the others at the firehouse thought Buck was good at keeping secrets. Hell… he had kept Maddie a secret until she showed up in LA.
One of his secrets almost got out when his husband showed up at the 118 without telling him he was going to his firehouse. Luckily he and Eddie had a few moments alone where they decided it would be better if they thought the new guy got there on his own merits and that it would be hard for Buck to explain why he hadn’t told them he was married, bi, and not sleeping around his first year.
That secret almost got out again when he had to pretend he didn’t know Christopher. He and Eddie told Christopher that Buck wasn’t telling the firehouse that he and Eddie were married, which meant Buck had to pretend he wasn’t Chris’ adopted father. Buck explained that he wasn’t hiding his family out of shame but fear. Buck explained to Chris that he felt he had to keep his work and life separate because he didn’t want the 118 to think of him differently. Chris had understood, being bright for his age, and only called Buck “Buck” around the 118 rather than Papa.
As he and Eddie started to carpool at work they told their coworkers that Buck’s apartment was on the way from Eddie’s house to the firehouse. They accepted it and they weren’t asked about their constant carpooling.
Buck thought this secret would come out with him and Eddie being so close but no one questioned that especially after they took a grenade out of a man’s leg and the ambulance blew up after they had left the vicinity of it.
That’s where Buck’s second secret showed itself a little more than it had been previously. Buck’s second secret is that he was a Navy SEAL, a Chief Petty Officer. He has a box hidden in the back of his closet right next to Eddie’s box with all his military memorabilia. All his medals, his old uniform, and dress blues and whites. In that box was a Navy Cross and pictures of him in service. He was proud of his accomplishments as a SEAL but he couldn’t talk about them. They were either confidential or he couldn’t bear it after only he, his CO, and one teammate survived their service from their team.
Buck didn’t flinch immediately when the ambulance blew up. He recognized that he didn’t flinch and made himself react to the explosion while Eddie just stood there not having to force himself not to flinch.
Only the Chief knew about Buck’s time in the Navy because it was in his history. But he promised to keep it to himself even though Buck could tell he wanted to bring it up every time he and Buck spoke. Buck was a good candidate to keep moving up through the ranks. He almost took that offer before he decided to sue the station but he wanted to stay with the 118 where he was now that everyone was acting like a family again.
Buck had been lost in thought thinking about his two secrets when the alarm blared. He rushed to suit up and he realized it was pouring. Probably going to storm later. He ran to the truck once he was done getting dressed and hopped in next to his husband. He knocked their knees together and smiled at Eddie, who smiled back at him.
When they arrived on the scene they set up the ladder and Buck saw that Eddie was about to go up
“Hey, it’s my turn to go up! You take a break down here,” Buck called to Eddie and strapped himself into the harness instead
“Since when are we keeping count?” Eddie laughed and moved so he wasn’t in the way.
Buck headed up the ladder in the pouring rain with the house and began spraying the fire inside the house. He heard a strange noise and looked up to the sky.
“What is that?” He asked himself and suddenly he was struck by lightning.
Buck flipped over the ladder and was just hanging there passed out. Eddie was flung from the firetruck but he was immediately getting up and screaming for his husband.
“Buck!” He began running up the ladder “Buck!”
When he finally reached Buck he held on to the rope holding him up. “Buck, can you hear me?”
“Get him down get the stretcher over here!” Bobby ordered and they started lowering Buck down. “Dispatch we have a firefighter down. I repeat firefighter down he was struck by lightning.” Bobby said into his radio.
“He’s got no pulse. Starting compressions” Chimney said while starting compressions on Buck
Eddie was immediately next to them pushing Chimney out of the way “Let me do it” He got up on the stretcher and began compressions on his own husband.”
They got Buck and Eddie into the ambulance and were on their way to the hospital. Eddie got off of Buck so they could dry him off and use the defibrillator. After a long 3 minutes and 17 seconds, they got Buck’s heart beating again and soon after they were at the hospital and Buck was being wheeled away.
Eddie was standing in the waiting room now not allowed to follow them back to where they would hopefully save his husband’s life. He had a lot of calls to make.
“Eddie come on let's go back to the firehouse you can get changed. And get yours and Buck’s things then you can come right back. I’m going to take our shift out of the rotation until they find cover for Buck and I’ll be here in my time off.” Bobby said while guiding Eddie back to the ambulance.
