Not Even Death Can Keep Us Apart

Chapter One: Struck (SPOILER ALERT)

Buck was living through the shift, especially after saving that baby. The mother was able to see her baby, and that put Buck in a good spot. He looked around at his team, his family, after that call and finally feeling the love he longed for so much in his childhood. He gave it his everything lately because after that lawsuit, he almost lost his family. Sometimes their angry words and gestures still replayed in his head like a record stuck on repeat. And after everything he put them through over the years after the lawsuit, he struggled with his self-worth more than he'd like to admit. He couldn't lose them again. It would crush him if he lost them again, because in reality they didn't understand how much they really meant to him. Or maybe they did, either way he was going to make sure he didn't lose them again. He saved lives today, and there was nothing more he could ask for than this feeling right here. He look at his best friend Eddie, laughing with Chim and Hen. It was a rough couple of years for them, friendship and outside their friendship, and their bond still hasn't broken. Buck looked at them in awe. Eddie met Buck's gaze for a second before Buck smiled while looking away. In all the places he's been in his life, he has never felt as much as he does standing here in this firehouse. This is his home, this is his family. He sighed and started towards the kitchen to get a glass of water. The moment he brought the cups to his lips, the alarm blared again. Timed to go save some more lives, he gulped some of the water down and ran to the trucks. 

It didn't take long before they arrived on scene of the apartment fire. Buck jumped out of the truck with the rest of the crew, awaiting Cap's direct orders. Buck stared up at the sky, it was definitely some nasty weather they were having but he'd work in this every day if he meant he was with his family and doing what he loved every day, saving lives. The rain had finally decided to show up, after a day of dry thunderstorms. Sounded weird to anyone who didn't live in LA, and to Buck it was definitely different the first time he ever experienced it. He noticed it was more than he has dealt with before though. The lightning this year just seemed worse than it has been a few years. Buck made it a point to look up possibilities as to why when he gets home today, probably will even tell Eddie all about it later. Finally, though, the rain poured down onto their helmets as everyone on the 118 awaited for Cap to size up the scene. It was supposed to be the typical night, kicking ass and saving lives. It was supposed to be an amazing night. He finally felt like he was home and loved by the 118 after everything he put them through. Buck was bumped and ready, as he tightened the strap around him. Chim wasn't taking this one from him today, he felt way too amazing. He got on top of the truck while bickering with Chim. 

"Alrighty cowboy. Go get 'em," Eddie said as he clipped Buck in. Buck smiled down at Eddie winking at him before climbing the ladder with his hose in his hands. Eddie blushed a little bit as he watched Buck climb. Chim smirked as he witnessed Buck winking at Eddie, and Eddie's blush stained cheeks. 

"Come on Chim, it's Buck we are talking about. The same guy who pouted over the helicopter rescue, you Really think you were getting away with him Not keeping score?" Eddie asked Chim. Chim just laughed and shook his head. 

"Doesn't mean I can't give him hell for it Eddie," Chim replied after he caught his breath from laughing. They both watched closely as Buck made the climb. Eventually Chim hopped from the ladder to assist in evacuation, staying close to the ladder truck and the ambulance. 

The little boy's voice calling for help threw Buck off. He searched the windows for a small figure before he started spraying down the fire. It took a moment, only a moment. He was perfectly fine one minute, pumped full of energy. He was holding the water hose when he felt the electrical charge in the air. He looked up at the sky, confused as to where that was coming from and what actually was. He slightly set the hose down as he looked up at the sky. Eddie looked at Buck, confused as to why he set the hose down slightly. He watched as Buck looked around slightly, his gut twisting. He knew within those five seconds that something was off. Something was wrong, but he was five seconds too late.