“He died… for 3 minutes and 17 seconds he was dead.” Eddie said still in shock.
“He did… I will set you up for taking time off until he’s better okay?” Bobby said with hope that Buck would get better.
Eddie nodded. When he was more present in the moment they were in the firehouse and he was sitting in the locker room. He changed out of his wet uniform and into other clothes he gathered both his and Buck’s things. He walked out to Bobby waiting for him. Bobby was also changed and had his own things.
“I’ll drive you to the hospital.” Bobby said. “We’ll take your car and Athena will drive me back here. She wants to know anything we find out about Buck.” Bobby and Eddie started walking toward Eddie’s car.
“Thanks, Bobby. I need to call my abuela, she’s watching Chris… I need to tell Chris…” Eddie’s mind was now up to speed and filled with thoughts of the calls he had to make. “Maddie..”
“You can call people from the hospital Eddie. Give yourself some time until we get there okay?” Bobby said gently.
Eddie nodded and got into his car but in the passenger seat and gave Bobby the keys. Bobby drove them to the hospital. He parked them in a visitor's spot that didn’t charge his exorbitant amounts of money. They got out, Bobby locked the car and handed the keys back to Eddie. They walked inside and Eddie went to the nurse’s station.
“Hi… um Evan Buckley” Eddie said to the nurse at the front he was glad the greeting came out instead of him just rudely saying Buck’s name.
“Name?” The nurse asked him
“Edmundo Diaz” Eddie said.
“He’s in surgery right now but we will let you know of any changes,” She said. “Once the surgery is over the doctor will let you know how it went. You can wait in the waiting room.”
“Can I make calls in there?”
“Yes of course”
“Thank you” Eddie nodded to her and headed to the waiting room.
It had been a plan for a while to tell the team about their marriage so Buck could change his name. He didn’t want to associate with the Buckley name anymore. Maddie was the only Buckley he had in his life. Eddie sat in a secluded seat and pulled out his phone. The first call would be to Abuela and Chris. He couldn’t justify bringing Chris here when he didn’t know anything about Buck yet. He clicked call on her contact and waited for her to pick up.
“Eddie? Is everything okay?” She asked when she picked up.
“No abuela, Buck got struck by lightning” Eddie was tearing up now that most of the fog and craziness had disappeared he recognized how poor of shape his husband was in. “He’s in surgery, I’m going to stay here as long as I can. Can you keep Chris when Carla doesn’t?” Eddie practically begged her to take him.
“Of course Eddie… Do you want to talk to him?” Abuela asked him sounding tearful herself, she thought of Buck as family.
“Yes please” Eddie waited for the phone to be passed to Chris.
“Hey Dad,” Chris said into the phone
“Hey buddy, listen I have to tell you some bad news okay?” he heard a small noise of encouragement from Chris. “Buck’s hurt, mijo. He got hurt at work and he’s in the hospital.” Eddie said trying to keep his tears at bay.
“Is he gonna be okay?” Chris asked urgently
“We don’t know yet,” Eddie said “I’m going to wait at the hospital and you’re going to stay with Abuela and Carla okay” Eddie was speaking softly trying to comfort Chris when he could hear crying over the phone.
“When can I see him?” Chris asked through tears
“I will call and let you know as soon as I know buddy. I love you.” Eddie said
“I love you too dad.” Chris was still crying.
The phone was handed to Abuela. Eddie and she said their goodbyes and hung up. Eddie then called Maddie who soon after the call arrived at the hospital to wait with Eddie. Eddie then took a breath
“I have to call Steve,” Eddie told Maddie.
“How mad do you think he’ll be that Buck hasn’t told him all that’s happened?” Maddie joked to lighten the mood.
“Pretty mad… or maybe disappointed instead,” Eddie smiled a little. “He’ll get over it fast. He and Danno will be here very shortly.”
“You have to call Hondo too,” Maddie said “I could do that one if you want,” She offered.
“Yes, please. I’m sure he’d like to hear from you even though it’s not about a pleasant subject,” Eddie said.
“Alright I’ll step away so our calls don’t overlap.” She said, got up, and went to the other side of the room to call Hondo.
Eddie sighed and opened the contact for Steve and stared at it for a moment. Then he pushed the call button and anxiously waited for Steve to answer.
“Eddie! This is a surprise. Is everything okay?” Steve answered the phone with a happy tone.
“Hey, Steve. Are you with Danno?” Eddie asked, it would be easier if the two were together.
“Yeah he’s right here. Why?” Steve’s voice got serious.
“You should put me on speaker.” Eddie waited a moment before speaking again. “Buck is in the hospital. He got struck by lightning.”
“Oh my god.” Danno piped up. “Do you know anything yet?”
“Not yet he’s in surgery and Maddie and I are at the hospital. She’s calling Hondo.” Eddie said, “Are you guys headed here?” He asked with a serious tone.
“Yeah we’ll be on our way as soon as we can be.” Steve said a hint of worry in his voice.
“Good… look there are some other things you guys should know that Buck has kept from you so you wouldn’t worry about him.” Eddie admitted “But I’ll tell you in person so you can stew in it here and not on your plane.”
Steve sighed from the other side of the phone and some noises sounded like Steve and Danno were packing. “Of course, Pup doesn’t want us to worry,” Steve had indignation in his voice.
“Alright I’ll see you guys soon,” Eddie hung up.
Buck’s two worlds are about to collide and he’s not even aware of it. Eddie looked over to Maddie who was still speaking on the phone. He began to think about how to address the secrets he and Buck kept from the 118. Eddie realized he had no proof of any of the secrets they kept besides photos on his phone. He wanted his wedding ring but he and Buck always left them at home. He wanted Buck’s dog tags to hold for good luck. He thought about going home to get proof and some food but he didn’t want to leave either.
Maddie put her phone back in her pocket and headed back to her seat next to Eddie. “They on their way?” Maddie asked.
Eddie nodded. “Yeah, I think I’m going to go home and grab some things to tell the 118 about Buck and I and about Buck’s time in the Navy,” He said with a little guilt in his voice.
“You should. You don’t have to feel guilty about that,” She said understandingly. “It won’t be long before they’re all here. You should eat something and bring some food. I’ll call if they say anything about him.”
“Thank you, Maddie,” Eddie said gratefully.
Eddie got up, walked outside, and found his car. He unlocked it, got in, and drove home. Eddie got there and walked inside, it was silent, strangely so. He went upstairs and dug into the back of their closet. He grabbed Buck’s box and opened it to look for his dog tags. He slightly organized the box into pictures, medals, and other things. He found the dog tags and put them around his neck for the moment. He closed the box back up and put it on the bed. He went to the bedside table and grabbed the wedding rings. He put his ring on and he slipped Buck’s ring into his pocket for safekeeping. He sat on the bed and looked around for a moment.
He mustered up the courage to pack himself a bag and get himself some food. He packed some extra clothes for both himself and Buck and some chargers for his phone. He took his stuff out to the kitchen and put it on the table while he packed some granola bars to sustain him for a while.
When Eddie’s satisfied with what he’s packed a least for a few days, he slung the bag’s strap over his shoulder and picked up Buck’s box. He headed back out to the car and balanced the box with one hand to unlock and open the passenger door. He put the box on the floor and his bag on the seat then he closed the door. He went back up to the front door of his house, locked the front door, and went back to his car, he got in and drove himself back to the hospital.
Since the initial tear up he had been pushing down his feelings surrounding Buck’s condition because he needed to be productive. When he got back to the hospital and into the waiting room with nothing to do but hold Buck’s dog tags and worry about him his emotions began creeping back to showing themselves. When the 118 began showing up after their shifts he already felt some tear tracks drying on his face. Eddie realized it had been several hours since he got back from his trip to the house and even longer since Buck got hurt.
Luckily Bobby had noticed he was zoned out and restricted the others from asking about the box, the dog tags he was holding, or the wedding ring he was now wearing. When Eddie finally zoned back in the sun had risen and he looked around the room to see who was there now. He knows some people came in and out like Hen who showed up shortly after the accident but left again to go see and inform her family of the incident. He saw Maddie and Chimney sitting together next to him chatting about something even though Maddie’s eyes were puffy and her nose was red from crying. He also saw Bobby across the room holding a rosary with his eyes closed.
He looked at his phone and saw several texts from Abuela and Carla letting him know Chris went to school and they switched care over him. He also saw some texts from a couple of hours ago when Steve and Danno had boarded their flight. Good, he thought, they’ll be here in the next 30 minutes. He turned his phone back off and cleared his throat, the present members of the 118 looked over at him noticing that he was no longer in his own world.
“Listen guys… I have some things to share with you about Buck… and myself. We’ve been keeping things from you. Buck initially kept his secrets out of fear and when I arrived we held that fear,” Eddie had some dejection and guilt in his voice.
“Okay… we’re all ears right everyone?” Bobby spoke up for the group and the rest nodded their agreement.
“It would be easier if everyone was here but if someone can’t make it in the next 30 minutes can we call them?” Eddie asked, he would like to not have to explain this more than once.
“Yeah we can do that I’ll text Hen and try to get her and Karen here… Kids too?” Chimney spoke up.
“No… no kids. Parents should determine what they tell their kids so I’ll give them that chance before I just up and tell them,” Eddie said and Chimney started typing on his phone
“Hen and Karen are on their way since Denny’s at school” Chimney relayed.
“Athena’s on her way too,” Bobby said.
Eddie nodded “Good.” He started tracing the lettering on Buck’s dog tags.
“Family of Evan Buckley?” She called out
Eddie and Maddie rushed to the doctor. Eddie put Buck’s dog tags back around his neck “That’s us. Is he okay?” Eddie asked the doctor frantically.
“The surgery went well. Mr. Buckley is stable but he has been placed in a medically induced coma to help his body heal from the damage from the lightning strike. He is in the ICU now and after we run some tests you will be able to go see him.”
Eddie and Maddie both sighed in relief. Maddie spoke for them “Thank you Dr. …” She read the nametag of the doctor quickly “Smith. Do you know anything about brain damage or when he’s supposed to come out of the coma?”
“He will likely not have any brain damage. We are going to try to wake him up from the coma in a couple of days likely only three days.” The doctor stated.
Maddie nodded. “Alright…” She and Eddie headed back to the group to relay the news. “He’s in an induced coma, but he’s stable and we can see him soon,” Maddie told them.
Eddie felt relieved even though he knew his husband still had a ways to go, at least he was stable. Eddie pulled out his phone to text Steve but first saw he had a text from Steve letting him know they were in LA. The text was from 6 minutes ago. He looked up and saw Steve, Danno, and Hindi standing near their group trying not to encroach on space. Eddie smiled a bit when he saw Buck’s old teammates and Danno.
“Alright everyone. I think it’s time Buck’s secrets and my secret are exposed,” Eddie announced walking over to grab the box. “First some introductions, Eddie gestured to Steve.
“Hello, I am Steve McGarrett, this is my husband Daniel Williams, and close friend Dan Harrelson” Steve introduced them all.
“Please call me Danny” Danno spoke up. The nickname ‘Danno’ was reserved for close friends and family.
“And call me Hondo,” Hondo said.
Bobby introduced all of the 118 and Karen. They looked confused about who the men were and why they were there but assumed that’s what Eddie was going to tell them.
“Time to listen and listen well,” Eddie said “You can ask questions once I’m done, but I’m not guaranteeing an answer.” Everyone but those who already knew, Steve, Danno, Hondo, and Maddie, nodded.
First Eddie pulled out the ring from his pocket. “Buck and I are married.” There were some gasps but no interruptions “We have been since I was stateside. We knew each other long before the 118.” He kissed the ring and put it back in his pocket. Eddie then opened the box and took the dog tags off to hold again. “Buck was a Navy SEAL. When he told you he washed out he was lying. This box holds what Buck has from his time as a SEAL and as you can see he was very accomplished.” Again there were gasps and the box was passed around so everyone could see. “Steve was his CO and Hondo was on his team. Danno is married to Steve and when Buck had nowhere to go on a break from deployment they met when Steve took him home to Hawaii.” Eddie explained. “I think that’s all I can explain without telling too much of Buck’s story.”
“Wow” Bobby spoke genuinely. “I had no idea”
“Me neither… it’s hard to believe I mean Buck a SEAL? But some of the things he can do make sense now.” Chimney said sounding like he was in disbelief and then awe.
“Why were you so scared to tell us about your marriage? I mean you knew Karen and I were out and accepted by the 118” Hen asked
“Well… sometimes people view two men together differently than two women” Eddie reasoned “And it had been a while since Buck was on the team again time piled up against us.”
They seemed to understand and they kept looking through the box at Buck’s pictures and his awards. Eddie went over to Steve, Danno, and Hondo.
“That went better than expected,” Eddie said a little shocked.
“They’re probably in shock. But they seemed mostly supportive,” Steve said. “How’s Pup doing?”
The callsign made Eddie smile a little. “He’s in a medically induced coma, but stable,” Eddie offered. “Buck has had a few incidents that he didn’t tell you about that I feel I should tell you now before one of these guys” He gestured with his thumb to the 118, “says something.”
Danno, Hondo, and Steve nodded their acknowledgment. “Buck was pinned under a firetruck after a bomb went off underneath it and his leg was pinned. He had a rod and some screws placed. The screws made him have a pulmonary embolism due to faulty hardware. He sued the department for not letting him back to work after several doctors cleared him. Then one day on the pier with Chris when he couldn’t work due to his leg, he and Chris were caught in a tsunami. Buck was on blood thinners due to a pulmonary embolism. Buck also saved 20 people while off duty but he hasn’t told the 118 that either. Maybe you guys can help me convince him to tell them so he can get recognized for his heroics that day.” Eddie finished
Steve paced around for a few seconds before settling down. “Why didn’t Pup tell us? I mean I know he didn’t want us to worry but Jesus I think I almost just had a heart attack hearing all of that at once” Steve exclaimed.
Eddie chuckled knowing that the subject wasn't done but there was a more pressing matter. And noticed Dr. Smith had reappeared. “Come on guys I think we can go see him now.” He led them over to Dr. Smith.
They were allowed to see Buck and they talked to him. Over the next couple of days, people came and went but Eddie sat by his husband’s side holding his hand in one hand and holding his dog tags in another.
At the time Buck was to be woken up from his coma Steve, Danno, Hondo, Bobby, and Maddie were all in the room with Eddie while everyone else including Chris, Abuela, and Carla was waiting in the waiting room. The doctors began weaning him off the meds and waited a bit before starting to remove the intubation tube. Everyone held their breath and they rooted for Buck to breathe on his own and wake up. A few seconds went by before Buck started breathing on his own, those seconds felt like an eternity to Eddie. But when he started breathing there was a celebration from the room’s inhabitants.
“He should wake up very shortly the meds are still working their way out of his body.” Dr. Smith said before she and her group left the room.
“Buck, c’mon wake up sleepyhead. You’ve got a huge surprise waiting for you.” Eddie said willing his husband awake.
Buck’s eyes fluttered open and closed again a few times as he was getting used to the light. He also squeezed Eddie’s hand which had been holding his since the doctors started trying to wake Buck up.
“Eddie…” Buck slurred as he finally kept his eyes open and trained his eyes on his husband's slightly blurry form. He blinked the blurriness away and smiled when he could see clearly.
“I’m here baby,” Eddie said “Look who else is here.”
Buck slowly looked around and his eyes widened when he saw Steve and again when he saw Bobby. “They know?” He was speaking clearer now with the drugs filtering out of his system.
“Yeah, they know. They all accept you and still love you the same amount. They’re just a little confused about why you didn’t tell them.” Eddie offered. “They won’t push you though.”
Buck nodded “Thank you for coming,” He said to everyone in the room and then looked at Eddie. “Chris?”
“In the waiting room, we wanted to give you some time to fully wake up. He saw you when you were in the coma he talked to you I don’t know if you heard or remember.” Eddie stated.
Buck smiled sadly. “I heard I heard everyone talking to me. It was frustrating... But nice.”
“Alright we’ll clear out so you can see your son but don’t think you’ve escaped the scolding from Danno and I,” Steve said sternly. He led Danno, Hondo, and Bobby out of the room.
Buck pouted but it didn’t last long as Chris was making his way into the room with his crutches. “Papa!” Chris shouted in excitement
“Superman! Come give me a hug I missed you,” Buck said sending his puppy dog eyes to Eddie.
Eddie sighed and helped Chris onto the hospital bed leaning his crutches against the chair he had been sitting in. Chris hugged Buck gently because he remembered that you have to be gentle with injured people.
“Dad you have to join the hug too.” Chris demanded
“Alright mijo.” Eddie joined the hug and whispered to Buck “Your two secrets are revealed how do you feel love?”
“Surprisingly good.” Buck replied, even though he didn’t know the reactions of the 118 yet, and hugged his two boys tighter.